Military program works on improvements to Stonewall Resort

ROANOKE, W.Va. (WBOY) — Members of the U.S. military from across multiple branches gathered at Lightburn’s Restaurant at Stonewall Resort State Park Thursday as part of the Innovative Readiness Training program put on by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The IRT program pairs a community in need with members of the armed services, who will help them fill a need. Communities that participate submit an application to the Department of Defense identifying a need that they have which will be completed by military members as a form of training.

For Thursday’s program, the Stonewall Resort State Park Foundation partnered with the United States Marine Corps IRT Program to complete tasks related to civil engineering, infrastructure construction and park improvements.

“We’ve really spent a lot of time out here in just two weeks and accomplished a lot. We’ve leveled out some areas over here for future development, whether it’s RV pads or cottages. We’ve sent another site we’re about to develop for further RV pads and cottages. We’ve cleared a lot of vegetation off the trails. There’s 20 miles of trails in Stonewall Resort and for people to navigate that, it’s challenging when it’s overgrown. So, the Marines have gone out there and just kind of benefited the overall park experience,” Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Collin said.

Stonewall Resort State Park Foundation and Stonewall Resort have collaborated closely with the Marine Corps to ensure the work supports the long-term development of Stonewall and the public.

“These really provide tremendous improvements for areas like West Virginia to increase commerce, to increase activity and it’s a great partnership,” Project Developer & Asset Manager J. Ruby Henley said.

Approximately 170 marines were joined by 10 airmen from across the country for this exercise which will last through Aug. 6.

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