Air defense unit hosts open house at Dover Armory Saturday
DOVER – The Dover Armory’s new tenant is giving the community a chance to see what they’ve brought to the city at an open house on Saturday.
SFC Cody Cogar, Readiness and Platoon Sgt., says his Ohio Army National Guard unit, Charlie Battery 2nd battalion 174th Air Defense Artillery, replaced the 1485th Transportation Company at the Dover Armory in June.
“We are a brand new unit out of McConnelsville that has been command directed to come up here and we have replaced the transportation unit. We are an air defense unit. Our main focus is to counter drone, helicopter and airplane.”
Cogar, a New Philadelphia and Buckeye Career Center graduate, says the 1485th kept semi-trucks and trailers at the armory. The 174th has the Avenger System.
“The Avenger System carries eight stinger missiles in an electronically fired 50-cal, which all will be on display during the event.”
It is important to note that there is no live ammunition at the armory.
“Our equipment can be kind of intimidating,” Cogar said, adding that part of the reason behind the open house is to let people know “there’s nothing to fear. Everything we have here is for training purposes.”
Saturday’s open house is at the Ohio National Guard Armory at 2800 Wooster Avenue in Dover from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guest will see weapons systems and other tools and equipment. There will be expert demonstrations and hands-on opportunities with the gear. There will be food trucks and an activity for kids. The event is free and open to the public.