Arkansas National Guard hosts 'Be Your Best' Day opening the base to the public

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Arkansas National Guard hosted their first "Be Your Best Day" this weekend after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Be Your Best Day is a chance for the Arkansas National Guard to connect with the community through education, competitions, and, most importantly fun.

Be Your Best Day started in 2019 when Camp Joseph T. Robinson opened up to the public to showcase the equipment, strengths of soldiers, airmen, and more.

"A very small percentage of the population ever serves in the military or knows someone personally that's in the military so being able to interact with them. See them, them be able to ask us questions, talk to us about why we do what we do... See some of the pretty cool things that we have and get to do. It's educational for the public. It's also great for us and makes all the soldiers feel great," Arkansas National Guard, Brigadier General, Bradley Cox said.

The day featured barbecue, JROTC drill, and Army Combat Fitness competitions.

Runners also got in on the fun with a high school cross-country meet and an open trail 5k for all ages.

Two fan favorites of the Be Your Best were the 106th Army Band's Charlie Rock and military aircraft flyovers throughout the event.

"We're really proud of what we've been doing. Major General Stubbs has made it a high priority for us to re-engage with the community. Get back out there, get seen and be a part of Arkansas," Cox said.

One runner shared her experience.

"I personally came out here to run the 5k with one of my coworkers, and we had a blast and brought our kids out so they could see all the equipment and see what the National Guard does," Arkansas Air National Guard, 189 Maintenance Group Commander Sarah O'banion said.

Organizers say they are already looking forward to next year's event and many more in the years to come.