BELLEFONTE -- Although the turnout for the Pa. 28th Division of the National Guard's Open House at Bellefonte Armory was low Saturday, soldiers still were eager to talk to those attending about the guard's job in the community.

Guard Sgt. Raymond W. Reeder, unit production recruiter, said the event was put together too quickly for the public to become aware of it in time. Other soldiers said the cold weather also contributed to the low turnout.

The armories in Bellefonte and Tyrone were open to the public on Saturday to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the 28th Division. In both locations, weapons and equipment were set up to show the public some of the tools Company B of the 112 Light Infantry would use in an emergency. Soldiers blamed the lack of media attention and the timing of the event for the low attendance.

Second Lt. William Capouillez, a geologist at Minetech Engineers, said the purpose of the annual open house is to make the community aware of the dual function of the National Guard.

This dual purpose is to defend the country in time of war, and protect lives and property during emergencies, he said.

"The open house lets people know how dedicated their neighbors in the guard are," Capouillez said, adding that the National Guard and the Army Reserves probably make up 70 percent of the Armed Forces.

"What people have to understand is that the people who leave their houses and drill one weekend a month will take the brunt of the fighting," he said.

First Lt. James Wright, the company commander, said the guard is trained on the same level as regular army units plus the extra training required to meet emergencies such as natural disasters and riots.

The National Guard can be called on for a variety of reasons, Wright said. These can include manhunts for escaped prisoners and searches for lost people, but the guard is usually called out to protect lives and property during a natural disaster such as flood or civil unrest, he said. The last time the guard was needed was during a flood in Hyndman and Glencoe in 1984.

Last January, Company B participated in a Civil Disturbance Training exercise at Bellefonte during which they deployed soldiers in a hypothetical earthquake situation. Soldiers guarded key points of the town and maintained order during the exercise.

Staff Sgt. James Shaffer, a custodian at Bellefonte Area Senior High School, said Company B was rated number one in its battalion four times and has been awarded numerous citations over the years.

Although many people join the guard to earn money, First Sgt. Barry McKinley, a machinist in the University's Engineering Service Building, joined in 1961 because it was family tradition. McKinley's father, brother and brother-in-law were guardsmen.

"I grew up with this place," said McKinley, a University employee for 17 years. "The guard was damn good to me. It gave me opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise.

The Armory will be open tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6 to 9 this month as part of a recruiting drive. People interested can contact the National Guard recruiting office at 355-4475.