Oregon National Guard Hosting Two Public Events in Medford
Open house and Norwegian Foot March offer community access in early May
Soldiers and civilians push the pace along the Bear Creek Greenway in Medford, Ore., June 8, 2025, during the Norwegian Foot March hosted by the Oregon Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment. The 18.6-mile endurance march required participants to carry a 24-pound rucksack throughout the course. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment is inviting the public to two upcoming events in the Medford area, offering opportunities to connect with local soldiers and experience military activities firsthand.
The first event, an open house, will take place May 1 at the Medford Armory, located at 1701 S. Pacific Highway. The armory will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving visitors the chance to meet soldiers and learn about a range of military occupational specialties, including scouts and medics.
Military vehicles will be on display, and recruiters will be available to answer questions about service and career opportunities with the Oregon Army National Guard. Attendees who register at the event will also be entered into a raffle for a pair of Apple AirPods 4.
The following day, May 2, the battalion will host a Norwegian Foot March along the Bear Creek Greenway. Registration and rucksack weigh-in begin at 4 a.m., with the march starting at 5 a.m. and concluding around noon.
The Norwegian Foot March is an endurance event rooted in Nordic military tradition. Participants are required to carry a 24-pound rucksack over the course. Those who complete the march will receive a commemorative plaque or coin.
The event is free and open to the public, with drinks and snacks provided. Participants who complete the march will also be entered into a raffle for Apple AirPods 4. Current service members may participate but are not eligible for the raffle.
The Oregon National Guard, made up of more than 8,000 members statewide, serves both in community emergencies and in national defense roles while maintaining civilian careers.
Cover image: A soldier with the Oregon Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, speaks with community members about a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle during an Open House at the Medford Armory in Medford, Ore., May 3, 2025. The annual event gives the public an opportunity to interact with soldiers and learn about military service opportunities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
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