While most people steer clear of anything radioactive, Milford High students got an up-close look at the tools used to detect it, thanks to a hands-on session with the Army National Guard’s Civil Defense and CBRN Response Teams.
On Friday, November 8, Milford High School welcomed the Army National Guard’s Civil Defense and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Teams, providing students with a hands-on learning experience. Environmental science, infectious diseases, and chemistry classes explored real-world applications of their studies through interactive demonstrations by the Guard’s specialized units. Led by Staff Sergeant Madison Woodruff and Sergeant First Class Paul, the session offered students an in-depth look at how the Guard uses science, engineering and medical expertise to support civilian safety and humanitarian missions.
The interactive demonstration included a range of advanced chemical detection tools and protective equipment that the Guard uses in operations, such as the recent response to the East Palestine train derailment. Students observed how gamma ray detectors and other analyzers for hazardous materials are used to assess potential threats to public safety.
“We’re here to show students there are real-world uses for what they’re learning in class—physics and chemistry aren’t just abstract subjects but skills that protect communities,” Woodruff explained. “The Guard offers career paths beyond traditional military roles. They can become chemical team members working with state-of-the-art equipment or pursue other technical and humanitarian careers.”
For Milford teacher Andrew Sevachko, the Guard’s visit provided an invaluable opportunity for students to see classroom concepts applied practically. He emphasized that meeting young, local Guard members, some of whom are in their early twenties, helps students envision how they might use their own skills in similar ways.
“There’s a lot more to the armed services than people realize,” Sevachko noted. “By meeting Guard members up close, students are exposed to the Guard’s extensive roles in hazmat, engineering and humanitarian work. It’s not all about combat; it’s cerebral and offers opportunities that align with what they’re learning now and could do in the future.”
Both Sevachko and Woodruff highlighted how introducing students to the Guard’s diverse responsibilities helps break down stereotypes.
“Many students think the military is just about being deployed overseas, but National Guard service members are involved in their local communities, often in ways that don’t involve traditional combat,” Woodruff said. “We’re giving students options—like pursuing college through ROTC or serving in a Guard unit on weekends—so they understand they can develop skills that benefit both their civilian and military careers.”
Both Sevachko and Woodruff hope to make these demonstrations an annual event, broadening students’ understanding of the Guard’s diverse missions and introducing them to career paths they may not have considered.