New research facility honors soldier's ultimate sacrifice
- The new facility in Natick is named after Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2006.
- It serves as a state-of-the-art research center focusing on soldier performance during combat.
- The facility stands as a lasting tribute to Monti's bravery and dedication to his fellow soldiers.
In Natick, Massachusetts, a new Army research facility was formally dedicated to U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2006. The dedication ceremony took place on Monday, attended by Monti's family, friends, and fellow soldiers. Monti, a Raynham native, served his country for 12 years and was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his bravery when he attempted to save a fellow soldier's life. The facility, which spans 80,000 square feet, houses an array of Monti's uniforms, prestigious awards, and Army memorabilia within its main hall. Nicole Monti-Alecia, Jared's sister, expressed how this tribute fulfills a longing for her mother, wanting her son to be honored appropriately. Major General John Cushing remarked on the significant dedication of the facility in memory of Monti's service and sacrifice, which emphasizes the heroism displayed by Monti during his military career. The state-of-the-art research center includes advanced laboratories equipped for examining soldier and small unit performance under combat conditions. Jeremy Whitsitt of the Jared Monti Research Facility indicated that the facility is unique within the Army, allowing for rigorous research and analysis of various combat maneuvers that can ultimately lead to enhanced soldier safety and effectiveness. Simon Campbell, a fellow soldier who served beside Monti, shared his thoughts on the importance of both the facility and Monti's legacy. He stated that the insights derived from research conducted at the facility will contribute significantly to saving soldiers' lives in future operations. The dedication ceremony also highlighted the impact of Monti's story on popular culture, notably inspiring the country song "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice, which gained national acclaim and was awarded Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards in 2013.