The main gate of Camp Atterbury is pictured in September 2021 in southern Johnson County.
DAILY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
The Indiana National Guard is opening up Camp Atterbury for its annual Community Day on July 19, an outreach event designed to build a rapport with area residents. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , people can come to the camp at 3008 Old Hospital Road, Edinburgh, to take part in a variety of activities and events.
Free lunch, provided by Walmart’s Feed ‘em for Freedom campaign, will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For the Indiana National Guard, the event is a chance to connect with the public and showcase the different aspects of it.
“The Indiana National Guard, all of our service members live here and work here, and they serve here. We’re a community-based organization. Just going out, meeting the community, Hoosiers from around the state are welcome to come,” said Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, public affairs office of the Indiana National Guard. “It’s an opportunity engage with the people who we serve with and who we serve for.”
Since it was founded in 1942 to train troops for World War II, Camp Atterbury has been an integral part of the Johnson County community. Military members stationed at the base shop at local grocery stores, eat at area restaurants and support organizations, schools and businesses in the county.
That connection is what motivated the National Guard to create Community Day.
“Camp Atterbury is part of the community — Edinburgh is right next to us, Franklin is close, Columbus is close,” Lowry said.
The day starts with the Community Day 5K Run/Walk, held from 7 to 10 a.m. and conducted over a course on both paved and gravel ground. T-shirts and medals go to the first 150 runners/walkers, though you must be present to claim. Registration is required and can be done at events.in.gov/event/cain-community-day-2025.
Starting at 9 a.m., the rest of the Community Day opens up. Bus tours will take attendees throughout the camp to see the different training areas and more. People can see live-firing of weapons, rappelling demonstrations and displays of equipment such as UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The more adventurous participants can rappel down a wall with an Indiana National Guardsman.
Activities and games will be available for kids. People can interact with Camp Atterbury alumni and find out more information about joining the Indiana National Guard.
“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the capabilities of the organization of the Air and Army Indiana National Guard,” Lowry said.
