U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. David Kelm, left, the battalion commander of 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, and Lt. Col. Patrick Skehan, right, the inspector instructor of 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, cut the ribbon at a ceremony at the new Home Training Center in Brooklyn, New York, Jan. 6, 2024. The HTC emphasizes unit readiness and unity, the reintroduction into the Brooklyn community, as well as honors the memory of fallen Marines. Kelm is a native of Connellsville, Pa. and attended Connellsville area senior High School. Skehan is a native of Atlanta, Ga. and attended Lakeside High School. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orion Stpierre)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Orion Stpierre

Ribbon cutting for Brooklyn’s new Marine Reservist Home Training Center with community collaboration

6 Jan 2024 | Lance Cpl. Orion Stpierre U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve

New York --

The U.S. Marine Corps unveiled a brand-new Home Training Center in Brooklyn, New York on Jan. 6, 2024. This facility, equipped with modern training amenities, serves to enhance the readiness of Marine reservists with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, while fostering stronger ties between the military and local community. The inauguration ceremony was attended by city officials, military leaders, and community representatives, highlighting collaborative efforts behind this initiative.

A HTC is a facility used by the United States Marine Corps to train and prepare its reserve personnel for various missions and operations.
The HTC emphasizes unit readiness and unity, and is designed to provide a realistic training environment for Marines. As well as the reintroduction into the Brooklyn community, while honoring the memory of fallen Marines. “It's bringing the community closer,” said Sgt. Maj. Adalberto Rodriguez, the senior enlisted advisor for 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. “It will help assist the reservists thrive in that tight knit community, and keeping with that continuity with the community going forward.” The ceremony highlighted the ongoing dedication of Marines actively engaging with and uplifting the diverse communities they serve.

“Especially with how many reservists work with the fire department and the police department, it will assist with the toys-for-tots campaigns in making a huge program even bigger,” said Rodriguez. “Having a bigger community outreach, this opens up a lot of resources moving forward, and a lot of opportunities … .” The HTCs that were dispersed through New York were relocated and brought together into one main location to become closer with the city, assist with recruiting, and to keep the reservists together inside the tight-knit community. “This place and this city is so patriotic. This community gives their all to the Marine Corps and to the military services,” said Rodriguez. “We just want to repay the families and show them our appreciation.”