‘Adopt an Armory’ program seeks to repair Alabama armories

To find out how you can help local armories, call Citizen Soldier Support at 334-678-8009 or e-mail Priscilla Andrews at .

Priscilla Andrews wants Wiregrass communities to make a difference.

As the president of the non-profit group Citizens Soldier Support, Andrews has created “Adopt an Armory,” a program aimed at promoting fundraising efforts to support National Guard armories throughout the state.

According to Andrews, armories throughout the state are largely in poor condition, and state funding is not enough to keep them maintained.

“They’re in great disrepair. If we don’t start helping update them, we’re going to lose them,” she said.

Andrews spoke to the Hartford Town Council on Monday night to urge them to raise local money to support the town’s armory.

According to an Alabama Legislature resolution commending Andrews’ efforts, the Alabama National Guard maintains 91 armories throughout the state, 51 percent of which are more than 30 years old and 26 percent of which are more than 50 years old.

“Many (are) in need of repair and maintenance,” the bill says, adding the armories “are becoming very aged and requiring additional funding for operations and critical maintenance repairs.”

Armories are used as polling places, to host sporting events and community gatherings, and are emergency shelters in emergency situations.

“They serve us if there were any type of disaster, whether it’s a pandemic or a natural disaster, and they help with community events,” Andrews said. “Anytime they are asked to help, they help.”

National Guard members work at the armories, including one in Houston County and two in Geneva County.

“We owe it to them to help, because we need the National Guard more than most people realize,” she said.

Andrews hopes to garner support from communities to provide financial assistance to local armories. All donations to Citizens Soldier Support will be earmarked to help the closest armory.