The E Target Acquisition Battery of the Kansas National Guard rolled out the welcome mat Saturday.
Capt. Brian Webb and Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Hammeke of the Kansas National Guard told visitors what they do and showed off some some fancy military equipment.
The National Guard Armory is located at the Great Bend Expo Complex west of town. Soldiers from the 161st Field Artillery and 731st Transportation companies attended the event.
The youngsters enjoyed the jousting pit and obstacle course, and saw the display of military vehicles and equipment. The National Guard unit serves the U.S. Army and the state of Kansas. Several dozen people visited the National Guard Armory Saturday.
“This is a good way to get our name out there,” Webb said. “A lot of people don’t know where we’re located, so it’s nice to get some exposure for what we do. The youngsters get to see whether it’s something they might be interested in.”
The Great Bend unit was last deployed for military duty in 2004-2005. But the soldiers are on call for assistance by the state of Kansas to help with disaster assistance.
Webb, from Lee’s Summit, Mo., said his unit is ready to serve their state or their country in whatever capacity they are requested.
The National Guard Armory employees 46 part-time soldiers from across the Midwest for duty once a month and two weeks during the year. Much of the training takes place in Great Bend, but the soldiers also receive training at Fort Riley. Webb said the soldiers enjoy serving their country. Soldiers take advantage of educational and healthcare benefits.
“A unit may require specific duties, so soldiers come from a variety of locations,” Webb said.
Eligibility for National Guard service starts at age 17 and ranges to age 35 with no prior National Guard service.
Sgt. Jerry Lofland of Great Bend said the soldiers train for work on the Q-36 Firefinder Weapon Locating System. The mobile radar system is a weapon-locating radar, designed to detect and track incoming artillery and rocket fire to determine the point of origin for counter-battery fire.