PERRYVILLE – Hundreds of people attended the Huey Helicopter dedication ceremony Saturday at the Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial.
Major General Charles D. Hausman, Adjutant General, Missouri National Guard, played an important role in Perryville’s acquisition of the Huey and gave the keynote speech at the ceremony.
“One day about 2022 Kevin Robinson called me and said ‘You have this aircraft and we’re interested in being able to transfer it to Perryville for this memorial.’ In that discussion we decided that there was no better place or more appropriate place that this aircraft could be. So now, it has a new home. This memorial. Where it will stay as a powerful reminder for all those who have served and all those who did not return. It represents their sacrifice and honors every veteran of that era.
“To our veterans, you did not always receive the ‘welcome home’ you deserved. Today and every day we’ve seen your service, we hear the stories, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“This Huey represents a promise fulfilled to you and your families. It’s a testament to your resilience, your courage and the enduring power of the American spirit. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Col. (Retired) Kevin Robinson, CWO5 Lt. Pat Minks, and to the countless volunteers that were recognized earlier today who worked on the restoration of this and to everyone who contributued their time, skill and dedication in bringing it to this place to represent these veterans.
“What a fitting home it has found to stand beside this wall. To stand in the presence and memories of heroes.”
Colonel Kevin Robinson, US Army Retired, gave an account of the journey of Huey Helicopter 908 and thanked the many people who made it possible for it to be a lasting icon at the Veterans Memorial in Perryville. He acted as project chairman.
“The original phone call in September of ’22 til today, the shell of an unscripted plan matured with a coordinated voluntary (effort) to support the restoration campaign. More than 50 individuals contributed to the 1,700 hour restoration of (Huey No.) 908. The project involved extensive cleaning, disassembly, sanding, sheet metal repair…and reassembly. The legacy of 908 now enters a new chapter for future generations, while faithfully preserving cherished memories.
“908 is revitalized to honor our nation’s history, reflect our collective resilience and serve as a testament to effective team work. I am honored to have led such a team that is remarkable and present to you the unscripted plan known as 908.”
The ribbon cutting was conducted by the Veterans Memorial board members.
To conclude the ceremony, an M4A3 Sherman Tank brought to the site by Chris and Linda Kertz, fired a blank round.