Port Huron’s Army National Guard Armory needs to “get with the changing times”, according to National Guard representatives that gave a tour to legislators and media on Friday.
The U.S. military now allows women into combat roles, but Michigan does not currently have adequate facilities for guardswomen at their armories. That could change with cooperation from the Governor, the legislature, and the federal government to start construction projects at Michigan’s National Guard armories to provide adequate bathroom and shower facilities for the increasing number of guardswomen.
Paul D. Rogers, Major General in the Michigan National Guard and Adjutant General with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said that Michigan is at the forefront of the effort to welcome women into the military roles that help to build skills and provide career opportunities.
There are currently four women in service at the Port Huron Armory with another in training. The $3 million upgrade would be funded with half of the money coming from state appropriations and the rest matched with federal funds. Both State Senator Dan Lauwers and State Representative Gary Eisen expressed support for the renovations to the armory that will update the community facility and support local contractors. Eisen called the renovations “way overdue”.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
