| Event: | Hutto Veretans Day |
| Date: | 7 November, 2011 |
| Location: | Hutto, Texas |
Hutto ISD puts on Veterans Day programs in all their schools each year, and it was requested that we again put on our display for the kids. The schools like to provide the display prior to Veterans Day itself so the kids have a better understanding when the day arrives. This year’s display was set for the Monday the 7th.
On Sunday the 6th, a crew consisting of Sam R, Patrick C, Panda, and Rory C got together to set up. Jane C from the school was there to help also. Mother Nature decided that despite Texas being in the worst drought for 50 years, she would break it that day; it started to rain heavily in the afternoon while we were trying to drive vehicles in, but we got them there anyway. As the rain continued, the area where we planned to set up looked like it would turn muddy like last time, so once again we took over the small school parking lot instead. This move to a paved surface precluded the setting up of any camo nets. Rory and Panda stayed in the encampment overnight, while the rain continued to pour down.
Early Monday morning more vehicles arrived, and by 0815 a crew consisting of Scott P., Patrick C, Rory C, Panda, Madison H, John S, Mitch C, and new member Jeff R were ready for the kids. Thankfully, the rain let up, so while the ground was still wet we were not rained on while we had kids coming through the display. The well-timed few showers we had (short term torrents would be a better description) were handled with tarps we had on hand.
The Confederate Air Force was to provide an aerial display in the early afternoon, but the clouds and wind threatened that plan. However, at the appointed time, they showed up. They had promised us 12 aircraft, we got 14! Included were a P-51 Mustang, two Mitchell’s (a B-25 and a PBJ Marine version), and four T-6’s. They made eight low passes over the schools before departing, and the kids loved it.
The official count was 583 kids through the display, not counting kids from other schools, or ones who came through after the school day was over. Topics covered included field medicine, vehicles, camouflage, weaponry, and other military gear.
Once all visitors had left, the encampment was struck between heavy showers, loaded into the trucks and everyone departed for a well earned rest.
Feedback from the school after the event has been extremely positive. An entire batch of hand written thank you notes from the kids has been received.
Vehicles displayed were-
M1028 with M101A2 - Sam R
M35A2 - Scott P
M37 and toys - Madison H
V100/M706, M185A3, M1009 with M416 - Rory C
To assist in reducing download time, Thumbnail pictures are below - simply click on the picture to see an enlarged version. To return to this page, use your Browsers BACK button.
Pictures by Madison H..
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