The Methuen Readiness Center, a $12 million dollar, 69,000 square foot facility on the site of the old National Guard Armory, had its ribbon cutting yesterday. We had Chairman Naughton from Veterans Affairs, General Joseph Carter, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, and the Methuen High School Jr. ROTC on hand to celebrate this great achievement. Congresswoman Tsongas was in Washington, in session, and was not able to attend. But without her deep committment to this project it would not have occurred. The Guard preserved the historic Armory as part of this project, which was deeply appreciated by the City.

The Readiness Center will be home to the 101st Engineer Battalion, one of the Nation’s four oldest active military units. It is a beautiful facility, and we also owe a debt of gratitude to DCAM, who worked with the City and the project architect and General Contractor in a seamless fashion, producing a great result. Thank you to General Carter, who is an outstanding leader for the Massachusetts National Guard.