NATICK, Mass. — In a momentous occasion, the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) welcomed the public through its gates after 10 years of restricted access. The Open House, hosted by Senior Commander Brig. Gen. David C. Trybula, celebrating the U.S. Army’s 249th birthday with friends, family, and fellow service members from the Massachusetts National Guard, and Army Reserve during a day filled with festivities, honor, and community spirit.
Following the prolonged time between open house events, this celebration was an opportunity for old friends to return and new members of the community to get acquainted with the mission of NSSC. From local neighbors who live just off post to those who didn’t know the base was there but heard about it from others, the open house was geared toward increasing understanding of the important mission of all the military partners on the installation.
DEVCOM Soldier Center and partner units set up an entire floor of the Lord Community Center with displays highlighting recent technology as well as historic advances in support of the American War Fighter. Exhibits showing an array of uniforms, field rations, structural support, and support technology gave attendees a glimpse at the innovations across the base.
The opening ceremony kicked off the event with an inspiring program. Following the arrival of the official party and singing of the national anthem the Boy Scouts took center stage, sharing the rich history of the American Flag, and what it means to each of them on a personal level. Their heartfelt presentation resonated with the audience, and together, they recited the Pledge of Allegiance—a powerful reminder of unity and patriotism.
Brig. Gen. Trybula also invited new recruits from both the active Army and Massachusetts Army National Guard on stage and conducted a ceremonial swearing in.
During the ceremony Sergeant Major David Nelson, who retired earlier this year after 30-years of service, received the Legion of Merit for his dedication and leadership throughout his career. He thanked his family, friends and fellow Soldiers for attending and reminded everyone of the importance of service and preparing for the future.
Following the ceremony, attendees were treated to a captivating musical performance by rising star JessLee. Her soulful voice echoed across the grounds, creating an atmosphere of celebration and joy.
The NSSC Open House was also a great way for veterans to connect with local services and featured an array of community partners. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), United Service Organizations (USO), and many others provided valuable information and support to veterans and their families. The local Army recruits, freshly sworn in by Brig. Gen. Trybula, proudly mingled with visitors, sharing their commitment to service.
The Massachusetts National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion brought a multi-tiered 90-foot inflatable obstacle course, challenging participants to test their mettle. The Morse Institute Library’s brand-new Bookmobile attracted curious readers, while representatives from the Vet Center offered insights into the services available for veterans.
“Today was about community, honoring our history, and connecting service members with local services,” said Deborah Cornelius, program analyst at DEVCOM Soldier Center, who has worked on the installation for 34 years. “Sharing who we are and what we do here at Natick was a rewarding experience for everyone. We added some fun to make it a family event, and it’s truly fulfilling for me, my family and all who attended.”
By day’s end people had experienced the NSSC’s commitment to being a good neighbor and fostering community bonds.
About NSSC: The Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC), located in Natick, Massachusetts, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life and operational effectiveness of U.S. Armed Forces. As a leader in developing advanced technologies for military use, NSSC specializes in researching, developing, testing, and evaluating food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and other essential servicemember support items. These efforts ensure that U.S. military personnel are equipped with the tools they need to remain safe and effective, regardless of their operating environments. NSSC's commitment to innovation and support is crucial in maintaining the technological edge that defines the U.S. military on the global stage.
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