As you drive south on Highway 6 in College Station, heading toward Navasota, on your right your are going to pass by a complex, the Museum of the American G.I. that perhaps you think has been there for as long as you’ve known this area. In fact, it has only been a nonprofit that came to be in 2001 because a group of devoted former service personnel had a dream and committed its basic premise to establish a formal 501©3 where gifts could be given in support of this idea.
Many might think the idea came from Texas A&M, with a proud military history and tradition, but in fact it did not. It was current president and CEO Brent Mullins who met with area friends among veterans who had seen combat and lifelong military service as a career to see what their thoughts might be about establishing a center for housing actual combat vehicles that highlight the world of those who serve in “armor, infantry, and artillery units.”
Dr. Leisha Mullins serves as secretary and treasurer and she has been vital in collecting uniforms from service women in all service organizations. Justin Ellison is another Board Member since 2015 and “leads the museum’s living history program and the Armored Support Group.”
In addition to housing the equipment, the museum would serve to honor those veterans who provided service to their country and possibly gave their lives during combat. There is nothing so awesome as seeing the faces of children when they stand in front of a real tank. The tank towers over them and to see the sophisticated location of weapons on the tanks is itself awe-inspiring.
You can see the uniforms that service personnel wore so many year ago; you can stand right in front of a real Sherman tank, and the next time you say something “is as big as a Sherman tank,” you’ll really know exactly how big that is. All the equipment, museum personnel say, is fully restored and functional.
Twenty years ago, a small group of advocates went out into the community and spoke with individuals about the idea. Robin Silva was one of those people I recall who was an early proponent. Her career in the Army prepared her well. Together with other equally enthusiastic volunteers, they sat and talked with anyone who would listen about the idea. Ultimately an attractive prospectus was designed, complete with drawings and group President Mullins had a line on several first pieces of equipment to bring in.
In time, the plot of land was located and secured portable but solid buildings were constructed and equipment began arriving to be put into motion. Brent Mullins was uniquely qualified to lead the group as he is considered “a worldwide leading expert in historical U.S. military hardware. There is also his devotion as a reenactor and vendor in national military events and it has translated into benefiting our community through Living History Weekend, held annually onsite.
A quick check of their calendar shows that on October 22, from 8am to 5pm, there will be the WWII Tank Experience, with the M24 Chaffee and MS Stuart Light Tanks. Participants can ride in the tanks, watch as the main gun fires, and have photos and videos to remember the day. There’s no denying the fact that many future Texas A&M Corps of Cadets students will come here via the Museum of the American GI or a school ROTC program in preparation for their becoming Aggies.
The next event is their History in Motion weekend November 12-13, and November 19, there will be History AAR with Stephen Moore, which includes the chance to ride in the tank, fire a 75mm Howitzer of maybe a paintball machine gun. Visit here for details, pricing, and tickets. Some activities require just an entrance ticket but admission and participation into other activities can be secured. Always check their website first before you go.
Visit their website www.americanmuseum.org/education/ daily to learn “This Day in History” and “Explore History” to learn the important stories of U.S. military history and leaders as well as being great sources for trivia and Geography Bees, held at area schools.
The Brazos Valley continues to be at the forefront of activities that enhance and enrich learning and curiosity for area children and young families. Next month, or sooner, make the short drive out there and take in everything our area has to give. I can’t wait until Rowen is older so we can take him there with us and see his reaction. Meanwhile we are starting with pointing out to him the changing of the leaves where we point and say: “How beautiful!” We are so lucky to have our Museum of the American G.I. right here in our on community.
