NATICK, Mass. (April 23, 2013) -- The Natick Soldier Systems Center will hold its first Armed Forces Day celebration May 18.
The event, open to the public, will include a 5-kilometer run, installation tours, and military displays from the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
"Armed Forces Day is meant to be a day to honor Americans serving in the military," said Lt. Col. (P) Frank Sobchak, U.S. Army Garrison Natick commander. "This year we will help celebrate that event by opening our doors to the public to show what we at Natick do for our Armed Forces -- some of the research, development and engineering that is performed to make their lives safer and help them accomplish their missions more easily and effectively."
Highlights of the installation tours will include the altitude chamber at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, the Doriot Climatic Chamber, shelter technology by Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems, and a static display by Natick Soldier, Research, Development and Engineering Center.
"We are also fortunate to be able to partner with the men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard, who will have static displays and Guardsmen on site to show some of the vehicles and equipment that are used in those missions," Sobchak said.
The National Guard displays will include infantry equipment; a howitzer; engineering equipment; an armored security vehicle; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear equipment; logistics equipment; a field litter ambulance; civil support team equipment; firefighter apparatus; explosive ordnance disposal equipment; water purification equipment; and light medium tactical vehicles.
The day will begin with the 5K trail run at 8:30 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees may visit military displays and take installation tours. A closing ceremony will be held at 2 p.m.
Pre-registration for the run is $15 and should be sent to Natick FMWR, 32 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760. Registration on race day is $20 and begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information on the run, send e-mail to NatickArmy5K@gmail.com.
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