Flagstaff Az. – The Fort Tuthill Military Museum opens for its 7^th season on Saturday, May 7.  The museum will open at 10:00 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony at 10:30 a.m.  Everyone is encouraged to attend and join in the ceremony and scheduled activities.  Members of the Patriot Riders, well known for their participation in tributes to our military, will gather at the museum for the flag raising ceremony and presentation of a Colt 45 automatic pistol by rider John Taylor. 

 

The ceremony will also pay tribute to Vietnam era veteran Jim Edgmon, who was the driving force behind the designation of Interstate 17 as Arizona Veterans Highway in 2001.  He was also instrumental in the creation of an impressive monument to all veterans at the McGuireville rest area in 2008.  He currently participates with the Patriot Riders in ceremonies for our fallen troops across the State, and has brightened the Christmas season for Navajo, Hopi and Zuni children for many years by delivering toys to families who live in remote areas of Northern Arizona .  He will read his poem “Thoughts on Freedom” as part of the flag raising ceremony.

 

The museum offers a wealth of information on the military history of Arizona’s famous 158^th infantry Regiment, including Fort Tuthill’s history as the regiment’s training site prior to, and after World War II.  A scale model of the original facility, depicting Fort Tuthill as it looked in the 1930s (complete with troops and vehicles) serves as the centerpiece of the museum exhibits.

 

Displays trace the distinguished history of the 158^th Infantry Regiment, from its organization in 1865 as the 1^st Regiment Arizona Volunteers, to present day service of the 1^st Battalion 158^th Infantry.  The story of this proud unit is illustrated with pictures, documents, three-dimensional displays and weapons.  Due to its outstanding combat record during World War II, the 158^th Regimental Combat Team (Bushmasters) was selected to spearhead the invasion of Japan .  An exhibit provides detailed information on the unit’s proposed vital role in that invasion, as well as Japanese plans for defense of their homeland.

 

Addressing the unit’s combat record, General Douglas McArthur stated “No greater fighting combat team has ever deployed for battle”.  Although the 158^th Infantry was deactivated in 1967, its tradition and heritage are carried on by the 1^st Battalion 158^th Infantry.  Activated in 2005, the Battalion returned from a year-long Afghanistan deployment in March 2008.  Platoon sized units of Battalion volunteers have since served in Afghanistan and will continue to deploy in support of that effort.  Displays and artifacts illustrate the Battalion’s service and combat experiences.

 

Special events planned for the summer include units of the South West Civil War Association, conducting authentic displays and battles on May 28-29; the outstanding 108^th Army Band returns for its 4^th Independence Day weekend concert of July 4; and Civil War battles and displays are again scheduled on September 24-25.  All special events are free.

 

The museum is located within Fort Tuthill County Park .  Take Exit 337 (3 miles south of Flagstaff ) to the park entrance and follow the signs.  Museum hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  Depending on staff availability, the museum may also be open on Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 4:00 p.m.  Group tours may be scheduled by appointment.

 

Museum admission is $3 for adults; children 12 years and under, National Guard, active duty, and reserve personnel are admitted free of charge.

 

For more information, call Jim Warbasse at (602) 944-0359 or (602) 320-8338 (cell); Lon Wolff at (928) 284-1535; or call the museum (weekends only) at (928) 226-0965 (voicemail available).