Guard engineers improving local Scout camp
LINCOLNTON, May 1, 2010 – Georgia Army Guard 2nd Lt. Tyler Cook (left), 1st Platoon leader with Toccoa’s 876th Engineer Company, watches while Spc. Randall McClure (right) uses a “walk-behind” trencher to dig a channel in which to lay water and sewer pipes for a new camp site pavilion. The pavilion, along with a new amphitheater and several new “primitive” living quarters, are part of the community construction project the 876th has taken on at the Knox Boy Scout Camp on Strom Thurman Reservoir. Boy Scouts of America Georgia-Carolina Council operates the camp year-round for use by Scouts from across the Southeast. Cook said the work his troops and those from Hartwell’s Detachment 1, 876th Engineers, are doing is only the beginning. Major construction takes place during the unit’s annual training – June 12 to 26 – he added. When they are finished, the buildings, and their care, will be turned over to the council.
“It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said the unit commander, 1st Lt. Kevin Holley. “The council provides the materials, while our Soldiers get the opportunity to hone their skills; and what better way to get such valuable ‘real world’ training, than by giving back to those who support us every day, and in every way?”
The 876th, an element of Augusta’s 878th Engineer Battalion, is new to the Georgia Army Guard. At one time, the unit’s main component was the headquarters service battery for Elberton’s 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery. Detachment 1 of the 876th grew out of the 214th’s Battery A.