Retrospect: Soldiers trained in Wisconsin

Sixty years ago this week, Jay County’s 106-man National Guard contingent was busy conducting two-weeks of training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

I Company, based in Portland and part of the 151st Infantry Regiment, was hard at work practicing drill, conducting field exercises and performing other training maneuvers.

The Jay County soldiers were joined by more than 11,000 other Hoosier guardsman for the two-week training period, and were visited by Indiana Gov. Harold W. Handley.

Jay County’s I Company performed strongly within the regiment, with the company’s precision drill team receiving top marks in the regiment and tying for first place. I Company’s mess hall also received top marks, earning four superior inspection ratings during the first week at the camp.

Reporters from The Commercial Review and The Graphic made the trip to Camp McCoy to cover the training event and parade in front of the state’s governor.

“It makes you feel good to know that, if trouble ever comes, those guys out there will be ready to protect our interests,” said a crowd member during a parade at the camp.