Virginia Guard engineers assist with bridge project in Big Stone Gap - July 27, 2009

Soldiers from the Bowling Green-based 189th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion began assisting with the reconstruction of the Proctor Street Bridge July 27 in Big Stone Gap as part of the unit’s two weeks of annual training. Working with a local contractor, Virginia Guard engineers helped construct a temporary bridge that will be used while the existing bridge is demolished and a new bridge is constructed. A detachment of the 189th is assigned to the Big Stone Gap armory, and in addition to being able to help their local community, the Virginia Guard Soldiers are gaining valuable real-world experience in bridge construction. The project is expected to be completed by Aug. 7.