Texas Military Forces Museum
Volume XVI Issue 4
September 2003
ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of the membership of the Texas Military Forces Museum will be held at 10:00am on the 16th Day of October in the Museum Conference Center. An election will be held to replace those board members whose terms are expiring. All current members are cordially invited to attend this important event. Refreshments will be served.
ACTIVITIES
REPORT
U.S. ARMY MUSEUM WORKSHOP
The annual museum workshop sponsored by the U.S. Army Center of Military History was hosted by the Puerto Rico National Guard in San Juan, 8 - 12 September 2003. Representing TMFM was: Don Bosserman, Carl Deichmann, John Drolla, and John Hall. Everyone except Carl returned in good shape. It seems Carl is still limping from the walking. A museum Purple Heart [Bluebonnet] is being considered. Seriously, it is good to have them all back.
VIP VISIT FROM MEXICO
Several important officers in the Mexican army visited the museum and had lunch in the conference center on 6 August. MG Walter Paulson, 5th U.S. Army, and BG William Goodwin, Assistant AG (Army) Texas accompanied the guests: MG Salvador Zepeda, Deputy Chief of Staff Military Doctrine; COL Serna, S3 Civil Protection Section; LTC Leon, AF Disaster Response Task Force; and LTC Noble, Engineer Disaster Response Task Force.
NEW BRAUNFELS VFW VISIT
In August, the past commanders club of VFW Post 7110 visited the museum. Loreng Bading, a WWII 36th Division veteran, led the group. They were very impressed and complemented their tour guide, Bert Lay.
MAX DUNN WAKE
On 16 July, a wake in the 36th Division Gallery was held for Max Dunn. Max passed away on 11 July. He was a Guardsman and a WWII veteran and one of our most devoted docents. Max was a regular once-a-week docent and will be greatly missed.
DOCENT GORDON ROSE DEATH
A member of the WWII 36th Infantry Division and the 36th Division Museum Foundation, Gordon Rose passed away. He occasionally was a docent at the museum and was instrumental in establishing the 36th Division Gallery.
FLAGS TO ATTEND A BIRTHDAY PARTY
The University of Texas requested, and we complied with their request, to send four of our historical flags to Washington, D.C., where they will be displayed at a birthday party for none other than the President of the United States. This is indeed an honor for us to assist in honoring the President on his birthday.
PROGRESS REPORT
ADDITIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
We have received three major additions to the museum:
1. WWI DIORAMA ... The diorama of the World War I Battle for St Etiemle-a-Arnes has been received from Glen Frakes, Gilbert, Arizona. The diorama is one of the best we have, as Glen and his students did an outstanding job. It is now located in the WWI section of the main gallery. There will be a short dedication ceremony for the diorama on 24 October, at 5:00pm. Most of the staff has "peeked" and all agree that it is one of the best ever done by Glen and his troops. As you know, Mr. Frakes has done: The Alamo; Battle of the Wilderness; and the Battle of Velletri. All of these dioramas are highlights of our tours.
2. 5-TON WRECKER ... Our newest wheel vehicle is a Wrecker, Medium, 5-Ton 6x6, M62E1 with winch. We thank the combined efforts of our Camp Mabry based OMS #4 and CSMS #2 in restoring this vehicle.
3. F-16 TRAINER ... An F-16 cockpit trainer has been received from the Air National Guard in San Antonio ... it is on a base with wheels and can be moved, if required. It is electrically operated by just plugging it into a 110-outlet. It has lights and switches, which open and close the canopy. In addition, a flight helmet, complete with oxygen mask, was also received. It will make a great interactive exhibit. Our thanks to CMSgt Ed Hobbs, MSgt Billy Smith and SMSgt Anthony Jackson of the 149th Fighter Wing for their efforts and interest in portraying the Texas Air National Guard and its role in our nation's national defense.
ON THE HORIZON
Word has been received that there is a good possibility we may receive three new additions:
1. BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE;
2. M109-155mm HOWITZER (SP); and a
3. WWI AMMUNITION CART.
These new items were not programmed, but are welcome additions to our collection. There is no way we can predict when they will arrive or if, in fact, we will get them. We are keeping our fingers crossed, especially for the Bradley and the M 109 Howitzer (SP).
MUSEUM CHILD
As a small boy, Nicholas Ford, worked in the museum when his mother, Patricia Ford, became a volunteer - aka, Child of The Museum. As he grew, Nick cleaned weapons, mopped the floor, dusted the artifacts on display, and cleaned show case windows. Later on, Nick became knowledgeable of most all vehicles on display and worked with our volunteer maintenance section, keeping the vehicles clean and serviceable. He played football and ran track at Del Valle High School and joined the U.S. Army's Delayed Entry Program. With the ambition of becoming an Airborne Ranger, Nick left for active duty at Fort Benning, GA. All of us here wish Nick all the luck in the world in attaining his goals. We will never forget him and hope that he will always remember us and the TMFM.
VOLUNTEER REPORT
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
On 1 October, Cathleen Greutzner will leave her volunteer committee post as Volunteer Coordinator for the museum. Ted Aanenson will assume the post. This duty is the most difficult of all the volunteer positions. The coordinator must insure that docents are available for all the days the museum is open. Although it is simply said, it is not easy to accomplish this task. We cannot say enough for the way Cathleen did her job. It is, to say the least, very, very difficult. Her devotion to the museum and its goals are highly commendable. We are indeed grateful to Cathleen and wish Ted all the luck in the world.
VOLUNTEERS OF THE QUARTER
Of special note "above and beyond" we would like to recognize Ted Aanenson and Jack Miller. Jack continues to work as a docent two days-aweek and Ted, since his return to Austin, has been working almost everyday, performing all types of duties. Thanks to both for their hard work and dedication to duty.
MASTER MODEL MAKER
Jim Geanuleas is a model airplane maker who volunteers at the museum and continues with his life long hobby of model airplanes. Of recent note, Jim just delivered to the TMFM some model helicopters especially made for the museum. Included are the H-19, H-34, OH-13, UH-1 and an OH-58A (identical to the OH58A we have in the Great Hall). These are all 1/72 scale models (about 1-1/2 to 3 inches long). He has done an outstanding job with these "choppers" which will become part of a "rotary wing" exhibit ... eventually.
MUSEUM TID-BITS
TRUE HERO
Dennis Johnsey is a true museum hero. He is one of our newest docents, but, already he has upheld the finest traditions of the docent Corps. It happened just recently that a visitor to the museum reported that a crow, barely alive, was lying at the museum front door. Now you just know that a half-dead crow is not good advertising ... so, before one could say "Shazam", Dennis whips out his trusty cell phone and calls the Animal Control, but they couldn't take the crow off our hands. He then called the Humane Society who told us they would take the bird, how to transport the wounded bird, and how to capture and box it. The last we saw of our hero, he was riding off into the sunset to rescue the poor crow. Now, is that a hero or what? It was last reported that the accident was caused by a navigational error.
MUSTER DAY 2003
During Muster Day, 4-5 October, the museum's excess books are available for a donation. For the first time, a person can have a photo made of themselves sitting in the cockpit of an F-16. Supervised vehicle rides will also be offered for a small donation. These are all fund raising events, the proceeds from which will be deposited into the museum's general operating fund. Volunteers will manage these events and all four galleries will be open, both days.
PROMOTION RECEPTIONS
The conference center was the scene of two recent promotion receptions. BG Christopher J. Powers was promoted to that rank in the Texas State Guard on 23 August; and BG Darren G. Owens was promoted in the 49th Armored Div on 6 September.
NEW LIFE MEMBERS
LTC Jimmy West
Robert A. Hefford
Joe W. Duncum
Sharon Lawrence
Lewis J. Wagner
MEMORIALS
Max Dunn
Sandy W. Hagan, Jr.
John W. Mangum
MEMBERSHIP
Only 51 slots remain open in the 500 CLUB. A $200 Life Membership will secure a position in the club.
MODEL SHOW
The Austin Armor Modeling and Preservation Society will hold a modeling show at the museum on 24-25 October. Modelers from all over the United States, Mexico and Canada will be in attendance. Marc Hobbs and Randy Steifer are the Museum points of contact. It should be a good opportunity to view the work of expert model makers and to view the kits available. Food will be available and, of course, Museum tours.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
If you have a story or something you would like to see in the Museum Newsletter, feel free to submit it to the Director.
BG John C.L. Scribner, Executive Director
CW4 Carl Deichrnan, Facility Manager
Kyle Thonmpson, President
Published quarterly by the Texas Military Forces Museum,
P.O. Box 5218,
Austin, Texas 78763-5218
Volume XVI Issue 4
September 2003
ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of the membership of the Texas Military Forces Museum will be held at 10:00am on the 16th Day of October in the Museum Conference Center. An election will be held to replace those board members whose terms are expiring. All current members are cordially invited to attend this important event. Refreshments will be served.
ACTIVITIES
REPORT
U.S. ARMY MUSEUM WORKSHOP
The annual museum workshop sponsored by the U.S. Army Center of Military History was hosted by the Puerto Rico National Guard in San Juan, 8 - 12 September 2003. Representing TMFM was: Don Bosserman, Carl Deichmann, John Drolla, and John Hall. Everyone except Carl returned in good shape. It seems Carl is still limping from the walking. A museum Purple Heart [Bluebonnet] is being considered. Seriously, it is good to have them all back.
VIP VISIT FROM MEXICO
Several important officers in the Mexican army visited the museum and had lunch in the conference center on 6 August. MG Walter Paulson, 5th U.S. Army, and BG William Goodwin, Assistant AG (Army) Texas accompanied the guests: MG Salvador Zepeda, Deputy Chief of Staff Military Doctrine; COL Serna, S3 Civil Protection Section; LTC Leon, AF Disaster Response Task Force; and LTC Noble, Engineer Disaster Response Task Force.
NEW BRAUNFELS VFW VISIT
In August, the past commanders club of VFW Post 7110 visited the museum. Loreng Bading, a WWII 36th Division veteran, led the group. They were very impressed and complemented their tour guide, Bert Lay.
MAX DUNN WAKE
On 16 July, a wake in the 36th Division Gallery was held for Max Dunn. Max passed away on 11 July. He was a Guardsman and a WWII veteran and one of our most devoted docents. Max was a regular once-a-week docent and will be greatly missed.
DOCENT GORDON ROSE DEATH
A member of the WWII 36th Infantry Division and the 36th Division Museum Foundation, Gordon Rose passed away. He occasionally was a docent at the museum and was instrumental in establishing the 36th Division Gallery.
FLAGS TO ATTEND A BIRTHDAY PARTY
The University of Texas requested, and we complied with their request, to send four of our historical flags to Washington, D.C., where they will be displayed at a birthday party for none other than the President of the United States. This is indeed an honor for us to assist in honoring the President on his birthday.
PROGRESS REPORT
ADDITIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
We have received three major additions to the museum:
1. WWI DIORAMA ... The diorama of the World War I Battle for St Etiemle-a-Arnes has been received from Glen Frakes, Gilbert, Arizona. The diorama is one of the best we have, as Glen and his students did an outstanding job. It is now located in the WWI section of the main gallery. There will be a short dedication ceremony for the diorama on 24 October, at 5:00pm. Most of the staff has "peeked" and all agree that it is one of the best ever done by Glen and his troops. As you know, Mr. Frakes has done: The Alamo; Battle of the Wilderness; and the Battle of Velletri. All of these dioramas are highlights of our tours.
2. 5-TON WRECKER ... Our newest wheel vehicle is a Wrecker, Medium, 5-Ton 6x6, M62E1 with winch. We thank the combined efforts of our Camp Mabry based OMS #4 and CSMS #2 in restoring this vehicle.
3. F-16 TRAINER ... An F-16 cockpit trainer has been received from the Air National Guard in San Antonio ... it is on a base with wheels and can be moved, if required. It is electrically operated by just plugging it into a 110-outlet. It has lights and switches, which open and close the canopy. In addition, a flight helmet, complete with oxygen mask, was also received. It will make a great interactive exhibit. Our thanks to CMSgt Ed Hobbs, MSgt Billy Smith and SMSgt Anthony Jackson of the 149th Fighter Wing for their efforts and interest in portraying the Texas Air National Guard and its role in our nation's national defense.
ON THE HORIZON
Word has been received that there is a good possibility we may receive three new additions:
1. BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE;
2. M109-155mm HOWITZER (SP); and a
3. WWI AMMUNITION CART.
These new items were not programmed, but are welcome additions to our collection. There is no way we can predict when they will arrive or if, in fact, we will get them. We are keeping our fingers crossed, especially for the Bradley and the M 109 Howitzer (SP).
MUSEUM CHILD
As a small boy, Nicholas Ford, worked in the museum when his mother, Patricia Ford, became a volunteer - aka, Child of The Museum. As he grew, Nick cleaned weapons, mopped the floor, dusted the artifacts on display, and cleaned show case windows. Later on, Nick became knowledgeable of most all vehicles on display and worked with our volunteer maintenance section, keeping the vehicles clean and serviceable. He played football and ran track at Del Valle High School and joined the U.S. Army's Delayed Entry Program. With the ambition of becoming an Airborne Ranger, Nick left for active duty at Fort Benning, GA. All of us here wish Nick all the luck in the world in attaining his goals. We will never forget him and hope that he will always remember us and the TMFM.
VOLUNTEER REPORT
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
On 1 October, Cathleen Greutzner will leave her volunteer committee post as Volunteer Coordinator for the museum. Ted Aanenson will assume the post. This duty is the most difficult of all the volunteer positions. The coordinator must insure that docents are available for all the days the museum is open. Although it is simply said, it is not easy to accomplish this task. We cannot say enough for the way Cathleen did her job. It is, to say the least, very, very difficult. Her devotion to the museum and its goals are highly commendable. We are indeed grateful to Cathleen and wish Ted all the luck in the world.
VOLUNTEERS OF THE QUARTER
Of special note "above and beyond" we would like to recognize Ted Aanenson and Jack Miller. Jack continues to work as a docent two days-aweek and Ted, since his return to Austin, has been working almost everyday, performing all types of duties. Thanks to both for their hard work and dedication to duty.
MASTER MODEL MAKER
Jim Geanuleas is a model airplane maker who volunteers at the museum and continues with his life long hobby of model airplanes. Of recent note, Jim just delivered to the TMFM some model helicopters especially made for the museum. Included are the H-19, H-34, OH-13, UH-1 and an OH-58A (identical to the OH58A we have in the Great Hall). These are all 1/72 scale models (about 1-1/2 to 3 inches long). He has done an outstanding job with these "choppers" which will become part of a "rotary wing" exhibit ... eventually.
MUSEUM TID-BITS
TRUE HERO
Dennis Johnsey is a true museum hero. He is one of our newest docents, but, already he has upheld the finest traditions of the docent Corps. It happened just recently that a visitor to the museum reported that a crow, barely alive, was lying at the museum front door. Now you just know that a half-dead crow is not good advertising ... so, before one could say "Shazam", Dennis whips out his trusty cell phone and calls the Animal Control, but they couldn't take the crow off our hands. He then called the Humane Society who told us they would take the bird, how to transport the wounded bird, and how to capture and box it. The last we saw of our hero, he was riding off into the sunset to rescue the poor crow. Now, is that a hero or what? It was last reported that the accident was caused by a navigational error.
MUSTER DAY 2003
During Muster Day, 4-5 October, the museum's excess books are available for a donation. For the first time, a person can have a photo made of themselves sitting in the cockpit of an F-16. Supervised vehicle rides will also be offered for a small donation. These are all fund raising events, the proceeds from which will be deposited into the museum's general operating fund. Volunteers will manage these events and all four galleries will be open, both days.
PROMOTION RECEPTIONS
The conference center was the scene of two recent promotion receptions. BG Christopher J. Powers was promoted to that rank in the Texas State Guard on 23 August; and BG Darren G. Owens was promoted in the 49th Armored Div on 6 September.
NEW LIFE MEMBERS
LTC Jimmy West
Robert A. Hefford
Joe W. Duncum
Sharon Lawrence
Lewis J. Wagner
MEMORIALS
Max Dunn
Sandy W. Hagan, Jr.
John W. Mangum
MEMBERSHIP
Only 51 slots remain open in the 500 CLUB. A $200 Life Membership will secure a position in the club.
MODEL SHOW
The Austin Armor Modeling and Preservation Society will hold a modeling show at the museum on 24-25 October. Modelers from all over the United States, Mexico and Canada will be in attendance. Marc Hobbs and Randy Steifer are the Museum points of contact. It should be a good opportunity to view the work of expert model makers and to view the kits available. Food will be available and, of course, Museum tours.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
If you have a story or something you would like to see in the Museum Newsletter, feel free to submit it to the Director.
BG John C.L. Scribner, Executive Director
CW4 Carl Deichrnan, Facility Manager
Kyle Thonmpson, President
Published quarterly by the Texas Military Forces Museum,
P.O. Box 5218,
Austin, Texas 78763-5218
