New Army Research Facility Honors Fallen Soldier Jared C. Monti
The new Army research facility in Natick, named after Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, honors his sacrifice and dedication. The 80,000 square-foot facility features displays of Monti’s uniforms and awards, along with advanced research capabilities to enhance soldier performance. His story has also inspired a country song by Lee Brice, emphasizing the impact of his legacy.
A new Army research facility in Natick, Massachusetts, has been dedicated to U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Afghanistan. The dedication ceremony, attended by family, friends, and members of Monti’s unit, highlighted the soldier’s unparalleled commitment to his country.
Sergeant Monti, a Raynham native, served for 12 years and died in action in 2006. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery while attempting to save a fellow soldier’s life. Major General John Cushing emphasized the importance of honoring Monti’s sacrifice by dedicating the facility in his memory.
The newly built facility spans 80,000 square feet and features various displays, including Monti’s uniforms and military awards. His sister, Nicole Monti-Alecia, expressed satisfaction, noting, “We knew that Jared’s highest honors belonged here, and my mother finally got the one thing she always wanted for her son to rest in peace.”
Among its state-of-the-art offerings, the facility has a combat maneuver lab designed to analyze small unit performance during operations. Jeremy Whitsitt described it as a unique laboratory-controlled environment for assessing soldiers’ capabilities. The lab aims to enhance soldier performance and ultimately save lives.
Simon Campbell, who served alongside Monti, praised the facility’s potential impact, stating, “What he did for soldiers and what this building will do for soldiers, everything here that’s learned is going to save lives going forward.”
Monti’s legacy also inspired the country music artist Lee Brice, who wrote the song “I Drive Your Truck” based on Monti’s father, Paul. Brice performed the song during the dedication ceremony, which celebrated the enduring impact of Monti’s life and sacrifice. The song won the 2013 Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year.
The dedication of the Jared C. Monti Research Facility represents a significant tribute to a soldier whose sacrifice exemplifies heroism. With its advanced technology and focus on enhancing soldier performance, the facility honors Monti’s legacy while aiming to save lives in future operations. Additionally, the cultural impact of Monti’s story, highlighted by Lee Brice’s song, continues to resonate nationally, ensuring that his memory endures.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
