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Rangers showcase skills, equipment during demonstrations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Meares
  • 96th Air Base Wing public Affairs
CAMP RUDDER, Fla. --  The constant pop of automatic weapons echoing throughout the woods and the whir of the fan blades of a C-130 Hercules and Blackhawk helicopter were some of the sights and sounds at Ranger Camp May 5 as "the largest crowd ever" of people invaded the 6th Ranger Training Battalion -- by invitation.

Tucked back in the deep pine forest of the Eglin Reservation, the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp James E. Rudder train on a daily basis firing weapons, rapelling, airborne operations, downed pilot exercises and nature survival techniques, to name a few. Each year, they open their gates so the general public has an opportunity to experience first hand what the Ranger way of life at Eglin.

Six Rangers kicked off the event by ambushing three unsuspecting "enemy soldiers." One second it was calm and peaceful, and the next was violent and loud with explosions and gun fire. These Rangers ambushed their enemy, secured the location and left under a cloud of green smoke.

"I think I'll go ahead and stay in the Air Force," said Senior Airman Andrea Murphy, 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron at Eglin. "I have complete respect for the Army, specifically the Rangers here. These guys have guts."

Some of that bravery was apparent to the visitors throughout the demonstrations at the open house. The soldiers, dressed in their military uniforms, roamed the camp talking to the visitors about their experiences as a ranger. The stories ranged from their training to their fighting the Global War on Terrorism.

"This is a military community," said Jim Busby, a Fort Walton Beach resident. "We know what service members go through and this is my way of saying 'thank you' to them."

The Rangers brought out their equipment for hands-on displays of weapons, diving equipment, Zodiac boat, parachute, medical and a day-in-the-life display for the Ranger training school. The Army's Reptile Team put on a reptile show where people took an up-close look at venomous and non-venomous snakes that could be found just feet from where the spectators were standing. They also put on repelling demonstrations, a downed pilot rescue demonstration and a hand-to-hand combat demonstration.

"We enjoy putting on these events to bring people out here so they can see what the Rangers are all about," said U.S. Army Capt. Jesus Ceja, 6th RTB. "They get a chance to see and touch the equipment Soldiers are using on a daily basis in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world."

The weapons demonstrations allowed visitors to fire more than 4,000 rounds of blank ammunition through a couple of different types of weapons.

"We are members of this community the same as the locals are around here," he said. "This is a great opportunity for civilians to familiarize themselves with the Rangers and get an idea of what we are doing way out here."

Before the demonstrations kicked off, more than 250 runners pushed through the thick morning fog along the trails of a five-kilometer and a 10-kilometer run to benefit the Fisher House Foundation.

"That was a lot harder, I tell you what," said Capt. Alma Guerrero, Headquarters Air Force Special Operations inspector general's office. "The sand made my legs work harder."

Some of the runners, like Brooke Gaskell, 9, pushed herself toward the end to finish the race strong. She tangled her feet with the guy in front of her and fell 25 yards short of the finish line. With some minor abrasions to her left hand, elbow and leg, she received medical attention, stood up and finished the race with a quick jog. She is not going to let the experience of her first race stop her from doing it again.

"(My mom and I) will come back and run again next year," she said. "Next time, I will be on the grass. It's better to have a grass stain than to go sliding on the concrete."

After the race, the awards were presented to the winners and the Ranger festivities ensued. More than $4,000 was raised for the Fisher House.

"Whenever you support the Fisher House, you are supporting your own," said Trecia Chedister, Fisher House Foundation. "Our lives can change in a second. It's important to be prepared to support and take care of each other."