County deserves thanks for armory support

As the Adjutant General for Idaho, I want to express my appreciation to the Bonner County Commission. This past Wednesday, on Nov. 28, the commission authorized the Idaho National Guard to begin a process that will eventually lead to a new readiness center (armory) near the Sandpoint Airport.

In the coming months, Boner County and the Idaho Military Division will continue to cooperate in this effort. Initially, this will involve the installation of a temporary facility. Later, we will construct a permanent building, available as a 'joint use' facility with the county. Significantly, this will be only the second new armory built in Idaho in over 40 years, representing an investment of nearly $7 million in state and federal funding.

The National Guard is historically rooted in local communities, and one of our mottos is: "Always Ready, Always There." This project will provide the National Guard with a home in Bonner County, allowing us to better respond to natural and other disasters in the area, while also providing a tremendous new resource to your community. In addition to training National Guard members and housing some county functions, the building can be available to serve community-based special events and emergency response efforts. We are extremely pleased with our new partnership and look forward to working with the county and city of Sandpoint.

LAWRENCE F. LAFRENZ

Adjutant General

Boise