‘We’re growing up:’ Delaware National Guard opens doors to new fitness facility

BETHANY BEACH, Del.- “We’re growing up. We’re becoming a very professional organization,” LTC. Guy Gravino said.

It’s a new beginning for the Delaware National Guard. Monday, the doors of their new 6,800 square foot fitness facility opened in Bethany Beach. “Compared to what was here was a very poor substitute for a physical fitness center. This is absolutely a quantum leap in our improvement,” Delaware National Guard’s Design & Project Manager Branch Chief Marc Orndorff said.

With a price tag of just over $3 million, the facility offers new cardio and muscle building equipment and additional testing space.

RTI Commander Lieutenant Colonel Guy Gravino says the need is driven by the various changes to physical fitness and training programs. “What kids are going through and the amount of athletic training stuff needed now is much different, even how some of the equipment that’s in the room is going to make things much better,” LTC. Gravino said.

The facility will also provide a secure training space for soldiers, regardless of weather conditions. “Active-duty soldiers, reserve soldiers, plus the national guard guys. We have a large number coming through here and the place is going to fulfill that for them,” LTC. Gravino said.

“It’s really nice to sit back at the end and bring the whole organization together and celebrate a new facility,” Orndorff said.

The Delaware National Guard says the space will also help them meet the growing operation demands.

U.S. Senator Chris Coons says this facility makes the national guard more competitive. It’s also important to note that family members of soldiers can also utilize the training site.

The National Guard also hopes that the new facility can help with recruitment. They tell us the current environment is tough as agencies are all after the same talent and offer similar benefits.

We’re told another barrier has been the learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has impacted standardized tests like the ASVAB.

The recruitment commander tells us they’re offering incentives like student loan repayments and a $20,000 sign-on bonus. “We hope some of those incentives will entice folks who maybe struggled through the economic downturn and the job environment that currently exists in lower Sussex County. At least, they join the ranks and find some of those benefits to help them navigate where they are currently in life,” Delaware National Guard’s Trib Singh said.

Physical ability has also been a challenge with recruitment and the national guard hopes the new fitness facility can be a solution.