Minnesota National Guard Celebrates New Ulm Readiness Center Groundbreaking

MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
April 10, 2024

NEW ULM, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard is moving forward with the second phase of their modernization effort in New Ulm by celebrating the readiness center’s groundbreaking this Friday.

“Groundbreaking for this new armory meets the Minnesota National Guard’s organizational priority of modernization as we continue implementing energy-efficient and green processes into constructing and designing new and existing facilities,” said Army Lt. Col. Adam Riedel, Construction and Facilities Management Officer for the Minnesota National Guard.

Phase one of the New Ulm modernization efforts began in 2022 with the opening of a new field maintenance shop. Now it’s time for phase two: the construction of the new readiness center adjacent to the maintenance shop. The new armory will be over 40,000 sq ft and include classrooms, a fitness center, a learning center, efficient LED lighting, solar panels, and a hybrid heat pump mechanical system.

“Across the state, the Minnesota National Guard has made great strides in modernizing its facilities to meet the ever-evolving training and readiness needs of our Soldiers and Airmen who are always ready to answer the call of our nation and state,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General. “Designed to house approximately 215 personnel nearly 90 vehicles, the New Ulm Readiness Center will serve as a valuable resource for our Soldiers and the community.”

The ceremony will begin at the New Ulm Armory and move to the groundbreaking site, 2100 Palmer Ave, New Ulm, MN 56073. Mayor Kathleen Backer and Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke will be among the guest speakers.

Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to attend the event on April 12 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., located at the New Ulm Armory, 205 N Broadway St., New Ulm, MN 56073. Media can RSVP to Sgt. 1st Class Sirrina E. Martinez at 507-829-2967 or sirrina.e.martinez.mil@army.mil.

– About the Minnesota National Guard –

Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.

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