Lewis & Clark

Training a Key to Guard Education Outreach

Nearly 25 Guardsmen, including trainers and recruiters from six states and the National Guard Bureau, gathered in Billings, MT, at the Lewis and Clark Boot Camp in late March to teach and to learn how to present the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition to the public. The two day session included classroom training on how to present the Lewis and Clark story from a military perspective in an historical context. The main goal of the outreach program is to increase awareness of U.S. military history.

The first day of training was spent in classroom and field activities, much of which involved hands-on experience with the equipment used in the Lewis and Clark era Army. Presenters demonstrated the use of equipment commonly used by early 19th century soldiers such as route finding and mapping instruments like the compass and sextant; common contemporary tools like flint and steel used in fire starting; and firearms used by the expedition.

Field instruction was held at Pompey’s Pillar, the site where William Clark carved his name and the date into rock and one of the few pieces of physical evidence of the expedition’s passage. The pillar is a National Monument, an imposing rock edifice next to the Yellowstone River. Field training included hands-on use of expedition era firearms, fire-building using flint and steel, and an inspection of a dugout canoe replica hewed by the expedition.

Most of the second day of training was dedicated to the Discovery Box, the key tool used in the educational outreach initiative. The box contains handouts and replicas of items used in the Lewis and Clark expedition, including period uniforms, a compass, a life-sized cast of a grizzly bear paw and trade items and gifts for Native American tribes. Attendees also participated in a subsequent two-day training session, the Lewis and Clark Training Academy, sponsored by National Guard Lewis and Clark commemoration partner, the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Academy featured a number of speakers addressing Lewis and Clark topics that helped round out their training and understanding.

A similar training opportunity was offered in Hood River, OR, 25-26 February, with 19 Guardsmen in attendance.

Army National Guard Featured at Philadelphia Exhibit

The National Guard Bureau joined forces with Army partners - the Corps of Engineers and the Army Forces Command - at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences to showcase the military identity of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The mid-March event featured interactive presentations, theatrical displays and music of the era. At the nearby Independence Hall Visitors’ Center Montana Air National Guard member TSgt. Al Garver portrayed expedition member Pvt. Joseph Whitehouse in the interactive presentation "Then and Now." He and Guardsman CWO Terri Purcell discussed the differences and similarities of military life (200 years ago versus today).

"200 Years Ago Today" Radio Program Launched

The National Guard Bureau developed a series of 60-second radio spots airing on the Lewis and Clark Expedition called “200 Years Ago Today.” The program began on April 1 and runs weekdays for a year. The spots give a summary of each day’s events from a military perspective and end with a message to call 1-800 Go-Guard for further information on joining the National Guard. Go to www.LewisandClarkRadio.com and then to “Audio Files” to hear what happened on the expedition 200 years ago today. Radio stations have responded positively to date and many indicate that they intend to continue using the spots in the coming months.