jhigh
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North Pacific Military Corps
NOW HEAR THIS
Now is not too early to start thinking about Camp Adams at the 2011 Arlington Fly-In. Already, several meetings have been held between key Camp Adams core team members as well as with the Arlington management. We anticipate measurable growth of the military history area next year.All past participants who have thoughts or ideas about how to make this event better are invited to attend a brainstorming meeting October 9. Contact Bill High if you wish to attend. You may also send your thoughts to Bill so they can be included in the meeting discussions.
It is great to acknowledge that our present camp layout is rather crowded. In 2010 we added Highway One to feature Vietnam era material. Fire Base Buffalo was authentic under Ron Kachergas. leadership along with the Game Wardens and their PBR’s. To expand further, we will add another road to accommodate vehicles and displays. Named the ALCAN HIGHWAY, it will provide ample space specifically for the growing Canadian participation.
The Camp Adams team conducted a visitor survey several years ago to learn how well we were received by the public. We scored 4 out of 5. We have asked the Fly-In team to conduct a similar visitor survey in 2011 because we want to know if our growing part of the Fly-In is as good as we think it is. It can only be as good as we think we are by continuing to upgrade the size and quality of our presence.
The tank demonstrations and flack 88 firing were tremendous attractions and drew several hundred visitors to those activities. What else can we do to interact with the public? Well, we are considering giving jeep rides, have knowledgeable vehicle owners conduct small group tours of the Camp and set up a photo opportunity area with vehicles and weapons. What do you think will make the public feel more a part of the camp during their visit.?
Our 2010 results were 146 pieces of rolling stock, 5 major and numerous smaller displays and 22 warbird aircraft including both a Mitchell B-25 and a P-51 Mustang from the Historic Flight Foundation at Paine Field.
Most of our vehicle operators have military type tenting for camping. Sometimes it is difficult for the public to know whether the private camping area is open for their visit. To eliminate the public entering private tenting, please begin communicating now to your participants that they should affix easily seen signs where tents are PRIVATE QUARTERS.
Personalized laminated military styled vehicle data signs are available for $5.00 USD. Contact Mark Gresham at psi@psicylinders.com for more information. In addition to this type of signage for each vehicle on display, we encourage vehicle owners to provide more information about your vehicle.
Do you know other military history organizations that would be interested in receiving our NOW HEAR THIS report? If so, have them provide me a contact person and email address.
Bill High, Coordinator NPMC