In its biggest recruitment drive since changing from a medical-ambulance mission, the local Army National Guard unit invites the public to a display of engineering mastery at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, March 3 - 5.

"Tons of rock will be hauled by our dump truck team and leveled by our grader crew, in a massive effort to improve drainage," said Lt. Keith Domerese, the local Engineer Detachment’s coordinator. "Meanwhile, our bulldozer, scraper and backhoe crews will construct new areas to enhance the attractiveness of the fairgrounds. It should be quite a show, especially for those considering a future career in construction-engineering."

Domerese explained that much of the community doesn’t know the unit still exists, and that recruitment is lower in our area than any other part of the state.

"This makes use stand out like a sore thumb if another round of budgetary cuts should be politically mandated. Quite simply, units must be fully manned to be ready for duty, both domestic and abroad. And that’s exactly what our aim is — to show the community our appreciation at the fairgrounds while bolstering recruitment."

March 3 will be a day specifically tailored for high school juniors and seniors as a Career Perspective day. Likewise, Domerese states, "Those paying big bucks for college need to come to discuss government scholarships and tuition assistance. Where else can you get paid to learn a trade in a professional school to lay the groundwork for a civilian career, often starting at $14 an hour?"

Saturday and Sunday, March 4 and 5, will also provide promotional opportunities for high schoolers, college students and people with prior military service to view "horizontal construction" at its finest.

"I need about 12 new soldiers in as many months," said Domerese, who normally wears civilian clothes as the director of Hospice of Montezuma. "Once each month, and in two weeks each summer, I get paid to lead a committed group of outstanding community team players, trained to mobilize at Gov. Owens’ call, should any disaster occur. We wear a unique uniform, get our hands dusty behind the ‘joy sticks’ of millions of dollars of equipment, and share in the experiences of a lifetime that’ll make our grandchildren laugh when they come of age."