NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION--Dignitaries and VIPs gather for a ground breaking ceremony for the Small Arms Range slated to be built at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station on March 22.
Left to right: William Ross, Niagara County Legislator; Robert Burke, Contractor; Lt. Col Michael Clancy, Army Corp of Engineers; Vince Sandonato,Representing Mark Grisanti: Capt James Birk, Buffalo Military Entrance Process Station: Col. Mark Murphy, 914th Airlift Wing Commander; Congresswoman Louise Slaughter; Col. Jim McCready, 107th Airlift Wing Commander; Major. Gen. James Kwiatkowski, New York Air National Guard Commander; Melissa Fratello, Representing Senator Gilliband; Walt Koch, Representing Brian Higgins; LtCol Gregory Ottoman, HQ AFRC/A7P; and Mr. Merrell Lane, President, Niagara Military Affairs Council.
Estimated to be completed in early 2012, this 28,300 square foot, fully enclosed facility will house 21 firing lanes enabling the United States military, Department of Defense, federal and local law enforcement agencies the opportunity to weapons quality their members in a state-of-the-art training environment year-round, saving thousands of dollars in range fees and manpower requirements.
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is home to the 107th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and the 914th Airlift Wing of the United States Air Force Reserve. The base also houses an Armed Forces Reserve Center where Headquarters Troop of the New York Army National Guard’s 101st Cavalry is located.