WELLFORD, S.C. - The South Carolina National Guard, state legislators and local civic leaders marked the reopening of the renovated Wellford Readiness Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23, strengthening training and emergency-response capabilities for South Carolina National Guard Soldiers in the Upstate.The modernization project improved operational capabilities, digital classroom infrastructure, energy efficiency, and administrative and logistics facilities for Soldiers assigned in Spartanburg County.Maj. Gen...
WELLFORD, S.C. - The South Carolina National Guard, state legislators and local civic leaders marked the reopening of the renovated Wellford Readiness Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23, strengthening training and emergency-response capabilities for South Carolina National Guard Soldiers in the Upstate.
The modernization project improved operational capabilities, digital classroom infrastructure, energy efficiency, and administrative and logistics facilities for Soldiers assigned in Spartanburg County.
Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, the adjutant general of South Carolina, addressed attendees alongside state and city officials, emphasizing the enduring connection between local communities and military readiness.
“Readiness centers like Wellford are not merely brick-and-mortar buildings; they are the heart of our National Guard community,” Stilwell said. “When natural disasters strike South Carolina or when our nation calls on us to deploy across the globe, this is where our Soldiers assemble, train and prepare. Thanks to the support of our General Assembly and the City of Wellford, our troops now have a renovated facility that matches their dedication.” The modernized facility serves as the home station for the 174th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, 178th Engineer Battalion. Local and state elected leaders also recognized the reopening. “Wellford is happy that you are located in our city. We support you and appreciate the dedication and service you give us,” said Wellford City Councilwoman Glenna Faye Holcombe.
State lawmakers who advocated for military construction and facility modernization across South Carolina echoed that sentiment.
“I know you do this as a labor of love. Whether it’s serving the state or overseas, you have to leave your families and civilian careers to answer the call of duty,” said South Carolina Sen. Lee Bright. “On behalf of the state of South Carolina, I want you to know how much we appreciate what you do.”
South Carolina Rep. Robert Harris, whose legislative district includes Wellford, noted the importance of the renovation to maintaining readiness.
“While I’m known in the House for trying to cut wasteful spending, I recognize readiness is a core function that government needs to support,” Harris said. “I am always happy to help our armed forces in any way so we can be ready.”
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees, veterans and local residents toured the renovated facility. The Wellford Readiness Center is one of several armory modernization projects underway across the state as part of the South Carolina Military Department’s long-term capital-improvement strategy.