The Museum of the Kansas National Guard is hosting a two-day 50th anniversary recognition of the 1968 Mobilizations of the Kansas National Guard. All activities will be held at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, 125 SE Airport Drive, Topeka. These events are free and open to the public; veterans of the 69th Infantry Brigade (Separate), the 995th Ordnance Company from Hays and Russell, and the Kansas Air National Guards 184th Tactical Fighter Group are particularly encouraged to attend.
Army Guardsmen from the 69th Infantry Brigade were sent to Fort Carson, Colorado, and the 995th Ordnance Company mobilized to Fort Hood, Texas. Airmen of 184th Tactical Fighter Group were sent to Kunsan Air Force Base, Korea, following capture of the USS Pueblo by the North Koreans in January 1968. In all, more than 2,500 Kansas Guardsmen went on to Vietnam, with 42 paying the supreme sacrifice. The units were released from active duty in the summer and fall of 1969.
There will be an informal reunion Friday, June 8, from 12 to 6 p.m. with group discussions and the opportunity to meet and share experiences. A free catered meal will be provided at 6 p.m. Meal reservations are required and may be made by e-mailing office@kngmuseum.org, or calling 785-862-1020 or 785-221-9934. Participants are encouraged to bring photos or other items for display
The recognition will continue on Saturday, June 9, during the annual Heartland Military Day event, which includes a pancake feed (donation requested), equipment displays, Civil War exhibits and demonstrations, World War II battle reenactments, 1968 Mobilization Discussion Groups at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., band concerts, Vietnam War exhibits, and a cookout meal (donation requested).