National Mounted Warrior Museum opens to public

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas -The grand opening of the National Mounted Warrior Museum was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 18 here. Doors officially opened to the public today.

Located behind from the Marvin Leath Visitor Center, the museum offers the unique perspective of the mounted warrior and shares the history of cavalry Soldiers from horse-riding to today's modern combat vehicles. The museum honors and distinguishes all military occupational specialties needed to conduct mounted operations.

Robbie Reinstein, museum director, emphasized the museum's role in educating Soldiers and civilians about the history of U.S. Army mounted warriors.

"We want this museum to be a place where Soldiers can learn about their own history and where the public can better understand the role of Soldiers in protecting our country," Reinstein said.

Once the concept was finalized, over $15 million was funded to building and furbishing the exhibits. Major donations were derived from the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn Foundation, Killeen Economic Development Corporation and H-E-B.

According to Bob Crouch, vice president, National Mounted Warfare Foundation, the surrounding communities of Fort Cavazos will see economic impact from the guests who visit the museum. With an increase in population, it is believed the museum could attract up to 377,000 visitors in the first year, with approximately 70% coming from outside the local area.

The foundation originally broke ground on the museum before transferring the campus to the U.S. Army.

"This could result in anywhere from $5 to $45 million in economic impact on the local community, with people purchasing food, fuel and staying in hotels," Crouch said. "This is a really good thing for the community."

Charles Bowerly, executive director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History, agreed.

"What an incredible opportunity we have in front of us that has been presented to this community to tell the Army's story to the nation, to connect our Soldiers to our communities and to the nation, to inspire people to a lifetime of service and for them to understand the perspective of why they serve," he said.

Brig. Gen. Geoff Van Epps, III Armored Corps deputy commanding general of maneuver, was the key speaker for the event, and highlighted the exemplary heritage of The Great Place.

"Our tradition of excellence in mounted warfare is Fort Cavazos' proudest legacy and one that we work to inculcate in every Soldier who is assigned to armored units at our installation," he said.

Retired Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk, president and CEO of the National Mounted Warfare Foundation, addressed the audience with praise for those on the front lines.

"We wanted to focus on the fighting level, tactical level, of the war-fighting business," he said. "That is where all the killing goes on, dying goes on, so let's honor those people that do the real work."

Soldier across Fort Cavazos attended the ceremony, each taking away their own impression.

"I am a third generation Army officer," said 1st Lt. Lauren Johnson, protocol officer, Secretary of the General Staff, III Armored Corps. "This museum grand opening is pretty exciting for me, because I can finally show my parents something new."

Admission to the museum is free and does not require a visitor's pass, making it accessible to all Soldiers, civilians and those without access to the installation.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The installation plans to expand and host future ceremonies and key events at the museum. For more information, visit history.army.mil/museums/nmwm.

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