U.S. National Guard renovates elderly institute in Yerevan. (Source: ArmRadio)

YEREVAN (ArmRadio)—Since May 10, dozens of civil engineers and structural craftsmen based at the Robins Air Force Base in the U.S. state of Georgia have been working on important renovations at Yerevan Elderly Institute #1, improving the safety and conditions of 12 residential suites and the common area of the institute.

These members of the 116th Civil Engineer Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard came to Armenia as part of the U.S. military’s Humanitarian Civic Assistance Program. The military engineers replaced the flooring of the institute, making the entire facility safer for the elderly. They also repaired bathrooms in the building, worked on sewage lines and electrical wiring, and replaced and refinished many walls. The renovation provided crucial skill-set training for the engineers, who were able to practice their skills in real-world settings. At the same time, the renovation continues the long-lasting friendship between the Armenian people and the citizens of the United States.

“We will be grateful for many years for the work you have done here,” said Khachik Sargsyan, director of Yerevan Elderly Institution #1. “The work carried out here will help our residents with hot water and heating and provide a safe and cleaning living environment.”

“These members of the Georgia Air National Guard represent some of the best of the best in the U.S. military, and now they have a personal understanding of the Armenian people that they can carry with them as they return home,” said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, who joined a ribbon cutting for the renovated facility on May 25 by the Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Issues, Artem Asatryan.

This is the third year the U.S. European Command’s Humanitarian Civic Assistance Program has been active in Armenia.

“Through efforts such as this renovation, in partnership with the Armenian government and civil society, we at the Embassy are working to improve the lives of the Armenian people and help this historic nation have the secure, peaceful, and prosperous future it deserves,” Mills said.