FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – South Carolina’s National Guard public affairs director says the Florence national guard armory is ranked “code red”. This means it’s in poor condition.
The guard says it’s one of the few armories in the state with that label.
The Florence armory has not seen a complete renovation for more than 40 years.
Major Robert Hinson with the National Guard Armory in Florence says making repairs at the guard often costs him and his team money out of their own pockets.
“We’ve cleaned with some heavier industrial strength cleaner and it’s temporary. It doesn’t clean it entirely with what we have coming through the water system,” says Hinson.
He says that some renovations have taken place over the years, like new windows and air conditioning. But more repairs are needed including a failing sewer system..
“We have gotten some upgrades along the way, but the rate of things aging, it starts happening fast with age of a facility.”
Hinson says you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression and when it comes to recruiting the way a facility looks makes all the difference.
“That’s our concern. That impression may stick and may have some bearing on recruits decision to serve.”
He says his team makes the best of a challenging environment, but admits it’s often difficult to keep morale high..
“We are where we are, with the things we showed you that are impacting us, not only like people looking to become apart of our organization, but also the ones we have. The young women and men we have, as well as our veterans.”
He says they have no choice but to continue the duties of their jobs.
“This organization has been busy, since the events of 2001,many many many mobilizations,” said Hinson.
Hinson says he believes the funds have been deferred due to the cost, but for now they will have to do with what they have.
