California State Military Department
The California Military Museum
Preserving California's Military Heritage
What's New, 1999
An online newsletter of museum and military history news.
 
 
Museum Benefit a Huge Success: The California Military Museum is pleased to annouce that its latest Militaria Show was a huge success! With 75 dealer tables and over 130 visitors, the November 21st event was the best show yet. The benefit, held three times a year, brings together militaria collectors and dealers from all over the western United States. Dates for next year's shows can be found in the Upcoming Events page
 
Center for Military History Supports Veterans Day in Marysville. The California Center for Military History (CCMH), in cooperation with the Military Vehicles Collectors of California and the US Army Reserve's 319th Signal Battalion, once again played a huge role in the annualy Veterans Day Parade held in Marysville on November 11th. Several vehicles were provided by participants and were coordinated by CCMH member Chief Warrant Officer Hill Luz.
 
 
Brigadier General William Hamilton receives his stars from Brigadier General Ron Flynn and his wife, CarolynCenter for Military History Commander Promoted: On November 4 Colonel William Hamilton, Commander of the California Center for Military History was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. General Hamilton was 'pinned' by Brigadier General Ronald Flynn, Commander of the California State Military Reserve and his wife Carolyn Hamilton.
 
New Off Site Exhibit Opens: The California Military Museum, in cooperation with the family of the late Assemblyman Brien T. Collins, opened a new exhibit at the new B.T. Collins US Army Reserve Center in Sacramento. The opening coincided with the dedication of the new facility on November 6, 1999. The exhibit is planned to be expanded to cover all aspects of this soldier and statesman's life. The center, one of the largest in the country, is the home of the 319th Signal Battalion, the 104th Regiment (Signal Corps), 921st Field Hospital, and other units of the Army Reserve.
Center for Military History Launches New Website: The Naval Militia Research and Study Element of the California Center for Military History has launched a new website on the history of the California Naval Militia (CNM). The CNM was one of several state naval militia's that existed prior to the formation of the US Naval Reserve in 1920. Prior to the formation of the USNR, the entire reserve capability of the Navy and Marine Corps rested in the state naval militias.The website built and managed by Sergeant Mark Denger, is the first of its kind on the web, covering an often forgotten piece of history. To view this outstanding website, CLICK HERE
 
First Annual Military History Conference a Huge Success: The California Center for Military History (CCMH) held its first annual Military History Conference 22-24 October 1999. The conference, which brought together over 50 participants from all over California, was held at Camp San Luis Obispo, the historic "Home of the California National Guard" Some of the areas covered were planning for the State Military Department's Historical Program for the Fiscal Year 2000, Duties and Roles of the Military Historian in the Field Environment, History of the California Naval Militia, and the joint program between the California Military Museum, the CCMH, the University of California at Los Angeles and the California State University, Los Angeles. Brigadier General Don Mattson, the State Military Department's Chief of Military History recognized Major Ralph Ramirez and Captain Roger McGrath for their work in preserving our military heritage by awarding them the California Military History Medal. Participants also had the opportunity to view historic displays not only at Camp San Luis Obispo, but also at Camp Roberts. Brigadier General Bill Hamilton, Commander of the CCMH, noted that this would be an annual event and that the program would be expanded.
 
Some of the participants in the 1st Annual Military History Conference.
 
Museum Plays Host to Western Museum Association: The California Center for Military History hosted a wine and cheese reception at the Museum for attendees of the Western Museum Association annual conference on September 24th. The conference entitled, Beyond the Gold Rush, brings together museum directors from all over the western states. Music was provided by the 59th Army Band, on of the oldest band in the west, dating to the 1st California Volunteers of 1861.
 
Medal of Honor Recipient Visits Museum: During the Heritage Days/Labor Day weekend Delbert Jennings honored the California Military Museum with a very informal visit. Mr. Jennings chose to drop into the museum to check it out and avoid the crowds and the hot dusty conditions while his family braved old town to do some shopping. Mr. Jennings who is a resident of Hawaii was dressed in true aloha style and is a very unassuming gentleman. In fact during his conversation with the docents he produce his Medal of Honor recipient identification because as he stated “ I am sure you guys catch a lot of BS from guys claiming lots of stuff.” He was very interesting to talk to and he shared some of the projects he is involved with his veterans groups. All in all a fun visit with a true American hero. To learn more about Mr Jennings, CLICK HERE
Brig Gen Dan Mattson and Stan AtkinsonMuseum Honors Local Broadcaster: Recently retired local broadcasting legend, Mr. Stan Atkinson was recently honored by the California Military Museum and the California State Military Department. After a luncheon in his honor, Mr. Atkinson received 2 medals. Host Brigadier General Donald Mattson, Director, California Military Museum presented Stan the Museum’s History Medal. Brigadier General Ezell Ware Jr. of the California National Guard presented Stan with the California Medal of Merit. Both awarded in appreciation for his generous and loyal support of the Military over the past 30 plus years. Stan commented that his step-father had been in World War I, and that he had always had a special feeling for the military. Stan also served his country during the Korean War. Congratulation's Stan Atkinson and THANK YOU again. Some of Stan Atkinson’s latest contributions can be seen in the Bosnia exhibit in the California Military Museum.
 
Center for Military History's Southern Region Support 1999 San Diego All Services Enlisted Ball. The CMH's Southern Region joined forces with the Marines to Marching Through History: Photo by 2nd Lt. Mark Susukipresent a historical uniform pageant at the 11th Annual All Services Enlisted Ball on the 30th of July at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

 

The Salute to the Spirit of the Enlisted Military was a highlight of San Diego's 1999 Fleet Week celebration. Presented by the San Diego Armed Forces YMCA, the event featured a keynote address by Minnesota Governor and former US Navy SEAL Jesse Ventura
 
The pageant was a tremendous success and hopefully it is the first of many joint projects between the CMH and the USMC,
 
Armored Vehicle Collection to Grow: The museum is proud to announce the donation of three classic military vehicles to its collection housed at Camp Roberts. These vehicles, donated by Mr. Terrance Sheehy of Santa Maria, have been fully restored and are in working order. The vehicles donated are an M8 "Greyhound" Armored Car, a WC57 Command Car, and a USMC M38A1 Jeep. Thanks again Mr. Sheehy!
 
In addition to Mr. Sheehy's generous donation. The museum will be receiving several vehicles from government sources: These include:

Elements of the California Center for Military History to Train at New Location. In September, selected elements of the California Center for Military History (CMH) will begin training at the old Sacramento Army Depot. The training location is adjacent to the soon to be opened B.T Collins Army Reserve Center. The move will keep interruption of day to day museum operations to a minimum. Currently, visitors must be excluded from the second floor gallery during training days. In addition, the are prevented from fully enjoying the exhibit throughout the museum due to unit operations. The depot site offers dedicated administrative and working space for CMH operations that were not available at the museum.. With this move, such problems as limited parking, minimal working space and disruption of visitors will be eliminated. This will maximize the time available for artifact management, military history research, unit operations and professional training. Teams from the CMH's Museum Support Unit, as well as others, will continue to work at the museum as needed. For more information on the CCMH, CLICK HERE

 
Prisoner of War Exhibit Opens: The California Military Museum is proud to announce the opening of an exhibit depicting the history of American Prisoners of War from the Revolutionary War to Kosovo. The exhibit opened July 11th by Brigadier General Don Mattson and will run indefinitely.
 
Change of Command at Center for Military History: On July 10th, Brigadier General Donald Mattson turned over command of the California Center for Military History to Colonel William G. Hamilton. Concurrent with the change command, General Mattson becomes the Chief of Military History of the California State Military Department, reporting directly to the Adjutant General. As the Chief of Military History, General Mattson is responsible for the Military History Program of the Military Department. This assignment does not effect General Mattson's position as director of the California Military Museum.
 
State Military Reserve Returns to Historical Roots: The California State Military Reserve recently adopted its own Regimental System as a parallel to the regimental programs of the Army and Army National Guard. Under this program. The program, developed by the California Center for Military History, redesignates SMR support battalions as California Support Regiments (CSR) and links them historically to the infantry regiments of the California State Guard of World War II. Concurrent with this change the 40th Infantry Division Support Brigade has been redesignated as the 1st California Support Brigade. Each CSR has been tasked with supporting a specific brigade level organization of the California Army National Guard. These units are as follows:
 

 CSR

 Supported Unit

Location
 1st  100th Troop Command  Fairfield/San Rafael
 2nd  3rd Brigade, 40th Infantry Division San Jose
 3rd  Armed Forces Reserve Center  Los Alamitos
 4th  2nd Brigade, 40th Infantry Division  San Diego
 5th  Aviation Brigade, 40th Infantry Division  Fresno
 10th  115th Area Support Group  Roseville
 
Ceremonial Regiment Takes Parade Honors: Once again the Ceremonial Regiment of the California Center for Military History, under the command of Colonel Ken Kitchen took first place honors in the annual Carmichael Elks Fourth of July Parade. This year the regiment, in cooperation with the Military Vehicle Collectors of California, the National Guard's Recruiting Command, 132nd Engineer Battalion and 2668th Transportation Company, the Army Reserve's 2nd Signal Battalion, as well as volunteers from the California Military Museum fielded the Cavalcade of Colors, 25 vehicles and over 90 participants. Good job Ceremonial Regiment!
 
Center for Military History Supports Military Museum at International Military Vehicle Meet. Members of the California Center for Military History manned the California Military Museum booth at the international convention of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association held at the Santa Clara County Fairground in San Jose, June 24-27. Also supporting the meet was the color guard from the State Military Reserve's 2d California Support Regiment. Two of the CCMH's members, CW2 Hill Luz and CSM Mel Guererra, were primary planners for this prestigious event that brought members and vehicles from many different countries. As a result of the CCMH's efforts, a significant offer to donate World War II military vehicles to the California Military Museum was made. Keep checking back here for further details!
 
California State Militia and National Guard History Class Available. The California Center for Military History is proud to announce the availability of a lecture course on the history of the California State Militia, National Guard and State Defense Forces to National Guard and State Military Reserve units, other military organizations and veterans' groups in the Sacramento metropolitan area. The class, taught by Sergeant Major Dan Sebby, takes about an hour and is perfect for NCO and Officer Development Program classes as well as for general information. The class has been given at the California State Military Reserve's Basic Orientation, Basic and Advanced NCO Courses held at Camp San Luis Obispo. For further information, please contact Sergeant Major Sebby.
 
Women in the Military Exhibit Opens: The California Military Museum formally dedicated its newly refurbished Women in the Military Exhibit on Armed Forces Day, 15 May 1999. The exhibit features women's uniforms representing all periods dating back to World War I. Also on view are photographs and personal histories. A comprehensive history of women in the military is available when you visit the museum. An exhibit guide is also available.
 
Lt Gov Cruz Bustamante accepting the California Military Museum Display from Brig Gen Don Mattson, April 8, 1999New Exhibit Opens In Lieutenant Governor's Office. At the request of The Honorable Cruz Bustamante, the California Military Museum placed a display of California's military history in the Lieutenant Governor's office in the State Capital. The display was officially turned over to the Lieutenant Governor on Thursday, April 8.
 
Museum to Acquire Historic Fire Engine: The California Military Museum is please to announce that a 1939 Seagrave Fire Engine is in the process of being transferred to the Museum from the Western Training and Mobilization Complex at Camp San Luis Obispo. This engine, which has been at Camp San Luis Obispo since 1942, was only recently retired as an active fire engine at the post. Under a unique proposal, this engine will remain at CSLO and be restored to its World War II condition by members of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Fighting and the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department who maintain a training center at the old post fire station.
 
Former Army Chief of Staff Visits Museum. General (Retired) Gordon Sullivan, former Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and current President of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) toured the California Military Museum on April 9th. Hosted by Brig Gen Mattson, the Museum Director, Gen Sullivan discussed the importance of such institutions with museum staff and met with visitors. Gen Sullivan, who hold a degree in history, is one of the chief supporters of the National Museum of the United States Army and was impressed with our institution. Thank you Gen Sullivan for visiting us and for the support that AUSA has always given to us.
 
 
NGAC Conference: Maj Tom Nott, Brig Gen Ron Flynn (CG, State Military Reserve), Col. Mike Teilman (Cdr, 1st Spt Bde), Sgt Maj Dan Sebby, MSgt Olaf Weidekat, Maj Ralph RamirezThe California Military Museum at the Annual NGAC Conference: On Saturday, March 27th the National Guard Association of California held it annual conference at the Hilton Hotel in Concord. The California Military Museum and California Center for Military History set up a portable display for attendees. Those manning the display were Major Ralph Ramirez, Major Tom Nott, Sergeant Major Dan Sebby, and Master Sergeant Olaf Weidekat.
 
Sacramento Museum Day: On February 27th Sacramento area museums held its first annual Sacramento Museum Day. The participating museum allowed free admissions and while we can't speak for the other area museums, it was an outstanding success for the California Military Museum. Over 2,300 visitors passed through the doors of the museum. We look forward to the next Sacramento Museum Day, but, don't you wait to come and see us. Thanks again for your support Sacramento!
 
Museum Militaria Show: The California Military Museum held another successful Militaria Show on 21 February at the Roseville National Guard Armory. The show was judged a success in spite of the illnesses of several of the regular dealers and other participants. The show committee wishes to thank all those who came out to support the museum at this fun event. We look forward to the next show on April 18th!
 
New Exhibits Open: On 17 February 1999, The California Military Museum opened the African American Experience: Blacks and the Military. This exhibit, part of the museum's Black History Month program explores the contributions that African Americans have made to our common defense. Later in February, their will be a "sand table" recreation of one of the major actions conducted by the African American 761st Tank Battalion during World War II. This segregated unit, became known as the "Black Panthers" and had the motto, "Come Out Fighting." See the events section for February 27 for further information.
 
On Sunday, January 17, 1999, the California Military Museum dedicated a new display honoring Brigadier General Keith Lamb. The exhibit, Brig Gen Keith Lamb: California Citizen Soldier serves as an example for all. General Lamb, a Sacramento native, started his military career 1936 as a member of the California Cadet Corps at Grant Union High School. Later he joined Battery D, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment in Sacramento. Later in World War II, he transferred to the Army Air Forces. After the war, General Lamb returned to the California National Guard and went on to serve the state and nation for the rest of his life. For more information on General Lamb, click here!
The Caliifornia Veterals Memorial dedicated December 12, 1998Governor Wilson Dedicates the California Veterans Memorial: On Saturday, December 12, 1998, Governor Pete Wilson dedicated the new California Veterans Memorial. This memorial serves as a tribute to all of the state's military veterans. The etched, black granite obelisk is located in Capitol Park in Sacramento. The California Center for Military History's ceremonial element under the command of Col. Kenneth Kitchen supported the event with their "Cavalcade of Colors". Members of the color party were dressed in uniforms dating from the US-Mexican War to the Persian Gulf.

Thanks! The California Military Museum would like to take this opportunity to thank the 1106th Aviation Classification and Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) who repainted the museum's aircraft collection at Camp San Luis Obispo. They also have taken two of the helicopters back to their maintenance depot in Fresno for further restoration work. Thanks!

 

[WELCOME] [LOCATION AND HOURS] [CURRENT EXHIBITS] [MG WALTER P. STORY LIBRARY] [SATELLITE AND PARTNER MUSEUMS]
[HOW CAN I HELP?] [WHAT'S NEW?] [UPCOMING EVENTS] [CALIFORNIA MILITARY HISTORY] [HERALDRY & INSIGNIA] [ONLINE BOOKSTORE]
[CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR MILITARY HISTORY] [LINKS]

FastCounter by LinkExchange
Questions and comments concerning this site should be directed to the Webmaster