FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — The National Mounted Warrior Museum ribbon cutting ceremony took place here, today. The museum will open to the public at 10 a.m., tomorrow. Located across from the Marvin Leath Visitor Center, the museum offers the unique perspective of the mounted warrior and shares the history from horse-riding cavalry Soldiers to today’s modern combat vehicles.

Robbie Reinstein, museum director, emphasized the museum’s role in educating both Soldiers and civilians about the history of U.S. Army mounted warriors.

“We want this museum to be a place where Soldiers can learn about their own history and where the public can better understand the role of Soldiers in protecting our country,” said Reinstein.

Once the concept was finalized, over $15 million dollars were funded in building and furbishing the exhibits. Major donations were derived from the Sue Mayborn Foundation, Killeen Economic Development Corporation, and H-E-B.

According to Bob Crouch, vice president, National Mounted Warfare Foundation, the surrounding communities of Fort Cavazos will see an economic impact from the guests attending the museum. With an increase in population, it is believed the museum could attract up to 377,000 visitors in the first year, with approximately 70% coming from outside the local area. The foundation originally broke ground on the museum before transferring the campus to the U.S. Army.

“This could result in anywhere from five to $45 million economic impact on the local community with people purchasing food, fuel and staying in hotels,” said Crouch. “This is a really good thing for the community.”

Army officials in attendance additionally weighed in.

“What an incredible opportunity we have in front of us that has been presented to this community to tell the Army’s story to the nation, to connect our Soldiers to our communities and to the nation, to inspire people to a lifetime of service and for them to understand the perspective of why they serve,” said Charles Bowerly, Executive Director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Brig. Gen. Geoff R. Van Epps, III Armored Corps deputy commanding general – maneuver, was a keynote speaker at the event.

“Our tradition of excellence in mounted warfare is Fort Cavazos’ proudest legacy, and one that we work to inculcate in every Soldier who is assigned to armored units at our installation,” said Van Epps.

Retired Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk, president and CEO of the National Mounted Warfare Foundation, attended and spoke at the event.

“We wanted to focus on the fighting level, tactical level, of the war-fighting business,” Funk said. “That is where all the killing goes on, dying goes on, so let’s honor those people that do the real work.”

Soldiers from across Fort Cavazos attended the ceremony, each taking away their own impression.

“I am a third generation Army officer,” said 1st Lt Lauren Johnson, who attended. “This museum grand opening is pretty exciting for me, because I can finally show my parents something new.”

The museum will not charge admission. Although the museum is close to Fort Cavazos, it is not within a controlled area, and visitors to the museum are not required to apply for an installation visitors pass to attend the museum.

The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Museum leaders plan to expand their capabilities, including hosting ceremonies and other events in the future.

B-roll and soundbites from the ceremony are available at the following link:

DVIDS – Video – National Mounted Warrior Museum Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (dvidshub.net)

Photos of the ceremony are available below and at the following link: