2017 Visit to the National Infantry Museum

In my year and change as a club member, I have marveled at our good fortune with weather.  Regardless of how threatening the forecast may have been, the sun has always come out and made our trips dry and usually sunny.  Well, my luck ran out this January, as I woke early Saturday to the vivid lightning and driving rain that can occur from time to time in our area. 

But I reminded myself our LBCs come from a nation that knows little sun and much rain, and the folks in Britain enjoy them despite the weather.  With that, I put up my top (horrors!) and headed out to the best coffee in the city to see who else would join me on this watery trek.  I was delighted to see our new El Presidente and Betsy show up, with her side curtains firmly(?) in place; Russell and Cathy in the powerful Mini; Blitz and Amanda in their other convertible; Pam in her Element; and Dan and canine companion Peg in a mighty Toyota 4WD.  After an obligatory cup of Dunkin’s finest, and a vehicle change for Pam, we were on our way.

Our path, which Russell and I reconnoitered the week before, was excellent . . . except the truck ruts, invisible in the dry, created exciting pools of standing water, causing us to drive slower than we normally prefer.  After a quick head call (potty break for you Air Force types) in Tuskegee, we arrived at the 13th Street BBQ, located on US 80 outside of Phenix City.  Don’t ask why, dear readers, just roll with it.  The BBQ was plentiful and tasty, although some found the minced BBQ sandwich a little too mincy.

Bellies full, we headed across the Chattahoochee and into Columbus, GA, home of Fort Benning, a premier training facility, and in my mind at least, the real home of the Airborne.  The Infantry Museum, located just outside the post control gates, is an impressive structure, dedicated to the queen of battle (that’s the infantry, folks) and its role in our nation’s history from the Revolution through today.  It is a lot to cover, but the curators have done a great job of combining artifacts, dioramas, and multimedia presentations to make it interesting and entertaining for all ages.  It was a fine couple of hours wandering.

As we departed, the weather gods smiled upon us at last, with the sun peeking out as we headed west for Montgomery and home, returning safely without incident.  Having completed my first trip as lead, I look forward to challenging the weather gods again, hopefully soon!

Tom Miro 

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