The Emporia Community received an up-close and personal look at the sights, sounds, and benefits of the Kansas Army National Guard Friday afternoon.
Emporia’s Kansas Army National Guard Armory hosted a special open house through the afternoon and early evening hours where residents could view an M1A2 Abrams tank, take the National Guard fitness test, climb a 40-foot rock wall and even get a first-hand look at tank operations through the Abrams Conduct of Fire tank gunner simulator. The event was put on as a precursor to Freedom Fest activities set to take place at Emporia’s All Veterans Memorial Saturday according to Cpt. Spencer Krupp who was on hand for the day’s activities.
He says opportunities to engage with the community like Friday are extremely important as it allows them to showcase and discuss the invaluable services they provide across the country in addition to deployments outside of the US.
Krupp says the humanitarian relief work the National Guard does in times of crisis is one of the most fulfilling jobs anyone can have.
First Sgt. Dominic Cantu says not only does being a member of the National Guard allow you to serve your country, it provides several opportunities to further your career outside of the service.
For more information on the Kansas Army National Guard, visit Kansasarmynationalguard.com or contact the Emporia Armory by calling 785-213-9077.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
