Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October | Page 14

From Fort McCoy

Fort McCoy Commemorative Area open Oct . 12 and 26 to walk-in visitors
The Fort McCoy Commemorative Area will be open for walk-in visitors from noon to 4 p . m . Oct . 12 and 26 . Members of the public are welcome .
The Commemorative Area consists of the Equipment Park , five World War II-era buildings with historical displays , the History Center , and Veterans Memorial Plaza . The History Center and World War II-era buildings contain artifacts dating from Fort McCoy ’ s inception in 1909 up to present day .
Members of the public must present valid photo IDs at the main Gate to get a visitor ’ s pass . For information on visitors ’ passes , call the Visitor Control Center at 608-388-4988 .
Groups of 15 or more may schedule tours from 7:30 a . m . to 4 p . m . Monday through Friday . For more information , call the Public Affairs Office at 608-388-2407 .
Fort McCoy supports local flood-relief efforts
Responding to calls from the Sparta Fire Department and Cashton Volunteer Fire Department , the Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department provided mutual-aid support to areas near Fort McCoy that received up to 12 inches of rain and high winds Aug . 27-28 . The storm caused extensive flash flooding and damage in the region .
Fort McCoy supported an immediate response sending firefighters and equipment to Sparta to help clear debris and clean up and also helped rescue stranded residents near Melvina , Leon , and Sparta .
The total flood-rescue support included eight firefighters , three boats , and four support vehicles . Overall , rescuers helped save 57 people and 27 pets from the floodwaters in Leon , Sparta , and Melvina .
The installation also provided support to the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center , where the Fort McCoy garrison commander exercised immediate response authority by working with the 88th Readiness Division ’ s Equipment Concentration Site-67 to provide a 5-ton M1083 Medium Tactical Vehicle to support further rescue and recovery operations .
The Directorate of Plans , Training , Mobilization and Security Airfield Services at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on South Post was ready to support refueling operations for Wisconsin National Guard Blackhawk helicopters that flew officials reviewing flood damage from the air .
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