Happy Independence Day weekend! The M1 Garand is an iconic symbol of the American military history, and a proud example of 250 years of weapon development. From its continuity within World War II to its portrayal within Hollywood, it carries a legacy. The M1 Garand was the standard issued rifle during World War II and the Korean war, it is a 30 caliber, gas operated, and semi automatic rifle. The Garand was invented by a man named John Cantius Garand who was employed by the U

George Leonard McCandless was born on November 17th, 1938 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and grew up during and in the aftermath of World War II. He grew up learning about American patriotism as his father served in World War II in the United States Army. After graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1956, McCandless decided to follow his father and join the United States Army , and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. This was the start of McCandless's paratrooper car

“Gee!! I wish I were a man, I’d join the Navy” 1917 recruiting poster by Howard Chandler Christy This week we will be looking at an iconic piece of recruiting history from World War I, a poster that brought not just patriotism but challenged gender roles. The 1917 “Gee!! I wish I were a man, I’d join the Navy” is a classic and early representation of recruiting history for the U.S. Navy. Howard Chandler Christy was the artist that created this poster and at the bottom of the

In preparation for our Warbird weekend next week, we will be looking at a rotating artifact that will be in our museum and available to view temporarily, the B-25 “Yellow Rose.” The Yellow Rose is a vintage B-25 Mitchell World War II bomber. The bomber was christened with the name “Yellow Rose” in honor of the song “The Yellow Rose of Texas” due to the aircraft being restored and flown by the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing. The Yellow Rose has been restored to its