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NATICK, Mass. – Soldiers often make history, but three Soldiers at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or DEVCOM SC, also volunteered to help preserve it. Pfc. William C. Curvin, Pvt. Shirley Feng, and Spc. Tobias C. Guck volunteered at the Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts.  Curvin, Feng, and Guck are currently serving as Human Research Volunteers, or HRVs, at DEVCOM SC. HRVs make important contributions to studies benefitting the warfighter.

According to the museum website, the Fairbanks House is the oldest known timber frame house still standing in North America. The house was built around 1637 for Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks and their six children. For 268 years, the house served as the home to eight generations of the Fairbanks family. The home is a historic house museum and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The house is a significant example of architecture from the time period and is unique in its preservation of so many of the house’s original features.

Jeff Blood, the chief data officer at DEVCOM SC, is a descendent of the Fairbanks family and on the board of directors at the Fairbanks House. He said the Soldiers volunteering their free time to help out at the museum was invaluable. The Soldiers participated in the spring cleanup, which took place prior to the museum opening for the season.

“The Soldiers donated their free time, which is at a premium when they are here,” said Blood. “They were the hardest workers during the cleanup. We are so appreciative of their efforts.”

The Soldiers, who received a tour of the home, were pleased that they had the opportunity to help preserve an important part of American history.

“We were doing groundskeeping and renovations as part of a spring cleanup to make sure that the museum was ready for visitors during tourist season,” said Guck. “I had a great time doing it. It was good to be out in the community and to help out at an important historical site. I’m a bit of a history buff. It was rewarding to be able to see that bit of living history, to work on it, to put my hands to it, and to help preserve it for the future.”

Curvin, who also volunteered to help at the site, loves history and volunteer work in general.

“Being able to help out so they can continue to share the history of the Fairbanks House was an excellent opportunity,” said Curvin. “I thought it was incredible that it is the oldest timber frame house in North America.”

Feng valued the opportunity to experience history firsthand.

“I’m really into history and I liked the chance to actually experience it by seeing the Fairbanks House,” said Feng. “I was really impressed that the house has been there for hundreds of years, and I’m glad that I got to see it.”

Guck, whose height proved challenging as he navigated the house, was impressed with the historic site.

“Two things caught my eye,” said Guck. “First of all, how well it has been maintained for its age. It’s incredibly old and incredibly well maintained. Secondly, the size of the house. I personally had some issues maneuvering through the house because it is so small on the inside and the ceilings are so low. The home gave me an idea of what life may have been like at that time.”

The Soldiers’ hard work did not go unnoticed. Jim Holman, president of the Fairbanks Family in America, sent a letter commending the Soldiers for embodying the “true spirit of service.”

For the three Soldiers, service is an integral part of who they are. By serving as Human Research Volunteers, they are participating in a wide variety of studies benefitting the warfighter. During their 90-day to 120-day temporary duty period at DEVCOM SC, HRVs participate in research efforts, including protective clothing and equipment testing, cold-weather/hot-weather clothing and equipment testing, physical performance testing, nutrition studies and sleep studies — to name just a few research areas. HRVs also help researchers garner a better understanding of human performance.

Soldier feedback drives all research and development at DEVCOM SC.

“Soldier studies and Soldier feedback drive all our scientific and technological innovation,” said Douglas Tamilio, director of DEVCOM SC. “HRVs play an all-important role in our efforts and make an invaluable contribution to future Soldiers and to our nation.”

Feng, Guck, and Curvin embody the Army value of selfless service.

“These Soldiers are quite service-oriented,” said Blood. “They have committed to serving the country in their chosen profession, and they have also chosen to give to others during what little free time they have. I think it is a very impressive and impactful use of their time. I was impressed with these Soldiers, and they embody the service ethic valued by both the Fairbanks Family in America, Inc. and the U.S. Army.”

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About DEVCOM Soldier Center: The DEVCOM Soldier Center is committed to discovering, developing, and advancing science and technology solutions that ensure America’s warfighters are optimized, protected, and lethal. DEVCOM Soldier Center supports all of the Army’s Modernization efforts, with the Soldier Lethality and Synthetic Training Environment Cross Functional Teams being the DEVCOM Soldier Center’s chief areas of focus. The center’s science and engineering expertise are combined with collaborations with industry, DOD, and academia to advance Soldier and squad performance. The center supports the Army as it transforms from being adaptive to driving innovation to support a Multi-Domain Operations Capable Force of 2028 and a MDO Ready Force of 2035. DEVCOM Soldier Center is constantly working to strengthen Soldiers’ performance to increase readiness and support for warfighters who are organized, trained, and equipped for prompt and sustainable ground combat.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) outreach and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers are also an important part of the mission of DEVCOM Soldier Center. The mentoring of students by Army scientists and engineers benefits the students and their communities. It also increases young people’s awareness of potential Army job opportunities and helps provide the Army with potential new talent, helping to fuel innovative ideas that benefit the nation’s warfighters and the nation as a whole.

DEVCOM Soldier Center is part of DEVCOM. Through collaboration across the command’s core technical competencies, DEVCOM leads in the discovery, development and delivery of the technology-based capabilities required to make Soldiers more lethal to win our nation’s wars and come home safely. DEVCOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command.

By Jane Benson, DEVCOM Soldier Center Public Affairs