It's official. The 229th Multifunctional Medical Battalion is now home at the Missouri National Guard's Fulton Armory.
Maj. Travis Miller said the new unit replaces B Company, 311th Brigade Support Battalion, previously stationed in Fulton. This new battalion, previously from Jefferson City, provides administrative and logistical support for other medical companies in Springfield, Kansas City and the 205th Medical Company Ground Ambulance at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.
"We'll have about 88 (soldiers) here on drill weekends," Miller said, adding the battalion has more than 250 members. "They wanted to spread assets across the area."
The Fulton Armory looks like a mid-century school building with concrete walls and multiple classrooms, but it has always served the Missouri National Guard.
"It was built in 1959 as an armory," Miller said.
Administrative officer for the 229th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, he added the battalion "stood up" - or was created - on Jan. 28, 2009, at the Blue Armory in Jefferson City. The Fulton armory gives the soldiers a lot more space to do their job.
"This battalion is more of a staff management (focus)," training officer Lt. Alison Vercelli said. "We do planning and support medical teams."
In August 2011, the battalion was mobilized to provide logistics and medical support to 1st Support Battalion in Sinai, Egypt. In September 2017, the unit was called upon to support civil authorities during protests and unrest in St. Louis.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was celebrated Sunday, and while several guests had to cancel because of snow, Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton (a former soldier in the U.S. Army and Reserves) attended. Also attending were First Lt. Brett Kirk and Staff Sgt. Charles Davis, who are the instructors running the Missouri Army National Guard G.O.L.D. Program at William Woods University. Hosting the ceremony was Lt. Col. Jason Maeder.
Benton said the battalion is more than welcome in Fulton.
"We're just happy to see the unit come to Fulton and the facility being utilized," Benton added. "We definitely appreciate their service."
He also said the battalion will positively affect the Fulton economy.
"It's a neat addition," Benton added. "They have a good mission."