By: CBS4 News, newsroom@cbs4qc.com
For months, we've taken you inside the gates at the Rock Island Arsenal to places the public rarely sees, for stories seldom told.
Coming up next Tuesday evening, a special, half hour look at the history.
...The heart, and the inner workings of this Quad City treasure.
"They're mirror images, 5 buildings on each side of the main avenue."
Known as the Ten Stone shops, they are the brain child of Brigadier General Thomas J. Rodman. With no electricity, the sturdy backbone of the Arsenal was built by hand, and we'll give you a rare look inside.
We're also going inside the Foundry, where things heat up to more than 4,000 degrees.
"It's kind of like opening an oven and sticking your face in there."
It's a dangerous job, but these guys have it under control.
Kind of like the men and women over at the Arsenal's testing range. There, a new project is underway and, when it's finished, it could easily mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield.
And speaking of the battlefield, we'll hear from a local man who gave up his dreams of graduating college and getting married to fight for his country.
"It's your duty, your responsibility, to defend this nation."
So what was life like for David Blaylock, a forward observer in Iraq, spotting potential dangers ahead of U.S. forces? He'll share his unique story, as we take you on a fascinating journey inside the gates.
We hope you can join us for these stories and much more Tuesday night, March 12th at 6:30 PM.
