TOUR AMERIA 2023 – CAMP DAVID RV PARK, COLUMBUS, GA

August 19, 2023

National Infantry Museum

Let me begin by saying that this museum is not for everyone. Who is it for? If you have an interest in history, in particular military history, or if you or someone you know is a graduate of infantry school at Fort Benning you’ll enjoy a visit. Inasmuch as I check both boxes I was looking forward to getting back to my roots and learning a bit more about the grunts or infantry of today.

However, one thing I quickly discovered as I made my way through the museum was that there was just too much, way too much, to take pictures of. This is the first time that I honestly felt totally overwhelmed. So, let me just hit some of the highlights of this incredible place.

This statue at the entrance depicts the typical pose of the infantry squad leader: powerful, dynamic, alert, weapon in hand leading his men forward.

So it is, and so it will always be. Despite all the advances in technology, there will always be a need for boots on the ground. In every battle the last 100 yards of the fight belongs to the Infantry. They are the ones called upon to make the final push, to give their all inorder to achieve the final objective.

A soldier, a warrior, an American this is the creed we live and die by. I’m proud to say I was once a member of this group. And were I able to today, I would without hesitation serve my country again.

Shades of yesteryear. This is were my Army career began. How well I remember, as if it were yesterday how it all began. The moment you got off the bus you were assaulted from all sides with the Drill Sergeants yelling at the top of their lungs at you. They began immediately to let you know that you now belonged to them. Within hours your head was shaved and you were in a uniform the same as everyone else. You were no longer a name but a number. The transformation had begun.

And you ran, everywhere. Sometimes with nothing on your back. Other times with full equipment, often times exceeding 35 pounds in weigh.

This was the day’s schedule. Oh my, I can’t even imagine doing this today. First of all, that is way to early for anyone to be getting up.

This is where it all ended. This is the parade grounds where final graduation was held. You stood at attention, tall and proud, because you realized you had made it.

The only real thing that has changed from them until today is that Fort Benning is now known as Fort Moore. The base was originally named after a Confederate General and slave owner who fought against the United States during the Civil Way. By 2020 it became clear that the name had to be changed because it did not personify the Army’s policy of inclusion and diversity.

In 2023 the base name was finally changed to Fort Moore in honor of General Hal Moore who served with distinction in Vietnam.

There were many reasons that General Moore was chosen, but just consider the following

Oh, that our country had leaders like this today.

There was so much more here to see. The history of warfare from the Civil War to today. The way that weapons have evolved and adapted. The changing technology that makes the life of an infantry soldier so much better today. There was a display regarding the formation and development of the Calvary. I absolutely enjoyed my time here and was thrilled that I had the chance to take in all that it had to offer.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.