Jim flew down from Warren, PA and he and I motored down to Shelby, where Wayne met us. COL Jim Darrah (Ret) was anxious to meet us, because he is the collections manager for the museum. Jim was an armed helicopter pilot and commander in Vietnam, He was interested in "spotlighting the 199th," because it was the only combat unit to train at Shelby and enter into combat during the entire Vietnam era, Remember though, this is not just a Camp Shelby Museum, or just a Mississippi Museum, it is an Armed Forces Museum.
We also left other items with COL Darrah for possible later use, either in their library, or to rotate 'in the 199th display case from time to time. The most complete collection I have seen (of pictures) was displayed in several albums at the Company E-2/3-199th reunion in Haines City, FL recently. This collection was brought by former CSM of the 199th, Acy Akridge. He gave the collection to Wayne Williams for such disposition as Wayne decided. Wayne has offered the collection to COL Darrah at Shelby; and as each has time, they plan to go through them.
The Medal of Honor Tower at the Museum is striking. While they had names of all, and photos of most, they did not have photos (of the quality needed) of our four MOH recipients of the 199th. I believe the ultimate solution is a wide search on the intemet, and seeking help from the Medal of Honor Society. In summary, I believe that Jim Brinker, Wayne Williams, Jim Darrah and I have accomplished the Museum project in a manner that would be pleasing to all Redcatchers. It was a joy and honor to be a part of the project.
"BUY A BRICK" COMMEMORATION AT THE CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI ARMED FORCES MUSEUM (PHONE INQUIRES WELCOME: 601-558-2757)