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News Release

The Oregon National Guard Hosts A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For Recent Renovations At The Ashland Armory (Photo) - 08/25/26

ASHLAND, Ore. - A formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony marking the recent completion of renovations at the Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory was held on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon.

 

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, served as the presiding officer for the event, joined by elected officials, City of Ashland representatives, and Oregon National Guard dignitaries.

 

In a historic 1911 special election, Ashland residents voted overwhelmingly (427 to 73) to tax themselves to help build the original armory, designed by William C. Knighton, Oregon's first State Architect. The current Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory at 1420 E. Main Street, a 22,620-square-foot building, was built in 1988 and serves full-time and part–time traditional National Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry.

 

"Long before the state and federal government stepped in, this community decided that the Oregon National Guard belonged here in Ashland," Gronewold said, after welcoming current and past serving Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard along with members of the community. "We honor the same spirit of local support from 1911, ensuring that the National Guard will have a home here in Ashland for at least another 25 years."

 

The updates to the armory include modernization of the building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as the replacement of failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. These upgrades not only enhance the armory's daily functionality but also ensure it remains a durable and effective facility for ongoing training and mission preparedness.  

 

The Armory Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) and Regional Emergency Enhancement Program (REEP) project received approval and funding to move forward in 2023.

 

"Long after today's ribbon is cut, this armory will continue to do what it has done since the people of Ashland first voted to build here. Standing watch, ensuring continued readiness and remaining part of the community," Gronewold said.

 

The 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, has a distinguished lineage dating back to the Ashland Mountain Rangers and the Southern Oregon Volunteers in the 1860s. Officially constituted in 1921, the regiment earned battle honors in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. In recent decades, the Battalion has supported global operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa. It has also provided critical domestic disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina and security support for the United States Capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

 

"Countless young men and women walk through these doors, taking their first steps as soldiers, and within these walls, thousands of experienced leaders have helped prepare the next generation to carry our mission forward," said Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment. "As we celebrate this occasion today, let us remember that while buildings may be renovated, it is the people who leave legacies."

 

-30-

 

Released Photos:

 

260825-Z-CH590-1003: A display of memorabilia and other artifacts is on view during the ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the recently updated Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, held August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1013: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), and Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment (right), along with other members of the Ashland community, stand for the National Anthem during the ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the recently updated Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The project includes modernizing the building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1022-1023: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon; Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment; and other members of the Ashland community came together to cut the ribbon at the rededication ceremony of the Ashland Army National Guard Armory on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The project involved collaborative efforts to modernize the building, including interior and exterior upgrades and parking lot improvements, demonstrating a shared commitment to community progress. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)(Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1026: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott delivers the benediction to close the formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the recently updated Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1041: The Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory opened its doors for a formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1085: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, delivers remarks to attendees at the formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. This armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1120: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, addresses attendees at the formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. This armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

 

 

 

Attached Media Files: 260825-Z-CH590-1085.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1120.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1003.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1013.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1022.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1023.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1026.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1041.jpg,

The Oregon National Guard Hosts A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For Recent Renovations At The Ashland Armory (Photo) - 08/25/26

ASHLAND, Ore. - A formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony marking the recent completion of renovations at the Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory was held on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon.

 

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, served as the presiding officer for the event, joined by elected officials, City of Ashland representatives, and Oregon National Guard dignitaries.

 

In a historic 1911 special election, Ashland residents voted overwhelmingly (427 to 73) to tax themselves to help build the original armory, designed by William C. Knighton, Oregon's first State Architect. The current Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory at 1420 E. Main Street, a 22,620-square-foot building, was built in 1988 and serves full-time and part–time traditional National Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry.

 

"Long before the state and federal government stepped in, this community decided that the Oregon National Guard belonged here in Ashland," Gronewold said, after welcoming current and past serving Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard along with members of the community. "We honor the same spirit of local support from 1911, ensuring that the National Guard will have a home here in Ashland for at least another 25 years."

 

The updates to the armory include modernization of the building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as the replacement of failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. These upgrades not only enhance the armory's daily functionality but also ensure it remains a durable and effective facility for ongoing training and mission preparedness.  

 

The Armory Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) and Regional Emergency Enhancement Program (REEP) project received approval and funding to move forward in 2023.

 

"Long after today's ribbon is cut, this armory will continue to do what it has done since the people of Ashland first voted to build here. Standing watch, ensuring continued readiness and remaining part of the community," Gronewold said.

 

The 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, has a distinguished lineage dating back to the Ashland Mountain Rangers and the Southern Oregon Volunteers in the 1860s. Officially constituted in 1921, the regiment earned battle honors in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. In recent decades, the Battalion has supported global operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa. It has also provided critical domestic disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina and security support for the United States Capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

 

"Countless young men and women walk through these doors, taking their first steps as soldiers, and within these walls, thousands of experienced leaders have helped prepare the next generation to carry our mission forward," said Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment. "As we celebrate this occasion today, let us remember that while buildings may be renovated, it is the people who leave legacies."

 

-30-

 

Released Photos:

 

260825-Z-CH590-1003: A display of memorabilia and other artifacts is on view during the ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the recently updated Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, held August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1013: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), and Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment (right), along with other members of the Ashland community, stand for the National Anthem during the ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the recently updated Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The project includes modernizing the building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1022-1023: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon; Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment; and other members of the Ashland community came together to cut the ribbon at the rededication ceremony of the Ashland Army National Guard Armory on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The project involved collaborative efforts to modernize the building, including interior and exterior upgrades and parking lot improvements, demonstrating a shared commitment to community progress. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)(Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1026: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott delivers the benediction to close the formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the recently updated Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1041: The Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory opened its doors for a formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. The armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1085: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, delivers remarks to attendees at the formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory, on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. This armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260825-Z-CH590-1120: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, addresses attendees at the formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory on August 25, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon. This armory project includes modernizing building finishes, such as interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, and stainless-steel kitchen counters, as well as replacing failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

 

 

 

Attached Media Files: 260825-Z-CH590-1085.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1120.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1003.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1013.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1022.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1023.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1026.jpg, 260825-Z-CH590-1041.jpg,