On Saturday, May 17, our nation will celebrate Armed Forces Day. At Fort McCoy, we will observe the day by hosting an Armed Forces Day Open House from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. I welcome you to visit Fort McCoy that day to learn more about Fort McCoy's vital role as a Power Projection Platform and its role in supporting the training and readiness needs of all branches and components of the military services.

“America Supports You” is the national theme for this humbling day, which calls us to reflect on the importance of the Armed Forces to the United States of America, and the sacrifices so many have made for this great country. Please join me in paying tribute to and honoring our dedicated personnel in uniform and the members of our Department of Defense civilian work force who so ably and professionally support our national defense each and every day.

Activities and displays of interest to all are planned from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. at the Commemorative Area on the installation. Guided tours of the installation will be offered from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Many of you will be amazed at the amount of change and growth the post has experienced in recent years. All activities are free, and many are indoors -- so rain or shine, you won’t be disappointed.

Visitors can easily find our location by entering Gate 15 (Tomah Gate) off of Highway 21 and follow the signs for a short distance. Photo IDs are required for adults.

We welcome your participation in this event and your help to make this a memorable occasion. Please join us.

David E. Chesser

Colonel, U.S. Army

Garrison Commander