Events at the Museum of the American GI Scheduled

Henry Mayo, Chair of the Brazos County Historical Commission, recently provided information via email about events scheduled for March 22-23, 2013, at the Museum of the American GI located at 19124 South Highway 6 in College Station, Texas.  Henry’s message reads as follows:

If you have seen me in person this week, you will see that I have shaved off my beard again this Spring.  This is in preparation for my participation in the World War II reenactment at the Museum of the American GI Open House on Saturday, March 23. 

Please mark your calendars and see their great website for more information at http://magicstx.org/.  

Here is a direct link to a short video of the 2012 reenactment http://magicstx.org/OH2012.html to give you a better idea of what you will experience.

(In this 2011 photo, I am at the far right, without my helmet, as the tank commander on the M8 Greyhound armored car “Miss Emily”)

We strive for authenticity and Brent Mullins’ tanks are restored just like the day they were shipped overseas in the 1940s.  The all have original engines manufactured by Cadillac, Buick, Chrysler, Ford, Chevrolet, Continental, International and all of the contractors of the period.  Some of the tanks have multiple engines, running in unison.  We have them all on display Friday and Saturday, so be sure to bring cameras, kids, and expect a very unique educational experience.  The reenactment is at 3:00 p.m., and lasts a good hour or so.  Please plan to come early and browse the many vendors of everything military as well as exhibits such as very authentic, remote-control model tank battles.

Rest assured that battle reenactment is not too gory for kids, or that the guns are too loud.  You may want some ear plugs if you are sensitive to loud noises, but the blanks we shoot are not terribly loud.  The “wounded” and “killed” infantrymen do not use fake blood, etc., and they all march up to the crowd at the end to show off their uniforms, weapons, and equipment.  

The museum building exterior will be finished by the event and a fundraising dinner will be held there on Friday night (March 22) at 7:00 p.m.  Dress is casual, so please consider attending to help fund this great, non-profit museum and the great events they hold.  The plan is to have several reenactments and demonstrations of varying scale throughout the year, since the tanks will now be housed in the museum, on the reenactment property in south College Station (exit at the Texas World Speedway exit).

Hope to see you all there. 

Henry

For additional information about the museum and these events, visit the website at http://magicstx.org/, call 979-739-4037, or email robin@magicstx.org.

Thanks for bringing this to the attention of the membership of the Brazos Heritage Society, Henry.