Greetings and welcome to my first letter as the new President of the Board of Directors for the Military Museum of Fort Worth.  I am writing this from Sicily where I am doing one more job for the U.S. Navy before I retire.

Shortly before I left to come here, we moved the museum.  Invariably, the question of "why" comes up.  The answer, to put it simply, comes down to economics.  When we moved into the mall location over five years ago, there were still many stores and decent foot traffic.  Today, that is not the case.  We have watched the mall become emptier and emptier with the result that mall traffic steadily became less and less.  Unlike other museums, the Military Museum does not have a large endowment or a generous benefactor to help pay the bills.  We would love to have one of each, but until that person steps up, we are supporting the museum with small donations and entrance fees.  Even as the mall became emptier, fewer visitors came by, and revenues diminished, the Museum rent and operating expenses steadily increased.  With most of our meagre income covering rent, we were unable to improve the museum displays and exhibits as much as we wanted to.  As any good Sailor, Soldier, Airman, or Marine knows, you always improve your position, and that is what we always strove to do.  The wonderful displays at the museum were created with little or no budget; they were mainly the product of all the wonderful people who volunteered their time, and who also helped run the Museum on a daily basis.  One has to wonder what could have been accomplished with a reasonable budget and with paid full-time workers.  At any rate, it became apparent to us that staying in the mall was economically unsustainable.  So, after much discussion, crunching the numbers, and trepidation, the decision was made to temporarily close the museum and move.

The new Headquarters of the Museum, along with the research library and some displays will be located at 712 Dorothy Lane and will be opening soon with limited hours.  The rest of the displays were returned to the kind people who loaned them to us or are currently being stored for future use.  So now what do we do?  First, we have to decide what we can reasonably afford to pay in rent, then we have to find a location / building that fits our needs and budget; this could take some time.

Second, without the pressure of having to run the museum on a daily basis, we can take the time to do a proper museum-level inventory, and cleanup of our holdings, including the library.  This will allow us to better plan displays, to offer new and thought-provoking exhibits of artifacts from various sources.

We also now have time to do things outside of a museum environment.  Our tank, which is now running, is on display at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, and we hope soon to be able to place our half-track at that location and be able to offer rides in each.  Recently we were able to take part in Hops and Props at that facility and look forward to doing more similar events.  We are also brainstorming more creative ways to get our name out there and connect more people to history.

I believe this pause will only be temporary, and that we will come out of it stronger and better than before.  As the old Merle Haggard song put it, "The best of the free life is still yet to come, the good times aint over for good."  Is there still a lot of work that needs to be done?  Yes, there is. Will it be hard to reopen the museum and attract visitors?  Probably, but I think we had some impressive displays, and we are planning even more.  Could we use more volunteers and benefactors?  Absolutely!  We cannot do this alone; We Need You!  We need people to work in the museum, to work online with social media, to help raise funds, to attend community events, and on and on.  It truly takes a community, a platoon, a division, an army, etc.. to run a successful operation.

Our mission has not changed; we are still committed to HONOR, PRESERVE, and EDUCATE.  It is the mission of The Military Museum of Fort Worth to acquire, preserve, and display, in an educational fashion, artifacts that have a story connecting them to the people who used them in the service of our country.  Every soldier's story is unique, and every artifact has its own tale.  By combining authentic artifacts with the story of the soldiers who used them, we not only honor the service-member, but educate the viewers of all age groups in a way that leaves a lasting impression and indelible memory of an enriching experience.

Editor's Note:  Kudos to our President, Navy Chief Dale Wagner, for making time to share his thoughts during his active duty mobilization.  All here at Military Museum of Fort Worth, are proud of his continued service, and look forward to his speedy, safe return.

Too many things have transpired in the last few days, weeks, and months to report in a timely manner.  The President's Report covers a lot of ground vis a vis the Museum, so I'll just throw out a few things I think will be of interest.  (BTW, it's great to hear from our President from half-way around the world).  So here you go....

THE OLD GUARD BUNCH
I'm sure frequent readers of our quarterly newsletter, DOG TAGS, have seen the recurring notice called The Old Guard Bunch (OGB), and many have wondered what it's all about; what more than is stated in the notice.  Well, this is a good time to give a brief summary of what The Old Guard Bunch is.  It's pretty simple and straightforward really.  Some years back, a few retired Texas Army National Guard soldiers missed the comradeship of their soldier buddies and thought it would be a good idea to meet on occasion to reconnect with old friends, hash over their military exploits, and rekindle the fellowship they had previously shared.  Retired Brigade Command Sergeant Major Bill Abernathy, and retired Signal Battalion NCO Wanita Lovell took the lead in organizing the effort to make it happen and called it the Old Guard Bunch.  The beauty of the Old Guard Bunch is that it's not an organization at all in the normal sense; no officers, no dues, rules, programs, presentations, or bylaws; just a "Bunch" of old soldiers eating a meal and sharing comradeship.  At first, it was taken to mean that it was only for retired National Guardsmen, but Wanita is quick to point out that it's for any retired military of any branch who want to meet and mix with other military retirees.  Wanita maintains a roster for those who participate and sends them an occasional email with upcoming get-together dates, and a status on sick or passed participants.  For those who attend, lunch is an option at their own expense.  In sum, OGB is a great vehicle for those who want to meet up with old friends they might not otherwise get to see.  Kind of a "Cheers" for military retirees.

A great example is the April 17 OGB gathering.  I learned that one of my old Commanders was coming to town and wanted to meet up with some of his old soldiers.  I emailed several and decided that the OGB lunch would be the perfect meeting place.  The result was two Master Sergeants, George Belcher and Richard Jacobs; a Command Sergeant Major, Rodger Brownlee; and four Colonels, Vince Dimaggio, Andy Ward, Gary Owens, Issac Gusukuma and his wife Marilyn, attending.  It went off well, stories of old times (and probably a few lies) were told, and everyone had a great time.  Plans were discussed to make this a regular event for this group.

Issac and Marilyn Gusukuma at the Old Guard Bunch lunch

Old Guard Bunch lunch. Front to Back: L Side: Vince Dimagio, Andy Ward, Issac and Marilyn Gusukuma. R Side: Rodger Brownlee, Gary Owens, Richard Jacobs, George Belcher

So, for all readers, please keep the Old Guard Bunch in mind for your next reunion, get-together. or just for meeting new friends.  Your group won't disrupt anything since there is no formal meeting or program, and you can just come alone if you want.  The upcoming dates for the Old Guard Bunch are: Friday July 17, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, and Friday October 16, 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

I also want to take the opportunity to give a huge shoutout to Wanita Lovell, who not only works tirelessly to coordinate and keep the Old Guard Bunch on track, but has devoted untold hours to the Military Museum of Fort Worth during this time of its transition.  She showed up for days on end to help pack and move our displays and exhibits; was often the first to arrive and the last to leave.  She was just one of several volunteers, but her contribution, was a big factor in the success of our mission.  She's a soldier who has no quit in her.

4th ANNUAL CAMP BOWIE VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY and REUNION
Received a recent email from Sergeant Major (r) Raymond Jacobs in Brownwood with details of their upcoming annual reunion.  Like the Old Guard Bunch, this reunion originated a few years back as a get together for ex-members of the 3rd Tank Battalion, 2-112 Armor of the 49th Armored Division.  It grew so large so fast with so many retirees other than those from 3rd Tank, including those of the 36 Infantry Division that supersede the 49th, that last year the organizers formalized their organization and formed a Board of Directors.  As a point of interest, the 3rd Tank Battalion was headquartered in Brownwood, Texas, where the 36th Infantry Division was mobilized for WWII.  The 3rd Tank Battalion headquartered there until the 49th was deactivated and the 36th was reactivated in 2004 and now uses the site.  So, the 36th has come full circle from WWII vis a vis now having units in Brownwood.

With the formalization of the organization, the name was changed to the "Annual Camp Bowie* Veterans Appreciation Day and Reunion" to better serve the various veterans who participate.

The following is the email message from SGM Jacobs dated 13 April 2026:
"Good morning, everyone.  Just wanted to send out information on the Reunion and Appreciation Day on 19 September 2026.  We moved dates due to making it more in line with the Camp Bowie origination date back in September 1941.  We will start Board meetings soon to go over details for this year.  We have met a couple of times to go over some expenditures and lock down a band and food.  Pass the word around. The day will be September 19, 2026.  Appreciation Day will be at Bruner's starting that morning, and reunion at the armory; social at 6 and meal at 7.  More detail to follow.  Ray"

We look forward to more details about this gathering and will reach out with a view to some form of participation by Military Museum of Fort Worth.  Stay tuned.

*  Interesting fact: Camp Bowie was the name given to the site in Fort Worth, TX where the 36th Infantry Division mobilized for WWI. The name was again applied to the site where the 36th mobilized for WWII, this time in Brownwood, TX.  So, there are two sites named Camp Bowie, both sites designated for the mobilization of the 36th Infantry Division in both World Wars 1 and 2.  Hope this clears up any confusion.

MEMORIAL DAY MUSINGS
I got up in the morning and put out my flag and had a feeling of pride and gratitude to see that most folks in my neighborhood and on my block had done the same.

Then of course, like most veterans, I spent the day fielding the inevitable string of texts, emails, and phone calls wishing me a "happy Memorial Day” and thanking me for my service.  I've long since stopped correcting these well-wishers for confusing Memorial and Veterans Days, knowing that they're well-meaning and that their hearts are in the right place.  Instead, I just give them a sincere "thanks" for being kind, and for remembering a day that honors veterans.

No Bar B Q or weenie roasts for me; for the three days designated as the Memorial Day weekend, I binged on war movies that were running non-stop on TCM.  Nostalgia took over as I sat and watched these great movies, many of which inspired and influenced me as I was growing up.  A few of the more memorable ones I watched this Memorial Day were; BATAAN - A WWII release about the last-ditch defense of the Philippines.  As a 10-year-old, this one impressed me so much that I scrounged up an old helmet liner and fashioned a broomstick "Tommy" gun so I could mow down the invaders and defend the creek bed behind my house; all the while throwing mudball grenades and smoking grapevines (to add to the realism).

Then, two classic blockbusters from the 50s; DARBY'S RANGERS, and MERRIL'S MARAUDERS; flicks that I was fortunate enough to see with my older cousin Les Brownlee (the future Secretary of the ARMY).  The venue was the Bronco Drive-in theater in Odessa Texas, and our theatre seating was an old beat-up WWII era oil field jeep with worn out seats and no windshield.  We sat under the stars in the West Texas heat munching our popcorn and sipping our Cokes, absorbed and in awe of these action-packed features; dreaming of and discussing our own aspirations for careers in the military (a few years later, my cousin, Les was the honor graduate at the U.S. Army Ranger School).  THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO inspired me to build a mockup of the cockpit of a B-25 Michell bomber on the flat Roof of my garage, hanging models of enemy fighters from nearby tree limbs.  I was so impressed, that right then and there I decided I wanted to become an aviator in the Army Air Corps.  And then, of course, there was THE STORY OF G.I. JOE, the poignant Ernie Pyle classic that didn't hold back when depicting ordinary heroism and the brutal cost of war.  The final scene of the squad of soldiers saying goodbye to their fallen Captain is unforgettable.  A fitting Memorial Day tribute.  And no war movie marathon could be complete without more recent offerings; BLACK HAWK DOWN, BAND OF BROTHERS, and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN fit that bill; three latter day classics in which Hollywood finally reaches the pinnacle of the visual realities and horror of combat.  The first and the last scenes in Saving Private Ryan, in which an aged Ryan visits the American Cemetery in Normandy with his family to visit the grave of the man who sacrificed his life to save his, say more than mere words to describe the true spirit and meaning of Memorial Day. These are a few of the many war movies I watched over the three day period and couldn't help but remember how I felt when I first saw them, and was pleased that they still evoked some of the same emotions, many from so long ago.

Memorial Day is for me always a time of remembrance, reflection, and introspection in a couple of ways; remembering not only the fallen of our many wars, but also, on a personal level, the people who inspired, befriended, guided, and sometimes prodded me to fulfill my own destiny.  None of them died in combat, but many of them fought and bled nevertheless, serving their country faithfully and honorably in careers often spanning decades.  They're all gone now, but I think about and honor them every single day.  So please indulge me as I share with you, my personal roll of honor, starting with my Mother's father and four Brothers.

Emsley Clete Meek Sr, Pvt U.S. Army, 133FA 36ID - WWI France
Jon Dale Meek - Petty Officer, U.S. Navy - Electronics Warfare - 1960s - my personal Davy Crockett
Delbert Ray Meek - Petty Officer, U.S. Navy - SeaBees - 1950s - always an encouraging word
Kenneth Eugene Meek - Pvt. U.S. Army Infantry - WWII  ETO - WIA - a quiet hero
Emsley Clete Meek, Jr - Sgt. U.S. Army Signals 90ID - WWII  ETO - D-Day to VE Day - regaled me with first-hand accounts of the battles I read about in history books.
Joe Wells - 1SG Co B 2/112 AR - 187th Abn Bde "Rakasans" Korean War - made only combat jump during Korean war. lived the example of what a great First Sergeant looks like
CPT Robert Scott - CO Co B 2/112 AR - gave me my first shot at leadership appointing me to a Platoon Sergeancy during the middle of Annual Training
Bill Mazy - CSM 2/112 AR 49AD - A mentor who selected me to my first 1st Sergeancy
Gary Murdock - CSM 2/142 IN - a squid Submariner who joined the tanks when he finished his Navy hitch.  We attended the CSM Academy together, became best friends. Lost him in 2025.
Clyde Worrell - AGTX CSM - a mentor who helped manage and steer mine and dozens of other soldier's careers; convinced me not to retire and to apply for division CSM.  A close friend.
Alan Terrell - MAJ retired Army Reserve SF - Infantry Platoon Leader in Viet Nam, WIA.  Attended high school together and became life-long best friends.  Lost him in 2025.
Romer Leslie "Les" Brownlee - Co Cdr 173d Abn Bde Viet Nam (2 tours) WIA; Retired Bird Col; USECARMY / SECARMY 2001-2004.  First cousin and the older brother I never had.  Grew up together planning to be soldiers. Lost him in 2022.  Buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

I know that every successful soldier has their own "rosters" of mentors and examples of those who helped them on their way, so in this I am not unique.  So thank you for letting me share mine with you for this Memorial Day.

And as for those who continue to insist on wishing me a "happy Memorial Day", my response is and will continue to be, "someday, but not yet, not yet".
Out here

The "Old Guard Bunch" is an informal gathering of military retirees and their significant others who meet from time to time (there is no specific schedule) at the Golden Corral Restaurant at the address below to enjoy a good meal, renew old friendships, rehash our military memories, and just laugh and have a good time.

If you would like to be notified of up-coming get-to­gethers, or have any questions, please call or email Bill Abernathy at 817-401-9237 or Bill.Abernathy@sbcglobal.net or Wanita Lovell at 817-992-4018 or lovellsfc@yahoo.com. If no one answers the phone, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR NAME AND NUMBER.
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NORTH TEXAS OLD GUARD BUNCH

Meets at

THE GOLDEN CORRAL
3517 Alta Mere
Ft Worth TX (at Alta Mere and Camp Bowie)
817-377-1034

ALL SERVICES BRANCHES ARE WELCOME
(Remember, No Schedules, Membership or Dues, Just Good Fellowship)