Photo By 1st Sgt. Justin A. Naylor | Sgt. Matthew Hoyt, a Eureka, Mont., native and a vehicle commander with 4th Stryker...... read more read more
LAKEWOOD, Wash. – Between barbwire fences and access gates, it’s easy to feel secluded on military installations. Getting out and taking part in local activities helps soldiers become members of their community.
Soldiers from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, displayed two military vehicles at Fort Steilacoom Park during the Lakewood Truck and Tractor Day Oct. 27.
This is the seventh year that Lakewood has hosted the event, and more than 350 children and their families participated.
Soldiers answered questions about the two Stryker Army Combat Vehicles on display.
“We have them opened up to get a good view of what it looks like inside,” said Pfc. Tyler Davidson, a Linden, Tenn., native and a rifleman with 4th Bde. “I keep forgetting that people don’t know what it’s like to be around them. Little kids keep saying ‘I’ve never seen one of these…it’s so awesome.”
Davidson appreciated the chance to show his vehicle off.
“It’s been a good time so far,” he said. “We never had anything like this where I lived.”
Sgt. Ohn Shim, a Los Angeles native and a Stryker gunner with 4th Bde, helped children get in and out of the vehicle and showed them some of its features.
“We came out here to entertain our little troops,” he said. “We are here to make sure it’s safe and everyone has fun.”
Ohn said children loved getting in the vehicles, but adults were more interested in gas mileage and handling.
“It’s not something they get to see every day,” Ohn said.
This was Ohn’s first chance to participate in a community event as a Soldier.
“Having a town that supports us is very important,” he said. “This gets us involved. This shows that we are not separate citizens of (JBLM), but that we are part of the community. It’s a positive connection.”
Russell Cleary, 9, was one of the many children who went inside the Strykers.
“It’s my first time seeing one,” he said. “I’ve never went into an Army vehicle. It was cool.”
The Strykers were only a small part of the event. Local businesses displayed dozens of trucks of all shapes and sizes.
“A lot of community businesses volunteered their time and equipment,” said Amanda Richardson, Lakewood’s recreation coordinator. “This is a chance to bring kids out and let them experience what it’s like behind the wheel of a big rig. Overall, it’s just a lot of fun.”
By supporting events like Lakewood Truck and Tractor Day, JBLM soldiers continue to play an active role within the community and build positive connections with the citizens that support them.
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2012 15:10 |
| Story ID: | 97320 |
| Location: | LAKEWOOD, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 198 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Soldiers bring Strykers to Truck and Tractor Day, by 1SG Justin A. Naylor, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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