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Turret

New exhibits enhance Patton Museum

By DIANE MATTINGLY/Turret Associate Editor
If you haven’t visited the Patton Museum in a while, you’re in for a historical treat.

The post-WWII gallery has been remodeled, and many new exhibits have been added. The gallery contains exhibits from the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam, Bosnia and Kosovo, Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to Frank Jardim, the director of the museum, the new gallery, which occupies a quarter of the museum, is the first to include a historical story line. It tells the story of armor from the immediate post-war constabulary period up to the present day mechanized Soldier in Iraq, he said.

“The edition of a proper story line is really an educational milestone to the museum,� Jardim said. “We are capable of delivering a quality educational product experience without having a guided tour.�

Jardim said work began on the gallery during the summer and was largely finished by Christmas. Improved lighting and speakers will be added within the next month, he said.

Among new display items in the gallery are M1A1, M60A1, and M24 Chaffee tanks, murals, and a tank simulator, which should be operational within the next month. A new weapons display from Iraq showcases improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms weapons. The exhibits display the “heroes and villains� of each war in the form of mannequins dressed in authentic historic uniforms.

Col. Robert Valdivia, the director of the Armor School, was involved with the initial planning of the gallery. He said his intent was to show the public what the Army has done since WWII, and to have a gallery that Soldiers would be proud of. The work put into the project was a collaboration of efforts among many different people on post, he said.

“The gallery reflects the efforts of Soldiers, the Armor School librarian, historian, and staff, the artwork of Jody Harmon (art director for Armor magazine), and the Accessions Support Brigade,� Valdivia said.

A firm in Louisville was contracted to make six films which correspond to the different wars. The films were originally planned to run for eight minutes each, but Jardim said the firm got so involved in the project that six mini-documentaries that run for about 15 to 20 minutes each were completed instead.

“Some people might look familiar (in the films),� Jardim said. “(The films include) people who are currently on post. It’s pretty dramatic stuff.�

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Blume of Troop K, 6-15th Cavalry, was interviewed for the Bosnia/Kosovo campaign film.

“I’m very happy with the way the film turned out,� Blume said. “I’m very impressed with the way they have depicted current history.�

Blume said he was impressed with how well the Army, coupled with the stories he knew of his father’s service, was captured.

“It’s odd to see the current history alongside what I’ve read about history,� he said.

“It’s kind of surreal to see history that I have encountered.�

Blume donated several items to the museum, including uniforms, handbooks, and safety comic books made for Bosnian children. Valdivia said the museum is always seeking new artifacts and photos for its displays.

Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free.

Hello Neil,
I see in your message that they have a M1A1, is this an addition of the two M1s in storage (M1 with USA nr J2000C and the M1IP) Both were there in storage during july 2004.

Regards,
Lesley

- Tumbleweed

Exactly what is "Accessions Support Brigade"?

The Assessions Command is the Army command responsible for recruiting and the initial training of Soldiers. The support brigade is basically the organization that has all the PR stuff the Army drags out to get folks to join. Those big 18-wheelers with all the neat simulators that go around the country drawing the attention of high school kids. Even the Army Racing stuff falls under the Assessions Support Brigade.

The on-going improvements are amazing.

The modern gallery HAS transformed in the past few months.

Having just visited the Fred Ropkey Museum today, I can't wait to see the Patton Museum again. I was there in August of 2004 and they were doing a WWI diorama ... can't wait to see how that turned out!

- Tumbleweed

Meet Bart Baumgardner

Neil

- Sabot

- Tumbleweed

Exactly what is "Accessions Support Brigade"?

The Assessions Command is the Army command responsible for recruiting and the initial training of Soldiers. The support brigade is basically the organization that has all the PR stuff the Army drags out to get folks to join. Those big 18-wheelers with all the neat simulators that go around the country drawing the attention of high school kids. Even the Army Racing stuff falls under the Assessions Support Brigade.

Accesssions Command is the parent command of Recruiting Command and Cadet Command (ROTC). The support brigade also does stuff for ROTC recruiting.

C