State Elected Leadership to Join MING for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Traverse City Armory

Ceremony will highlight construction of new facilities for women service members

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan National Guard (MING) officials along with state elected leadership will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) Traverse City Armory at 1402 Carlisle Rd., Traverse City, on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 10 a.m.

The ceremony will highlight the effort to modernize the MIARNG facility to better serve Michigan’s women soldiers including the addition of new shower and toilet facilities and a lactation room.

"The Michigan National Guard recognizes that women are a growing part of their mission,” said State Representative Betsy Coffia. "As the proud granddaughter of two combat veterans, it is clear to me that we must ensure that we have the facilities available to meet the needs of all service members, regardless of gender and this modernization does just that."

The Traverse City Armory is one of 33 facilities across Michigan that is targeted for modernization. The building was constructed in 2000 as a charter school and later became an armory in 2014. The total investment for this project is $3.66 million ($2.99 million federal/$672,000 state).

"The women and men of our state’s National Guard provide us with a crucial service and the least we can do is to provide them with the modern and efficient facilities they need to do their jobs,” said State Senator John Damoose. “This is an investment that will last for decades."

Media are invited to attend the Friday morning ceremony for a brief tour of the new facilities, remarks by MING officials and a ribbon cutting photo opportunity and should plan to be in place no later than 9:45 a.m. To RSVP, please contact Michael Kroll at 517-285-9734 or krollm2@michigan.gov.