This annual event started for us a little after noon on Friday when a good crew of LSMVPA members assembled on the Camp Mabry parade deck to put up the big camouflage net we would use as our base of operations over the weekend.  Despite the hot and muggy weather, this proceeded as planned.  Once the net was up, several military tents were erected inside, Scott S set up the mess hall facilities out back, and the several of the vehicles were put in place outside.  When this was done most folks headed home.  Jeff L, Scott S and Rory C remained to set up the rest of the gear for the display, and all three stayed in the encampment overnight.  Around 9:30pm a fierce storm arrived with sudden high winds and rain.  One of the camo net supports immediately gave way and made a square hit on our lantern, demolishing it.  Shortly thereafter, two more poles made a simultaneous and well coordinated strike on Scott, taking out his tent and leaving him with a knot on his head.  For the next two hours, the wind wreaked it’s vengeance on the camo net and the rain pelted down, then things quieted down a bit for the rest of the night. 

At 0430 Saturday with the rains gone, Scott crawled out and lit the barbeque pit fire and began to prepare for the day’s feasting.  Once daylight came, Jeff surveyed the damage to the nets and set about repairing and readjusting.  The gusty winds on Saturday meant that the net would need regular attention through the day.  Around 0700 other members began arriving for breakfast and to set up their parts in the display.  Madison had his usual extensive array of gear (always popular with the masses), and JD H Sr and Jr had a good collection of WWII gear set out.  Loads of folks came through the display, looked and poked at everything, asked lots of questions, and seemed to have a good time.

Scott fed us all well. 

Once re-enactment time started drawing near, the Jeep shuttle began, numerous members volunteering their time, vehicles and fuel to haul the public back and forth from the display area to the re-enactment area.  And not just the Jeeps were involved; Danny used his M37 and Toby his CCKW.

Saturday night, Jeff, Scott, and Rory, now joined by Rory’s sons David and Patrick, again stayed in the encampment, but had a much quieter night.

 Sunday was pretty much a repeat of Saturday, but without the wind and much hotter.  Patrick was a popular attraction, dressed in Jeff’s ghillie suit and fooling folks into thinking he was a dummy.  When he grabbed the unsuspecting person’s leg, there was usually a squeal from the victim and laughter from those watching.

At the end of the day, the encampment was taken down and loaded back onto the big trucks, and by the time we left there was nothing but a very well worn area of grass to mark our passing.

 The club display was reportedly very popular, and received nothing but the highest of praise from the public and from the Muster Day organizers.  We are told that upwards of 6000 folks attended this year’s event (way up from years past).

 Vehicles on display were Jeeps belonging to Toby C, JD H, Tim W (2), Herb T, John K, Jeff M, Glen V, Clint D, Fred H, and Ward B.  Danny and Madison brought their M37’s, Jeff his M35A2 with M105 trailer, and Rory his M813A1.  Toby debuted his beautiful 1942 shortbed CCKW recently brought back from Belgium.  Claude didn’t bring a vehicle, but did provide an M2HB .50cal to put on Toby’s CCKW ring-mount.  John K also brought two bicycles and his three ever popular R/C Stuart tanks.  Other members participated without vehicles, including Rick H, Barry F and Martin G.  The Guard very kindly provided two M925 5-tons and a Humvee to include in our vehicle display, which was anchored on one end by an M1A Abrams tank and on the other by an M109 self propelled howitzer.  They didn’t let us keep any of them afterwards though.

 A special thanks to Grill Sergeant Extraordinaire Scott, who dragged himself out of the rack at 0430 each morning and worked tirelessly through the day to feed us all.  When one thinks of “field food”, one normally doesn’t have stuffed pork loin, stuffed chicken thighs, Elk brisquit, or pulled pork in mind.  Scott prepared all of these and much more, with all the trimmings.  Many folks were fed, none were dissatisfied!

 Overall, a great event, and a great showing by the LSMVPA.