In-processing center receives Family-friendly amenities
Soldiers and Family members enjoy the newly renovated in-processing center Aug. 1 at Building 210. The home of HHC, USAG, Fort Riley has been updated to include a number of Family-friendly amenities. Photo by: Pamela Redford, POST.
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Story by: Pamela Redford
1ST INF. DIV. POST
The In-processing center at Fort Riley just got a whole lot more comfortable.
With the official ribbon cutting of Building 210 Aug. 1, the home of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Riley will provide Soldiers and Families with a number of amenities to make arrival at the 1st Infantry Division a Family affair.
A large conference table and office chairs await Soldiers needing to fill out paperwork, meanwhile Family members can relax on Family-style sofas and chairs in front of a big-screen TV.
Kansas décor, including artwork and the state's trademark sunflower adorn the building's walls, giving it a fresh new look and a warm introduction for those new to the state.
Children will find their own little nook to play in, filled with children's books, coloring books and a table and chairs for children to sit on while they color or play.
"Now we have a beautiful facility here that is going to make lasting great first impressions," said Capt. Brian E. Forshee, commander, HHC, USAG/1st Replacement, Fort Riley. "We want to make a good first impression on the Soldiers and really brand and drive home the 1st Inf. Div. – give them something to be proud of and just provide first-class service to our nation's most valuable resource – our Soldiers."
Forshee said he and his staff have been hard at work on the project since he took command in February with the goal of providing the greatest facility possible to Soldiers in-processing with the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley.
"A lot of people don't know, but we in-process about 500 Soldiers monthly at Fort Riley," he said.
Recalling his arrival at Fort Riley in 1995 – Forshee's first duty station – he drew a chuckle from the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony with tales of the center's cramped early days in Building 208.
"Now, (Fort Riley) has a facility like this that's friendly, not only for Soldiers, but provides a relaxing environment for the Family as well. Spouses don't have to wait in the car ... There are activities for the children. This is a big improvement," he said.
Still, there is more work to be done on Building 210 and renovations will continue, Forshee said.
"We're not done … we're far from completion, but this is a very good start," he said.