JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Special Boat Team 22 demonstrate an attack scenario Saturday afternoon for those attending the "Trail of Honor," giving an idea of how the special warfare combatant crewmen would react with multiple weapons.
"They're pretty surprised, especially the mini gun here. It's like 3,000 rounds a minute," said Special Boat Team Training Chief SBC Gregory Heidler. "It tends to scare people. It doesn't even sound like a gun. It sounds like a chainsaw."
The crew transports Navy Seals or special forces for specific missions near waterways.
Some have even trained Iraqi soldiers.
The boat on display at Jackson's "Trail of Honor" event is still in operation and was in the movie "Act of Valor."
Team 22 trains on the waters of south Mississippi.
A place they call home.
"There's a few of us down there that are actually from Mississippi," Heidler said. "Myself, I'm from Los Angles but I've been here 12 years. Once you move down here, we kind of tend to stick around and stay here."
Being on dry land is a change, but meeting veterans and the public is a special mission they enjoy.
"It's just such a reward back to us just to be able to see so many people and have them thank us," Heidler said.
Tanks and other military vehicles line the Harley Davidson of Jackson dealership for the event.
There are plenty of motorcycles in the parking lot, but it doesn't take long to figure out this event is really for the veterans.
"The veterans of this country are the backbones of this country," said volunteer Richard Doerr. "Without them we wouldn't have the freedoms we have. They give a lot of time, a lot of effort, and sometimes their lives. And this country doesn't do enough for them."
It's also a learning experience for most families.
"This is not a motorcycle event," Doerr said. "It's a honor the veterans event. So it's a very safe place, very historical place for the children to come and learn about the military."
The "Trail of Honor" event will continue Sunday.
For more information click: http://www.trailofhonor.org/Home.html
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