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News Release

The Oregon National Guard Hosts Formal Ribbon-cutting Ceremony For Renovations At The Corvallis Armory (Photo) - 08/20/26

The Oregon National Guard hosts formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for renovations at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory

 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard held a formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony on August 20, 2026, to mark the completion of renovations at the Oregon Army National Guard Corvallis Armory.

 

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, presided over the ceremony. Aimee Kotek Wilson, First Lady of Oregon, delivered special remarks to attendees from the Corvallis community at the ceremony.

 

“For over 130 years, the Oregon National Guard has been part of the Corvallis landscape. Long before this building at 1100 N.W. Kings Boulevard existed, Citizen-Soldiers from this community were already answering the call to serve,” Gronewold said. “When the state and federal government invested in this site in the 1950s, they weren't simply putting up a building. They were making a promise that Corvallis would always have a place to train, gather, and serve.”

 

In the 1950s, state and federal governments invested in the facility, recognizing Corvallis as vital to Oregon’s strength and preparedness. To reaffirm this commitment, the State of Oregon and federal partners have allocated over $8.8 million to modernize the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment and the community for the next 25 years.

 

“Throughout my career, I’ve tried to make sure people affected by decisions have a real voice, whether that meant bringing students to the Capitol or listening to social workers about what would actually help their patients.” Kotek Wilson said. “Today, that same principle matters here. This armory was rebuilt because the community and the Battalion spoke up about their needs, and Oregon responded.”

 

Following the ceremony, Gronewold and Kotek Wilson toured the armory to view the renovations and meet with Oregon Military Department members and civilian suppliers involved in the upgrades.

 

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Released Photos:

 

260820-Z-CH590-1130: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left),  Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (right), and Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (center), prepare to cut the ribbon at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, during a ceremony highlighting more than $8.8 million in modernization funding for the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1133 and 1134: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left), Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (center), and Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (right), and other dignitaries prepare to cut the ribbon at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, during a ceremony highlighting more than $8.8 million in modernization funding for the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1135: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left),  Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (right), and Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (center), cut the ribbon at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, during a ceremony highlighting more than $8.8 million in modernization funding for the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1107: The official party, consisting of Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (center); Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (right); and Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (left), stands for the playing of the National Anthem during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1168: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, delivers formal remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260820-Z-CH590-1227: Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon, delivers formal remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1144: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left), Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (right), review the Architectural designs for the upgrades at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1303: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (right), and other dignitaries tour the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory following the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1151: The Corvallis Army National Guard Armory as viewed from the south exterior following the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon. The $8.8 million upgrades to the armory include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

 

 

 

 

Attached Media Files: 260820-Z-CH590-1107.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1130.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1133.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1134.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1135.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1144.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1151.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1168.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1227.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1303.jpg,

The Oregon National Guard Hosts Formal Ribbon-cutting Ceremony For Renovations At The Corvallis Armory (Photo) - 08/20/26

The Oregon National Guard hosts formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for renovations at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory

 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard held a formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony on August 20, 2026, to mark the completion of renovations at the Oregon Army National Guard Corvallis Armory.

 

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, presided over the ceremony. Aimee Kotek Wilson, First Lady of Oregon, delivered special remarks to attendees from the Corvallis community at the ceremony.

 

“For over 130 years, the Oregon National Guard has been part of the Corvallis landscape. Long before this building at 1100 N.W. Kings Boulevard existed, Citizen-Soldiers from this community were already answering the call to serve,” Gronewold said. “When the state and federal government invested in this site in the 1950s, they weren't simply putting up a building. They were making a promise that Corvallis would always have a place to train, gather, and serve.”

 

In the 1950s, state and federal governments invested in the facility, recognizing Corvallis as vital to Oregon’s strength and preparedness. To reaffirm this commitment, the State of Oregon and federal partners have allocated over $8.8 million to modernize the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment and the community for the next 25 years.

 

“Throughout my career, I’ve tried to make sure people affected by decisions have a real voice, whether that meant bringing students to the Capitol or listening to social workers about what would actually help their patients.” Kotek Wilson said. “Today, that same principle matters here. This armory was rebuilt because the community and the Battalion spoke up about their needs, and Oregon responded.”

 

Following the ceremony, Gronewold and Kotek Wilson toured the armory to view the renovations and meet with Oregon Military Department members and civilian suppliers involved in the upgrades.

 

-30-

 

Released Photos:

 

260820-Z-CH590-1130: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left),  Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (right), and Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (center), prepare to cut the ribbon at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, during a ceremony highlighting more than $8.8 million in modernization funding for the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1133 and 1134: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left), Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (center), and Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (right), and other dignitaries prepare to cut the ribbon at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, during a ceremony highlighting more than $8.8 million in modernization funding for the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1135: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left),  Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (right), and Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (center), cut the ribbon at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, during a ceremony highlighting more than $8.8 million in modernization funding for the armory. These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1107: The official party, consisting of Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (center); Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (right); and Lt. Col. Ryon Skiles, 2-162nd Battalion Commander (left), stands for the playing of the National Anthem during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1168: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, delivers formal remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260820-Z-CH590-1227: Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon, delivers formal remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1144: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (left), Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (right), review the Architectural designs for the upgrades at the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1303: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, Aimee Kotek Wilson, the First Lady of Oregon (right), and other dignitaries tour the Corvallis Army National Guard Armory following the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon.  These upgrades include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260820-Z-CH590-1151: The Corvallis Army National Guard Armory as viewed from the south exterior following the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Aug. 20, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon. The $8.8 million upgrades to the armory include seismic fortification, energy-efficiency improvements, and expanded training space for soldiers, ensuring the facility will serve the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, and the community for the next 25 years. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

 

 

 

 

Attached Media Files: 260820-Z-CH590-1107.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1130.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1133.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1134.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1135.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1144.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1151.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1168.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1227.jpg, 260820-Z-CH590-1303.jpg,