Vietnam-Era tank donated to Columbia's American Legion Post 202

Columbia — Veteran's Day celebrations continued into the weekend here in Mid-Missouri.

American Legion Post 202 has been serving local veterans since 1920.

Tucked away off of Highway 63, the location was looking for a landmark to draw more attention.

"When I first moved here in Columbia, I drove by here for two or three years," said Paul Hobbs, First Vice Commander of the legion. "I did not know there was an American Legion here."

For years, American Legion Post 202 wanted to acquire a military vehicle to the location.

That opportunity came back in May.

With help from local businesses, members set out to Wichita, Kansas for a Vietnam-Era Sheridan Tank up for donation.

"We left here at four o'clock in the morning to get out there, get it loaded, get it back here, and it was a 12-hour trip."

After work done to the tank, American Legion Post 202 unveiled the tank for the first time in a dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon.

"It's a big deal to us," Hobbs said. "It's a tribute to all veterans and everyone serving in uniform. That's what this American Legion does."

The tank was primarily deployed from aircrafts and prioritized shooting capability over defense.

Bill Stucker is a Vietnam veteran who helped operate tanks similar to the Sheridan Tank that was donated.

"It's quite a surprise to hear about getting it and we have a lot of enthusiasm to have it as a display piece here, however it means more to us who served with them over there," Stucker said.