Hutto ISD requested that we again put on a Veteran’s Day display for the kids.  This was set for the Friday the 10th, since the 11^th was a Saturday this year.  Due to scheduling issues, we only had the Cold War display this time.

On Thursday, LSMVPA members John SS, Jeff L, Madison H, and Rory C set up the display with the help of volunteers John S, John C, Mitch C, and Rory’s kids.  The huge camo nets were erected over John SS’ M35A2 with M832 trailer, Jeff’s M35A2 with M105 trailer, Rory’s M813A1 and Unimog, and three tents.  Thursday night several members slept in the encampment for security.

Early Friday morning Danny K arrived to join the crew, and all was ready when the first kids showed up shortly after 8am.  From then on, a constant stream of elementary and high school students came through and were given information about military life in general as well as the equipment on display. 

Around 1:30, the San Marcos Skydivers put on a spirited parachute display, after which their jump plane buzzed the encampment.  Following this, the Confederate Air Force arrived with three aircraft and did multiple passes over and around us. Once the school day was over, many kids returned with their parents/families/friends to see the display.  It was a pleasure to hear the kids accurately lecturing their guests about what they had learned earlier. 

Approximately 1400 students came through the display.  With seven people running it this year (all of whom were veterans themselves, incidentally), things were easier on us, and a good program was provided.  

Later in the evening everyone left except John SS, Jeff and Rory, who slept in the encampment again.

Before dawn on Saturday, John C came back and the process of striking the encampment began in earnest.  Everything was down and loaded into the trucks in time for the members to head into Austin with their vehicles for the Veteran’s Day parade.

There were some added aspects to this year’s display-

Multiple military uniforms were loaned by LSMVPA members and others to the elementary school for a display inside.

The high school very kindly provided skid-o-cans nearby; these were much appreciated by all.

A special thanks to our non-member volunteers for their help with the display, and to David K and Debbie W of Hutto ISD for working so hard on providing a great Veteran’s Day program each year.