Mount Vernon, the Knox County Career Center, and Ariel-Foundation Park have invited residents to attend a family day event to celebrate those who serve others. The Servitus event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to a Mount Vernon news release, the Servitus event will showcase the Knox County Career Center Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program and other JROTC units from around the region at the park. The free event is open to the public. "Servitus" is Latin for "to serve."
The news release states that 300 to 400 cadets will compete in five activities, including a woodland trek that involves a one-mile run through rugged woods while wearing ruck packs that may weigh as much as 45 pounds. The litter carry will require cadets to make a half-mile run over, under, and through obstacles while carrying simulated people on two medical litters. The heavy object course will take them on a half-mile mission to move thousands of pounds of objects of different weights through the course.
The tower climb will start with pulling an armored Army Humvee and completing a fitness course, followed by a climb to the top of Rastin Tower. Additionally, there will be a one-rope bridge tied between two trees with a rappelling rope; teams will use carabiners to cross the span without touching the ground. According to the news release, recruiters from every military branch and local first responders will attend the Servitus event, displaying various pieces of equipment. Food trucks and vendors will also be on site.
