Iron Mike Museum, Columbus, GA open Saturdays 1000-1600 hrs.

[Uglyranger]

http://www.ironmikemuseum.org/
A bunch of old, retired Air Force, Army and Marine veterans hang out at the Iron Mike Museum every Saturday from 1000-1600 hours. Kids are encouraged to touch, get into and sometimes ride a WWII Half Track, Deuce, 5 ton dump, various Jeeps and a M114 (when there are enough ground guides). You can listen to or add to tall tales and war stories, or just look around. It won't cost you nothing, but time.

 

[WillWagner]

RE: Iron Mike Museum, Columbus, GA open Saturdays 1000-1600

Cool! What is the vehicle on the left? Looks like an M37, but not, looks like an M38, but not. Someone left the door open on the halftrack...the dome light is gonna kill the batteries.

 

[73m819]

RE: Iron Mike Museum, Columbus, GA open Saturdays 1000-1600

that would be a cool place for mini SS GA .meet, convoy in and have a fun afternoon

 

[Uglyranger]

The vehicle to the left is a FAV (Fast Attack Vehicle) M151A2 that was used in Grenada. It had a M60 machine gun mounted on the passenger side, and a .50 cal mounted up top. A Command Sgt Major said he used one, and they were all painted black. Had a crew of six and were mainly used at night.
Everybody is welcome any Saturday (everybody works during the week). Bring yer junk and show us what ya got.

 

[wreckerman893]

I have met Larry ("Papa Bear" on SS) who is one of the movers and shakers of the museum.
He and the whole crew are good folks.
We are working with the GA MPVA and the Dixie Division (AL) of the MPVA about holding a big event next spring.
Columbus has a lot to offer for us MV oriented folks. There is Fort Benning, the new Infantry Museum (located near the Iron Mike Museum), the Confederate Gunboat Museum and lots of other places to go. There are motels and eating joints aplenty nearby. If you like military gear there are several shops that sell new and used stuff.
If you are in the area on a Saturday the museum is loacted at the Farmers Market just off of Victory Drive about a mile from the bridge over the Chattahooche river.

 

[jasonjc]

WOW a 60 cal machine gun!! I don't think I have ever seen one that big before

 

[papabear]

Jason......obviously Ugly meant an M60 MG. We don't mind the hazzing....it's part of life. We do what we do to honor our Veterans and those in service now.
Our little museum is manned by just a few good men...and some women who help out when they can. We are proud of our efforts.
If you knew Ugly, you would know that he not only knows what an M60 is but he has used it...in combat.
We may not be perfect in our computer skills or even good in communication skills, but by GOD ALMIGHTY...we are retirees and Veterans who are proud to be!!

 

[neilhendrix]

I think It is great to say the least. I hope to visit someday. You wonderful people keep it up. I`d be there right beside you but the comute/ drive daily would be a little much from N.C.

 

[papabear]

That's the spirit Neil......and the support is much appreciated. If ya get a chance to come this way let me know. We will arrange for you to see our stuff.....you won't be disappointed.

 

[papabear]

73m819....Clinto is in charge of the GA SS Rallys and has plans already made for this year. We will support those plans as best we can within mission requirements. We have offered him our area for some sort of rally next year. We have lots of strong points but really have no trail ride etc areas.
I've learned it's best to leave things to those with the experience so we will be talking to Clinto and see what he thinks about a rally being held here. It's all good as long as we do something to keep the spirit alive.

 

[73m819]

i ment something on the order of a little sat get-to gether sometime with some advance notice
as faw as clint being in the commander of the ga rallys , i learned a long time ago that if the commander is doing a good job (which he is) let him stay in command other wise if i make waves i cuold be told "IF YOU CAN DO IT BETTER YOU DO IT" in this case that would not be a better idea

 

[neilhendrix]

Wow you guys got it going on just toooooo D$#@n far for me to drive with the fuel prices the way they are.

 

[neilhendrix]

Iron Mike

Heres the ride very long ride to Columbus

 

[Uglyranger]

Jason: I changed it to M60 in my post. Thanks for catching the mistake. I took your comment in the way it was intended, and pulled my head out of the fourth point of contact.

 

[papabear]

73M819 I totally agree with your post above. We would love to host a mini one day rally for anyone who just wants to get together, hang out and mutually admire each others MV's. We're like that here. No BS, no...that's not correct, just hey...I did the best I could with what I could get and here it is - type stuff.
We have plenty of room to do whatever needs to be done (-) trail riding etc.
We are open every Saturday if any of you fellers just want to drive over and hang for awhile...maybe cook up some burgers or sumpin.

 

[papabear]

very nice looking truck neilhendrix....if you come down to our place maybe ya better drive a POV. That truck would make all our deuces ashamed of themselves.

 

[neilhendrix]

Thanks But I think all the trucks would get along just fine

 

[WillWagner]

Can you post a close up of the FAV? You guys are doing a great job on the museum. I have seen first hand how hard it is to maintain a collection of vehicles. It is ALOT of work and appreciated by only a few people. Keep up the good work. One of these days, I will make it out east to the places and gatherings there. I'll warn you when that time comes.

 

[Uglyranger]

The FAV is one of the favorite vehicles that everybody likes to climb aboard. The wheels are stock, but the tires are not (too small).

 

[ARMYMAN30YearsPlus]

If I recall correctly go on a friday and you can also catch the latest Airborne class doing their final jumps to earn their wings. The other classes will be in ground week or tower week and those are great action pack adventures to take in as well. I am trying to get the SF guys here to let me jump with them in Korea just because I just turned 54 is not a detriment but an encouragement...