Maine National Guard Community Projects 2024

AUGUSTA, ME (05/29/2024) (readMedia)-- The Maine Army National Guard will complete three community outreach projects throughout Maine during its 2024 annual training season.

The projects are requested by communities as part of the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program - a federal initiative which enables the National Guard to train on their mission-related tasks while helping local communities with desired improvement projects.

The MEARNG completed one such project for the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry, and Bureau of Parks and Lands, in March. The 1136th Transportation Company transported 293 pallets of firewood from Maine's correctional facilities through remote terrain to five state parks. This endeavor totaled 21,600 miles and 489 manhours.

"It's incredibly rewarding to give back to the state and people that support us," said Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard and Commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management, "While our Soldiers get to train on their specific skills throughout the year, the IRT program is special because the projects within it are a win for the Soldiers who joined to support their communities and a win for the communities who need our expertise and capabilities."

This summer, the 262nd Engineer Construction Company (ECC) and 136th Engineer Vertical Construction Company (EVCC) is supporting Lake George Regional Park by completing renovation and restoration work on the West Social Hall, to include the installation of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant access ramps that access some of the Park's Cabins. The units will also build a roadway from the existing parking area to the Social Hall.

The 185th Engineer Support Company (ESC) is supporting the city of Brewer in development of a firing range for the local police department.

Finally, in Augusta, the 262nd ECC and members of the United States Marines is supporting Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services and Maine Veterans' Cemetery System to expand the Maine Veterans Cemetery.