By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
May 13, 2008

Soldiers at the Hood River National Guard Armory are polishing their military vehicles to prepare for Saturday’s open house from noon to 4 p.m.

“We are planning a display that will highlight our dual role in serving citizens,” said Sgt. First Class Benjamin Hall.

“Our soldiers are called upon to help restore order during domestic emergencies and to defend our country in combat zones.”

Hall, who oversees operations at the Armory, has been working with retired Air Force Col. Lynn Guenther, former Hood River city manager, and Elks Lodge 1507 to organize the event. Guenther wanted to encourage local citizens to stop by the Armory and thank a soldier on National Armed Forces Day, which is May 17.

“This is a great group of young men and women and we, as a community, should take time on this day to show them our appreciation,” he said.

Guenther will ride in the turret of the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle during Saturday’s Mobile Display at 11 a.m. The processional of military vehicles, including HMMWVs, will travel from the Full Sail Warehouse, formerly the Expo Center, across the Second Street overpass and into downtown Hood River.

Fire engines from Hood River, Parkdale and Odell, along with a police cruiser, are joining the cavalcade in support of a fellow emergency service agency. The vehicles will all turn right on State Street and left on 13th for a return to the Armory, 1590 12th Street.

Other civilians joining Guenther on the journey are: State Rep. Patti Smith, Hood River County Commission Chair Ron Rivers, Hood River Mayor Linda Streich, Sheriff Joe Wampler, Hood River Fire Chief Jeff Walker, Odell Fire Chief Greg Borton, Cascade Locks City Manager Bernard Seeger, and Bob Foley, a World War II veteran from Cascade Locks.

Brig. General Charles Yriarte and Lt. Col. Kevin Sheehy will speak briefly at 2 p.m. inside the Armory. Streich takes the role as mistress of ceremonies for the program and both Smith and Rivers will make short presentations. Cake and punch will be served to those in attendance following a DVD pictorial about the citizen soldiers from across the Mid-Columbia who are assigned to the Hood River unit. Soldiers from the Armory in The Dalles will also be present for the event, including Hall’s counterpart, Sgt. First Class Alex Porter, the Bradley driver and master gunner.

Hall said the public is invited to attend the 2 p.m. program or drop by for an informal tour during the afternoon. The Odell Fire Department is selling barbecued foods and proceeds will be used to support firefighter activities.

The Armory parking lot will be closed off to accommodate the May 17 exhibit, which includes a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter. Visitors can leave their vehicles in the lot of the mini-mall just west of the Armory or at Anderson’s Tribute Center just down the block.

Soldiers will be on site to answer questions about the Bradley, Blackhawk and other equipment.

Hall said an array of tools and current weaponry, including navigation and night vision gear, will be displayed. He said civilians can also try out a 3-D training program for forward observers that features a variety of challenging landscapes.

The Elks Heroes Club welcomes donations that will be used in care packages to support the troops. Canned foods will also be collected to benefit the local food bank.