New Army research facility dedicated to Massachusetts soldier killed in Afghanistan
A new Army facility in Natick has been named for U.S. Army Sergeant First Class
Jared C. Monti
, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
There was a moving tribute and special dedication at the building on Monday. "Absolutely loved being in the military," his sister Nicole Monti-Alecia said.
The Raynham native served his country for 12 years. Monti was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2006 and was later awarded the Medal of Honor trying to save the life of his fellow soldier.
On Monday family, friends and members of his unit took part in the opening of a brand-new state-of-art Army research facility in Natick named in his honor.
"We want to dedicate this facility in the honor of service and sacrifice our local hero, Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti," Major General John Cushing said.
It's an 80,000 square foot research facility. Inside the main hall are all of Monti's uniforms, prestigious awards and Army paraphernalia.
"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," Nicole Monti-Alecia said.
The facility also includes an impressive combat maneuver lab that breaks down and analyzes every single aspect of soldier or squad in the middle of a battle or on an operation.
"This is a brand-new facility, one of its kind across the Army," said Jeremy Whitsitt of the Jared Monti Research Facility. "A dedicated laboratory-controlled space where we can assess and research soldier and small unit performance."
Simon Campbell, 40, served with Monti and was there the day he lost his life. "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," Campbell said.
Monti's death gained national attention by country music artist Lee Brice who released the song
"I Drive Your Truck"
inspired by Jared's dad Paul, who used to say that about his son.
During the ceremony Lee Brice performed the song next to Monti's truck. "I Drive Your Truck" was named song of the year at the Country Music Association Awards in 2013.
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