Johnson Makes Pitch For Red Cross To Use Armory If Guard Pulls Out
WATER VALLEY –Sandra Johnson made a pitch to aldermen to allow the American Red Cross to use the city-owned Mississippi Army National Guard Armory building in Water Valley if it is vacated. Johnson’s request came during the city meeting on Jan. 2 after the Mississippi Army National Guard offered to relinquish the lease on the city-owned building that houses the local armory last month.
“As we know the American Red Cross is very beneficial to any community with their provision of humanitarian services to local citizens and the support that they give to first responders,” Johnson told aldermen.
Johnson, who works in the Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces, cited a number of benefits a local Red Cross office could provide for the community including use as a disaster shelter. She also said the building could also be used to recruit volunteers and provide training for vital services including CPR and first aid training, assistance for home fire victims, crisis counseling for families as well as a means to obtain basic medical, healthcare and medications in the event there is a disaster or a city-wide emergency.
The armory is located on Wise Street and currently houses a detachment of the 289th Engineer Company. Last month Col. Paul McDonald told city officials that the National Guard is reaching out to cities and towns across the state to offer the buildings back to the communities. McDonald also said the offer is not an attempt to force the City of Water Valley to close the armory, but added that downsizing is inevitable as the Mississippi Army National Guard plans to reduce the number of armories in the state from 73 to 55.
Johnson also said that the Red Cross office that currently serves the area is located in Sardis and is not big enough for their needs.
“Can you tell us, is there funding from the Red Cross to pay the utility bills and things like that?” Ward One Alderman Kagan Coughlin asked.
Johnson explained that the Red Cross officials would have to answer that, but added the current space is donated.
“You are not losing this facility in Sardis at this time, you have just outgrown the facility?” Ward Three Alderman Cinnamon Foster asked.’
“Exactly,” Johnson ended.
“Right now we are still hoping the armory is going to be here,” Mayor Donald Gray explained. “That is up to the governor and Adjutant General, and not us,” he added, referring to comments made in the December city meeting when Col. McDonald spoke.
“It would be great services to have in the area, though,” Ward Four Alderman Nicole Folson added.
“There may be other space for that, that won’t be your only option, we can explore something further,” Foster added as conversation on the topic came to a close.
