Guntruck gathering xii(12)

[papabear]

Well yesterday was a hoot!! Went on a tour of the National Infantry Museum and attended a graduation of a fresh batch of Infantry Soldiers while we were there.
After that we convoyed onto Fort Benning, had a wonderful meal at the Armor/Bradley Training Facility and then toured both the Armor and Bradley training facility for the mechanics.

It's was interesting to learn that the mechanic MOS has been opened to female soldiers.

We were allowed to take pics inside the facility and of the vehicles but were asked not to take pics of the fire control systems or a couple other things. It was just outstanding to see some of that stuff and the Cadre was absolutely outstanding!!

Here's a few pics:

 

[papabear]

Oh...forgot to tell ya. We were told by the Public Affairs Office that the Guntrucks would not be allowed on Ft. Benning and we started making calls.

We had 5 Guntrucks and 21 POVs loaded with Vietnam Vets and family and when we arrived at the Access Control Point to enter Fort Benning a DOD Police officer moved a barricade and waived us to that lane which had been closed.
I stopped the dually in front of him and he saluted, then said "Sir we were told you folks would be coming and welcome home to all your friends"...then he passed the entire convoy thru without issue.

Anyhoo...here's a few more pics: Pic one is some Officers from Columbia who wanted to see the trucks.

 

[zout]

Inside of that museum looks like the inside of KENTS garage while working on his WC

 

[papabear]

Today was the last day of the Gathering. I took some good pics...but Tony went home with my camera...I hope.

Maybe I can post some pics tomorrow night.

 

[patracy]

Please post all the pics you can. I wanted to come, but I'm at work right now. Generator cut over at the data center.

 

[papabear]

I think Zout and Zout-2 have some pics to. Don't know if Ferro and Porta John took any or not...but we will get some posted.

 

[zout]

I sent mine all to PB to post what he felt was "proper" for the event he wants to represent -

Deb and I got down there just about the time we thought we would - even though a HUGE thunderstorm rolled through here about a 1/2 hour before departure time - I cannot tell what fun I was looking forward to just to get out of Atlanta with that happening - some of ya know what I mean. I was not failed in my belief - we sat nearly 1/2 in one area and about the same in another - But after hitting I85 it was another story to make up some lost time.

SPECTACULAR describes it and heartbreaking in others listing to the Vets speak of bothers lost in battle - watching a few barely able to choke up the words cannot be described in words.

Met up with the fellas at the front door and it was non stop till hitting the bed. I am sad we could not have been down there sooner but happy we could make it.
See what pics of mine PB wants to post up.

 

[papabear]

Pic 1. Our very own Tinwoodsman introducing Paul B. who is an exceptional artist and travelled with TWM from Texas to attend this event and to present COL. Paul Longgrear(RET) a bronze POW MIA sculpture which he made in honor of the Colonel. There are 3 of these in the world...including the original artist's proof.
I won't get too deep into it...but it's a heartbreaking story. If you are interested just type the Colonel's name into google search and learn a little about a true American hero.
Sadly...I don't think we got a pic of the sculpture...I hope TWM has one.


Pic 2. Counselor Huff of Columbus, Georgia reading a Mayor's Proclamation proclaiming August 8th as "Vietnam Guntruck Day" in Columbus, Georgia.

Pic 3,4, and 5 are general pics of stuff going on yesterday.

 

[papabear]

Pic 1...Proud American and Black Widow heading back to the CAMO Compound today.

Pic 2...Tinwoodsman dancing on the pole for dollars because we didn't have bar bill money.

Pic 3...Porta John and Ferro critiquing the event.

Pic 4...PapaBear pointing to the pink elephant about midnight.

Pic 5...PB and Ron Smith(Black Widow) taking care of important business as Tinwoodsman points out the UFO.

Pic 6...Paul B and Tony present Col Longgrear the sculpture.

Pic 7...CAMO Command unit escorted by Ugly Ranger Guntruck departs the AO.

End of mission...until next year...in Chattanooga, Tennessee!!