| Event: | Muster Day/American Heroes Day |
| Date: | 18,19,20 April 2008 |
| Location: | Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas |
| Description: |
For the first time, these two events were combined into one weekend. The after action evaluations will determine how successful this was, but it seems to have gone well. Topside Events This annual event started for us as usual on Friday, when most of the members attending brought their vehicles out. This year we were in the grassy area in front of the chapel near the museum. The assigned area wasn’t large enough to accommodate the big trucks, so we appropriated some adjacent pavement for them to park on. Most folks headed home after placing their vehicles and gear. Madison, John SS and Rory stayed and slept in their vehicles. No storms this year, so it was a quiet night. Saturday’s events included the WWII re-enactment down in the usual area, but this year the parade deck and surrounds were used by various emergency services to display their gear, vehicles and helicopters. Since we were pushed off into the periphery, we did not set up any camo nets, tents or other gear that we have in the past. Madison did have his usual very impressive and always popular display of military comm gear and weapons. Once re-enactment time started drawing near, the Jeep shuttle began (more accurately the MV shuttle, since Danny and the TxSG both drove their M37s), numerous members volunteering their time, vehicles and fuel to haul the public back and forth from the museum area to the re-enactment area. Late Saturday afternoon, most of the emergency services folks began to pull out and leave their spots vacated. Dissatisfied with our display area, Rory did a recon and found a very suitable laager under several large oak trees near the grandstands. Having received a “move where you want to” from the powers that be, we did just that. The big trucks were put in place, then all the vehicles we had keys to were moved. Madison stayed overnight with the vehicles we couldn’t move until their owners showed up in the morning. John SS and Rory, now joined by David and Patrick, stayed in the new encampment. Sunday morning we had more visitors in the first thirty minutes than we did all of Saturday. Our new location proved ideal, with lots of shade and being close enough to the events that we could see what was going on, and be a part of the event. The Army did a very impressive display of a helo troop insertion and patrol to an ambush. The ambush was assaulted and neutralized, then the troops were picked up again by the Blackhawk. Of note, John C, who helps with the Hutto display each year and is also in the 36ID, was leader and machine gunner for the ill-fated “insurgent” detachment. Once again, the Jeep taxi service was provided for the WWII re-enactment, transporting a large number of the public down to the battle area and back. The show closed at 4pm, we packed our gear and departed. Overall, a great event, and a great showing by the LSMVPA. Members present included Toby C, JD H Sr and Jr, Tim W, Herb T, John K, Jeff M, Glen V, Clint D, Fred H, Ward B, Danny K, Madison H, John SS, Claude V, Rick H, Scott S, and Rory and his kids. Unfortunately we didn’t get to enjoy the talents of our Grill Sergeant Extraordinaire this year, and his mastery of the grill was much missed by all. |
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