48th Brigade dedicates new headquarters in Macon

Given the years and quality of service the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team has provided over its 189-year existence, it’s only fitting that the unit has a headquarters that reflects that.

That was the sentiment several officials expressed during Friday’s dedication ceremony for the new brigade headquarters building on Shurling Drive. The event also served as a welcome home for members of the brigade who have returned from a mission to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The $17 million project began as a concept as far back as 2003, but it took a while to secure funding. Officials noted during the ceremony that federal funds paid for the project.

“It gives us a place where everyone has a place to work,” said Col. Randall V. Simmons Jr., commander of the brigade. “It’s very modern. It’s a place to train and become more proficient. It’s a symbol of excellence.

“Our soldiers deserve a place like this.”

Over the past year, the brigade has deployed troops to 10 countries. About 200 soldiers returned recently from Afghanistan.

After the early concept in 2003, the project was split into two phases in 2008. The new headquarters, which will house several units of the 48th, is the first phase and includes an auditorium, classrooms, conference rooms, work spaces and an operations center.

The second phase would be adjacent to the headquarters and include a drill hall and supply rooms. However, no timetable or plans have been set for that expansion, Simmons said.

Several dignitaries were on hand Friday, including officials from the Georgia National Guard and the 48th Highlanders of Canada, a unit that the Georgia 48th has often trained and conducted missions with.

Brig. Gen. Jim Blackburn, deputy commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, served with members of the 48th Brigade in Afghanistan and noted to the audience how “fantastic their service was.”

“They served in the heart of Kabul for the hearts of Kabul,” he said. “It was very challenging. ... This organization performed outstanding.”

The former headquarters building will now be used to house the Central Georgia Soldier Readiness Processing and Medical Center, the Macon Recruit and Sustainment Program, Georgia Army Air National guard regional recruiting and retention office, and the Georgia Guard credit union.

Previously, those buildings were home for the original Macon School for the Blind, Georgia Military Institute and Georgia Regional Training Institute.

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert said the brigade has played an important role in Macon’s history, and anything that helps the 48th also can be an economic boon to the city.

“It represents an important economic component,” he said. “Many people come here to be trained, and they spend time in our community. ... This will help (the brigade’s) readiness for the future. More important than what they’ve done in the past is that they better be ready for what happens tomorrow.”

To contact writer Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334.

This story was originally published November 7, 2014 at 12:51 PM with the headline "48th Brigade dedicates new headquarters in Macon ."