POST FALLS — People got an inside look at how members of the National Guard stay ready for action during the 145th Support Brigade Battalion’s community open house Saturday.  

Community members got a chance to check out Army vehicles, including state-of-the-art Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, which recently replaced long-used Humvee vehicles. The open house also featured gear displays, hands-on weapon demonstrations, and ready-to-eat meals that soldiers in the field rely on for sustenance. 

The Army National Guard strives to be community-oriented, and events like Saturday’s open house are key to building those connections. “For us, it’s really about outreach,” Captain Titus Weeks said. “We’re trying to get the word out that we’re here and show the community what our soldiers do.” 

The open house also featured a “Boss Lift” put on by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which has worked to foster employer support of reserve members since 1972. Twenty-four employers of part-time Reserve soldiers were in attendance and were treated to a tour of the Armory in Post Falls before climbing aboard a JLTV convoy and heading out to the airport for a ride in a Blackhawk helicopter. 

Weeks says building strong relationships with employers through outreach is effective because such events “help show how important it is to let soldiers go drill and fulfill other duties, and how it supports both our communities and nation.” 

Employer support is critical because National Guard members can be called into action at virtually any time, especially the case during wildfire season. 

“Many of us are wildland firefighters. We’ll be sent out to fight fires, help with logistics such as water distribution and provide overall support,” said Weeks. 

Weeks also said that he hopes Saturday’s event “reminds our communities and employers how much their support is appreciated. None of our work would be possible without them.” 

    A JLTV convoy lines up at Coeur d'Alene airfield.
  

    Specialist Colton Kress, Bravo Co. 145th Support Brigade Battalion, puts camouflage skills to use during a gear demonstration.
  

    Sargeant Thomas Aker stands beside a Heavy Expandable Mobile Tactile Truck at Saturday's open house. The fuel truck hold 2,500 gallons of fuel and is used to refuel both ground and aerial vehicles.