The two RV Gypsies learned about tanks at
the Fort Hood Museum
October 14, 2012 |
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The two RV Gypsies stayed at Belton RV Park near Fort Hood, Temple and Killeen, Texas. The park had shady pull-thrus that could handle Big Rigs, although one slide-out of the tow RV Gypsies' RV did touch a tree. The park had the added convenience of an on- site RV repair by Sunbelt RV Sales and Service located conveniently next door. They also have cabins for rent. It was a nice park but there was an unbearable amount of road noise all night long. It was a surprise that the pool was still open even though it was after Labor Day; maybe because the park was full of workers. TV reception was fair. The water pressure was really good, and the free Wi-Fi was secured and worked at sites. |
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Fort Hood |
The reason the two RV Gypsies went to Fort Hood was to spend some time with Karen's nephew, Chris, who is an Abrams tank driver. There are 2 Museums on post; both are definitely worth seeing especially due to all of the outside displays of tanks, helicopters and assorted military equipment. The 1st Cavalry museum had military artifacts of its regiments from 1855 to the present. Obviously the tanks and jeeps aren't used anymore; they are just there so people can look at them and learn about the variety of tanks used in the past. Many of them are from other countries. |
Fort Hood officials have honored an important piece of their history and America's history throughout the last dozen years. The last Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected Tank, or MRAP, that left Iraq following Operation New Dawn last December and the troop withdrawal was on display. That MRAP was featured prominently on national and international media as it crossed the border into Kuwait. The soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div., who drove the vehicle out of Iraq, ceremonially transferred the vehicle's log book to the museum to share their experiences during the withdrawal.
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Karen Duquette and her nephew Chris |
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check out the ambulance below |
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The two RV Gypsies were surprised at how big Fort Hood is. Since they both served in the U.S. military, they have been on many bases, but were stunned by the size of this base, and the amount of equipment stored there. |