2-218th Field Artillery Battalion hosts "Guard for a Day" students

Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Lena | Itzel Gallardo participates in a computer simulated live fire simulation with the help of Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, as they teach high school students about training and equipment in the Army National Guard, March 2, 2019 at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Oregon. The students, who were considering enlistment, participated in a "Guard for a Day" (GFAD) program where they were exposed to basic soldiering skills as they integrated into the 2-218th Field Artillery Battalion over a drill weekend. (National Guard photo by Sgt. Jennifer Lena, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

CAMP RILEA, OR, UNITED STATES

03.03.2019

Story by Sgt. Jennifer Lena 

115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

WARRENTON, Oregon – Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, partnered with recruiters to organize a “Guard for a Day” (GFAD) event to integrate potential recruits into unit activities over a drill weekend, March 1-2, 2019, at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Oregon.

The GFAD participants, all high school students considering enlistment, were given the opportunity to ask questions of service members and to become familiar with the equipment used by the artillerymen as they conducted occupation training.

“The purpose of this event is to get younger generations to come out to see what we do for the State of Oregon and to incorporate them into the unit so they feel like they’re part of a team,” said Sgt.1st Class Bryan Farrell, the senior fire direction NCO for the 2-218th. “It allows them to spend some time away from their computers to see what we do on our drill weekend.”

Students also learned how to operate weapon systems, how to escape a rolled tactical vehicle and how to maneuver during a simulated firefight lead by soldiers of the 2-218th.

“Everyone’s been amazing,” said Jeremiah Green, a student at Sprague High School in Salem. “I’ve thought of joining the military before and after being here today I’m now considering joining the National Guard.”

The training not only benefitted the potential recruits but also served to raise morale among the artillerymen.

“I think the Soldiers had a lot of fun working with the students because they get to showcase their job,” said Staff Sgt. Lyndsay Ettig, a GFAD coordinator. “Sometimes we forget that our jobs are special, and you can tell that these Soldiers are getting excited about their job again as they demonstrate and explain what they do.”

The GFAD event primarily focused on the merits of teamwork and was meant to give the students a more realistic idea of what life in the Guard is like, all while the unit practiced the vital skills needed for time-sensitive occupation and placement procedures.

“We tried to focus on sharing the camaraderie, the teamwork and the passion within the unit,” said Capt. Dwayne Dehlbom, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-218th. “Even if they don’t end up being artillerymen, if they choose to put on the uniform, we want them to feel a part of the team.”

• Date Taken: 03.03.2019
• Date Posted: 03.03.2019 20:03
• Story ID: 312685
• Location: CAMP RILEA, OR, US