Idaho Army National Guard hosts open house today

POST FALLS — The community is invited to join the action and see firsthand how National Guard members train during a community open house today at the Idaho National Guard Armory, 5453 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve will host a "Boss Lift" from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events will include vehicle simulations, weapons displays, meals ready to eat and a tentative Blackhawk helicopter ride.

About 30 local employers will be in attendance to learn what life is like in the National Guard. Boss Lift demonstrates to employers of National Guard members the demands of citizen soldiers, while building and strengthening the bonds and relationships between Idaho Guardsmen/Reservists and their civilian employers. Employers will learn about the mission of the Idaho National Guard and the Army, along with the many skills service members acquire through their training and service.

From 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., community members will have opportunities to interact with soldiers and explore vehicles, communications equipment and soldier gear.

The Idaho Army National Guard is the largest component of the Idaho National Guard with nearly 3,000 soldiers who train in more than 20 Idaho communities. The Idaho National Guard maintains combat readiness to fight and win wars, develops and strengthens homeland security and emergency response and builds and fosters partnerships throughout Idaho, the nation and around the world, according to a press release. Its mission is to maintain combat readiness and domestic emergency response capability, while building enduring partnerships throughout the state, nation, and around the world.