Annual 'Muster Day' Enables Citizens to See Their Military

National Guard, Nov 2003 by Wester, Matthew S

Texas

Military tanks and trucks rumbled by in a long line as curious children and adults, many of whom were viewing these vehicles close up for the first time, watched the noisy procession.

No, these vehicles weren't driving through an Iraqi village en route to Baghdad. They were headed toward the viewing area on Camp Mabry, Texas, as part of the 29th annual Muster Day, sponsored by the Texas National Guard and supported by the Texas Military Forces Museum.

The parade was just one of many offerings at the Texas National Guard headquarters in Austin Oct. 4 and 5. The activities, demonstrations and displays enabled the public to meet the military and see-in some cases with hands and feet-their equipment.

Hundreds of spectators-including civilians, current service members and military retirees-turned out to enjoy the events that spotlight the history of Texas' military forces.

Among the highlights were a precision flyover by the Texas Air Guard's 149th Fighter Wing and a parade that featured war re-enactors and vintage military vehicles as well as current equipment.

At the end of the parade, the reenactors brought Texas military history back to life with separate mock battles involving Civil War and World War liera equipment.

Meanwhile, current Texas Guardsmen allowed their guests to kick the tires and explore vehicles and aircraft most had only seen on TV and in the movies.

Among the hundreds attending Muster Day were veterans who wanted to spend the day reconnecting with their military past.

"I've had a lifelong interest in the military, so that brought me out here," said Mort Shefflee of Georgetown, who was wounded at Normandy, France, in September 1944 while serving in the Army.

-By Spc. Matthew S. Wester