Warriors Transition Unit to receive upgraded buildings
Channel: Norfolk District Army Corps
Date: 2012-09-06

"Our Mission at the Warrior Transition Unit is to help wounded, injured and ill Soldiers recuperate and either a., return to duty, or b., transition into the civilian force as a veteran."  - Captain Joseph Robinette

New, helpful pieces to that mission are under construction by the Army Corps of Engineers at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Newport News Virginia. 

"New projects that are specifically designed to meet our every need as a Warrior Transition Unit." - Robinette  

The $21 million WTU project is upgrading facilities on post which have been adapted from older bachelors officers' quarters and are not specifically designed for Soldiers with injuries. 

The complex is comprised of three buildings. 

"The Company Operations Facility; it's a two story facility that houses all the administration and medical management business that we do for our Soldiers, We also have a new four story barracks, which will house up to 80 Soldiers."  - Robinette
The barracks have two suite styles. One with individual bathrooms, for the two suitemates,  the other with a shared bathroom. Both come with a common kitchen and large closets.   

The third and most notable building, because of its eco-friendly vegetated roof, is the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, which provides an area for Soldiers to receive help with training, education, job skills and job finding, as well as a child activity room and an area to unwind. 

"The Soldier and Family Assistance Center is not only a place where Soldiers and their families can go to not only be productive with some of their needs and their transition needs but also to relax as a family." - Robinette

According to Robinette, the Company Operation Facility and the Soldier and Family Assistance Center are expected to be complete and in operation later this fall, with the barracks becoming operational shortly thereafter. 

From Newport News, Virginia, Patrick Bloodgood