The exterior of the National Guard Armory, 200 Coleman’s Crossing Boulevard, was recently updated with window clings showing historic images from Marysville. Officials said the new look serves to represent the connection between citizen-soldiers and their community, while promoting the recruiting office in the building. (Photos submitted)
The National Guard Armory has a new look, but the same mission.
“We’re really trying to connect what we do with the community,” said section chief, SFC Shaun Ruvoldt.
New window clings are wrapped around the front entrance of the building, as well as the front and side windows of the recruiting office.
Images across the building, 200 Coleman’s Crossing Boulevard, now display the history of Marysville and local National Guard units.
The largest window is covered with a collage of historic Marysville photos that create the background of a map of the city. The entrance to the recruiting office is designed with insignia from local artillery and air defense National Guard units.
Ruvoldt, who oversees 16 counties in Ohio, said the window clings started as a project at one “storefront” and became a state-wide project.
“We’re trying to change the look of the (National) Guard throughout the state,” he said.
The goal of the new look, Ruvoldt said, is to emphasize the presence of the National Guard in the community.
“We’re citizen soldiers,” he said. “The majority – I would say 90% – of our soldiers have civilian jobs.”
For that reason, Ruvoldt said National Guard servicemembers are connected to the communities they serve in a unique way.
“We are the community,” he said.
Team Leader, SFC William Wells said local residents recognize National Guard soldiers are integrated in the community. He said the window clings are a visual representation of that.
“We’ve been embedded in the community… but we saw that there was nothing on the windows that really screams, ‘We’re here!’” he said.
The window clings meet part of a larger goal to reflect the National Guard’s presence in Marysville, Wells explained.
“Right now we’re really trying to make an impact and do a little bit more than maybe our predecessors did,” Wells said.
Involvement in the community, Wells said, includes outreach to civilians and other public service agencies.
He said the National Guard had a booth at the City’s Bicentennial celebration and will continue to be present at Uptown Friday Nights events.
The National Guard also recently worked with the Marysville Division of Police to undergo sharpshooter training.
“We all work together and we’re all a big team,” Wells said.
Aside from raising awareness of what National Guard service members currently do, Wells said the window clings also serve to promote the recruiting office.
While he said most local residents know about the Armory, far fewer know there is a recruiting office within it.
“I mean, how many times do people drive past here to get to Wal-Mart and not know a recruiting office is here?” he said.
Wells said he feels the new look of the Armory will help promote what the National Guard means to the community, while encouraging others to join their mission.
“It’s all about adding value to the community,” he said.
Wells said those interested in the Ohio Army National Guard may contact Recruiter Sgt. Madison Woodruff at (937) 215-5377.
He said the National Guard offers 100% tuition scholarship to any public college or university in Ohio. Citizen-soldiers are able to serve part-time while pursuing a college degree or working in the civilian sector.