Reserve Center tribute to men, women of region

Today's dedication of the Armed Forces Reserve Center in McCook is a proud moment for McCook, but not because of the new bricks-and-mortar on the airport property.

Rather, it's a tribute to the thousands of young men and women who have been involved in the Army Reserve and Nebraska National Guard units operating from McCook over the years.

We hope you take time to tour the new, $7.2 million facility, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday or 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, and took in the ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Friday with Gov. Dave Heineman speaking.

Guard members and reservists are carrying more of the burden than ever in the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world, and the new facility acknowledges that with new state-of-the-art classrooms, distance learning capabilities, administrative areas and recruiting offices.

It is also energy-efficient, built to the latest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.

It does make sense for new facilities to combine Guard and Reserve functions -- another center was dedicated Friday morning in Columbus -- something that should have been done years ago.

It also seems to make sense for the McCook Public Schools to purchase the vacant national guard armory for whatever use. It seems to be in good condition, but we will be disappointed if taxpayers have to pay a big price for a building they already own.