Photo By Master Sgt. Christopher Milbrodt | Florida Governor Rick Scott addresses members of the Florida National Guard and...... read more read more
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Each year, the Florida National Guard (FLNG) has an opportunity to showcase the organization’s equipment and capabilities to citizens and elected officials during an event known as National Guard Day held at the state capitol building courtyard in Tallahassee. Throughout the day, people are invited to get hands-on knowledge of different equipment utilized during both state and federal operations, as well as speak to the Soldiers and Airmen of the FLNG who operate these systems.
“Annually, the FLNG gets an opportunity to come to the capitol, where we get to showcase some of our technology and systems that we have within the National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, the adjutant general of the Florida National Guard. “It gives our Soldiers a chance to meet the individuals that we work for in the community and make them more familiar with our systems and get a chance to show the legislators the byproduct of all their support.”
National Guard Day brought with it representatives and equipment from every unit in the state. Soldiers and Airmen were on hand to demonstrate equipment capabilities, such as the 221st Explosive Ordnance Detachment’s bomb suit demonstration. A crowd favorite was the display and demonstrations of the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, which included a weapons display and a rappelling demonstration from the roof of the capitol building.
“This event helps showcase the Florida National Guard as a truly flexible and capable organization in both war-time missions and assisting here at home,” said Rep. Jimmie T. Smith, Florida House of Representatives. “We want to ensure that we have the funding and programs that benefit the Florida National Guard, and these events bring examples to show our legislature how capable our force has become.”
Citizens and legislators engaged with Florida Guardsmen throughout the day, making each display come alive with excitement and conversation. Those in attendance got a chance to get not only knowledge of some of the equipment and systems, but also pictures with and inside the vehicles.
“Most people only think about the National Guard when we have a hurricane or natural disaster, but the truth is our National Guard has deployed into harm’s way more than 100 times since 9-11,” said Rick Scott, the governor of Florida. “We have absolutely the best Guard in the United States; our Guard members are always ready and always there.”
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2016 17:22 |
| Story ID: | 186228 |
| Location: | TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 205 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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