MEDFORD, Ore. — The Oregon Army National Guard is inviting community members to connect with local soldiers during two public events scheduled for early May in Medford.
The events, organized by the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, include an open house at the Medford Armory and a Norwegian Foot March along the Bear Creek Greenway, offering opportunities for residents to learn about military service and participate in a longstanding endurance tradition.
The 1-186 Infantry Open House will take place May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Medford Armory. Visitors can meet with soldiers and explore a variety of military occupational specialties, including reconnaissance scouts and combat medics. Military vehicles will also be on display, and recruiters will be available to answer questions about service and career pathways.
Attendees who register at the event will be entered into a raffle for a pair of Apple AirPods 4.
The following morning, on May 2, the battalion will host a Norwegian Foot March at the Bear Creek Greenway. Registration and rucksack weigh-in begin at 4 a.m., with the march starting at 5 a.m. and concluding at noon.
The Norwegian Foot March is a physically demanding endurance event rooted in Nordic military tradition. Participants are required to carry a 24-pound dry rucksack over the course. Those who successfully complete the march will receive a commemorative plaque or coin. Food and drinks will be provided.
The march is free and open to the public, though current service members are not eligible for the raffle prize. Participants who finish the event will also be entered into a drawing for Apple AirPods 4.
Organizers say the events are designed to strengthen community ties and provide insight into the role of the National Guard.
The Oregon National Guard consists of more than 8,000 service members who balance civilian careers with part-time military service, typically serving one weekend per month and two weeks per year. In addition to national defense, Guard members play a key role in responding to emergencies and natural disasters across the state.
For more information about the events or joining the Oregon Army National Guard, visit the organization’s website or contact event coordinators directly.
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