Columbus, GA - Infantry Museum Yanks on the Heartstrings

National Infantry Museum. Photo © by Debi Lander.

I thought the Andersonville experience was a heart-tugger, but if you don't tear up at least twice while a guide walks you through "The Last 100 Yards," you've mislaid your feelings.

Follow me. Photo © by Debi Lander.

Granted, it was a special day at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, GA. According to Jim Talley, who toured us through the high spots, it was change of command for the 75th Ranger Division and new inductions into the Ranger Hall of Fame.

A Merril's Marauder MSG Vincent Melillo. Photo © by Judy Wells.

We met one, MSG Vincent Melillo, 95 years young, who served with Merrill's Marauders in World War II and in Korea. It was moments like this that added extra punch to the emotional impact.

The first punch, walking into the "Last 100 Yards" exhibit, was a doozy. One hesitates to call it an "exhibit." The museum is filled with exhibits. This was a catharsis.

The infantry "owns" the last 100 yards of any battlefield; their job is to charge and engage the enemy, to defeat the enemy and to take and hold the ground. A circular opening symbolizing a drum leads to a gently sloping ramp.

Follow Me

Battle of Yorktown. Photo © by Debi Lander.

The words "I am the Infantry. Follow me" rings in your ears as you enter the dark passage. The sounds of battle are heard as the Revolutionary War's Battle of Yorktown tableau is seen.
 

Heads and bodies are those of today's Infantrymen. Photos © by Judy Wells.

These aren't ordinary figures in uniform; they bear the faces of today's soldiers. Planners took 30 infantrymen, battle veterans all, to New York where their faces and bodies were cast. The tableaux come alive as you stare into the eyes of men who may be in Iraq or Afghanistan as you gaze.

Battle of Antietam, Civil War. Photo © by Debi Lander.

Next is a segment of the Battle of Antietam which gave President Lincoln the win he needed to make the Emancipation Proclamation. It wasn't a cheap victory; the scene is of a stone bridge over Antietam Creek where 427 Confederates held off 10,000-12,000 Union soldiers for three hours. It also brings that war home. It was a pyrrhic victory for the Union thanks to the men of Col. Henry Benning, a resident of Columbus for whom the nearby Fort Benning is named. Most of his men had been his neighbors.

Battle of Soissons tableau. Photo © by Debi Lander.

Look overhead as you move on in time to the World War I Battle of Soissons. That's a rare WWII troop glider. This battle was the first American-led, planned offensive against the Germans.

The 5th Ranger Battalion had to climb a 100-foot tall wall of stone to defeat the German artillery unit at Pointe du Hoc on Omaha Beach. Photo © by Debi Lander.

World War II gets two tableaux, one of the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach and the other of Manilla Bay in the Pacific, payback for Japanese atrocities such as the Corregidor Death March. D-Day features German footage of the landing while the Manilla action was shot by two photographers who parachuted onto the island with the Infantry.

Millett's bayonet attack. Photo © by Judy Wells.

Korea is represented by Millett's bayonet attack,

Assault on Landing Zone X-ray. Photo © by Debi Lander.

Vietnam by Air Assault on Landing Zone X-ray.

Desert warfare. Photo © by Debi Lander.

and Desert warfare by an assault by a Bradley Fighting Vehicle that had been blown apart by a roadside bomb. It was later reassembled for the museum whose walls were built around it.


By this point the anecdotes began taking their toll.  One day a group from Officers Candidate School came through, said Jim, and one tapped him on the shoulder.  “I need to tell you something,” the man said, adding that he had been a medic on the battlefield that day. “I was the one who pulled them out and patched them up.” He began to tear up looking at the figure atop the Bradley. “The commander, he was a good friend. I couldn’t save him; he was too far gone.”

We were pretty far gone too when Jim told another about a class of fifth graders who came through. At this point a little girl began to cry loudly. “I didn’t know there were bad people in the world who wanted to hurt me, hurt my family,” she said between sobs. Two soldiers had been following the group and one came up to the girl, dropped on his knee, hugged her and said, “Honey, don’t worry. We are trained and we are here to protect you.”

Teary-eyed? You bet.

The parade ground and home of Sacred Soil. Photo © by Judy Wells.

Sacred Soil

Leaving those last 100 yards you can see the Parade Grounds where new recruits graduate to infantrymen. You can't distinguish the Sacred Soil but it's there. 

March 19, 2009, descendants of soldiers who fought and died in the Army's battles scattered soil from those wars onto the parade grounds. 

First to add Sacred Soil to the parade ground was Douglas Hamilton, a fifth generation descendant of Alexander Hamilton. He scattered soil from the Battle of Yorktown where Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton served.

Theodore Roosevelt IV could have participated twice in the ceremony - as great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was awarded the Medal of Honor after the battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War, and as grandson of Theodore Roosevelt Jr., who earned the medal on D-Day - but he represented the veterans of the World War II European Theater with sand from the beaches of Normandy. The Pacific theater was represented by Kirk Davis, who earned the Medal of Honor with the infantry at Guadalcanal. 

Honors for the Battle of Antietam in the Civil War were shared by Henry Benning Pease Jr., a descendant of Henry Lewis Benning, who commanded the Confederates at Burnside Bridge, and former Secretary of  Interior Dirk Kempthorne, whose great-grandfather was a Union soldier wounded at Antietam.

Soil from Soissons, France, a major battle of World War I, was spread by Samuel Parker Moss whose grandfather, Samuel Parker, earned the Medal of Honor with the 28th Infantry and became that war's most decorated officer. He was joined by George York, son of Sgt. Alvin York.

Spreading soil from Korea were Medal of Honor winner Col. Ola Lee Mize, who fought at Outpost Harry, and Gen. Paik Sun-Yup, South Korea's most decorated veteran.

Adding soil from Vietnam were Gen. Hal Moore and Command Sgt. Major Basil Plumley, who fought in the first major battle there. Representing our current conflicts with soil from Iraq and Afghanistan was Command Sgt. Major Marvin Hill, senior enlisted adviser to Gen. David Petraeus.

From that day on, new infantrymen have marched over the soil of lands where their forefathers fought and died.

 Shoot 'Em

The Good Girls NEVER pass up a costume opportunity like this one in the Family Gallery.

We skimmed the galleries at best - do hit the Family Gallery and the kids' dress up area - and, with time disappearing, we headed for the Battle Simulator to take a working ride on a Humvee. We were on a mission and everyone was our enemy until we reached the Red Cross truck.

We "fought" through a simulated battle.

It was sweaty and harrowing even though we knew it was a simulated experience. You try riding shotgun and aiming a dash-mounted gun at enemies popping up and swooping down while the vehicle beneath you is jerking and bumping and veering. Only problem, no one falls down or crashes so you never know if you hit or were hit.

It would take you at least 16 hours to see everything here so the Good Girls figure we need three more be-back days. It would be well worth it.

- Post by Judy Wells

Geo-Cachers Flock to Columbus, Georgia

I tried geo-caching, a pirate-like outdoor treasure hunting game, once. Players use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to locate hidden containers. The hi-tech device grabs a satellite signal and reports precise longitude and latitude coordinates.

GPS Device and Geo-Cache Container

Today, there are over a million active geocaches around the world. Many resorts, state parks, and convention and visitors bureaus are sponsoring geocaches as a way to lure and entertain guests. Columbus, Georgia's Convention and Visitors Bureau is one of the best.

Typically a small trinket is hidden in the container and finders replace it on the honor system. But in Columbus, geocachers are truly rewarded for their efforts.  First they download a grid sheet, then search for the 32 caches maintained by the Visitors Bureau.  They can win trading cards for completing specific categories such as finding the caches along the RiverWalk, dams or mills. For every ten they locate, they earn a coin. Those who find all 32 hidden boxes receive a golden coin.

Columbus, Georgia, Geo-Cache Prizes

While trading cards and coins didn't seem so grand to me, Peter Bowden, President of the Columbus CVB and avid geo-cacher, said, "This is a big deal for those who enjoy the pastime."

That reminded me, I'd run 26.2 miles in a marathon just to get a little medal placed around my neck. It's the participating that is fun. 

While the Good Girls did not have time for geo-caching while in Columbus, here's what you need to do if you want to hunt during a visit:

Columbus, Georgia Geo-Tour Coin

Steps to the Riverwalk GeoTour

Download your RiverWalk GeoTour Grid Sheet

1.    Obtain a RiverWalk GeoTour Grid Sheet from the Columbus, GA, Convention & Visitors Bureau (900 Front Avenue, 31901) or download it online by clicking here.

2.    If you are not already registered to geocache, go to www.Geocaching.com, create a log-in and find the GPS coordinates and additional information for the RiverWalk GeoTour locations.

3.    Start your search and locate one or all caches using a hand-held GPS unit. The cache containers are labeled as a "RiverWalk GeoTour" geocache. Caches are located in 32 points along the 15-mile Chattahoochee RiverWalk in Columbus, GA.

4.    When you find a RiverWalk Geo-Tour cache, add your name and any comments on the logbook inside the container. Also, stamp your RiverWalk Geo-Tour Grid Sheet with the stamp unique to that particular cache, also located within the container.


There are six unique geocache SERIES in the RiverWalk GeoTour:
Complete each of the series and you qualify to win a limited edition RiverWalk GeoTour playing card.
•    RiverWalk
•    Dams
•    Attractions
•    Mills
•    Chattahoochee River
•    Whitewater
There are 5 to 6 caches in each of the series. Collect one or all six cards. Simply present your RiverWalk GeoTour Grid Sheet with the appropriate spaces stamped to the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau during regular hours.

In addition, complete a specific number of caches to get a custom geo-coin.

Bring your stamped Grid Sheet into the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau during regular hours to receive your coin.

- Post by Debi Lander

Delightful Dining Options in Columbus, GA.

The Good Girls adore good food and boy did we find it in Columbus. First stop was the Cannon Brewpub for a late lunch of salad and beer.  Truth be told, we ate dessert first- in our car. You see, Pearly's in Albany sent us off from breakfast with three slices of buttermilk pie. We attempted to view Georgia's Grand Canyon located in Providence State Park, but the foliage was far too dense.  Dejected, we returned to our car, sat there and ate pie, which soon made us feel like we'd arrived in the Promise Land. 

An hour later we drove into Columbus and hit the military themed Brewpub for light fare. The chicken-topped spinach salads were fresh, tangy and had just the right amount of salad dressing. We discovered local Red Jacket beer with its malty taste and mild hop quite to our liking.

Salad at Cannon Brewpub @ Debi Lander

After a stormy afternoon, we chose Downstairs at the Loft- an uptown kind of place located downtown. We started with fried artichoke hearts in lemon basil butter - rather sensuous. I ordered salmon over sautéed spinach and Judy had unstuffed chicken with vegetables. Decadently delightful.

The next morning's caffeine jolt began at Iron Bank Coffee, an old bank building converted into an eclectic coffee shop. If you desire, sit at a table inside the vault. I desired a cinnamon roll and had it heated until the glaze oozed down the sides.  Perfect with a cappuccino!

Following breakfast, we checked out the rapids along the white water rafting course and then toured the Oxbow Environmental Center. Don't miss the cool treetop walkway.

Now friends, prepare yourself for emotional impact if you tour the Last Hundred Yards in the National Infantry Museum (see our next blog post). After reliving war scenes, we felt deeply indebted to all the military who have served our country. To lighten the mood, the Good Girls decided to try on uniforms and shoot rifles on a simulated Humvee course. We highly recommend this very fun high-tech experience.

We ran a little late for lunch, but no worries. Country's on Broadway prepared mouth watering barbecue in a flash. Drinks came in quart size mason jars and sides were southern specialties like corn bread, collards, black eyed peas and skillet apples.

BBQ plate at Country's   @ Debi Lander

After lunch we zipped over the bridge to Whitewater Express for rafting (see previous post) and arrived back at the Columbus Marriott with thrilling tales, not to mention wet and wild hair.  A little down time and a shower had us once again prepped for an evening of fine dining. We picked Meritage on 1st Avenue, a locally owned and operated dinner restaurant, wine and martini bar and lunch time deli cafe.  

Faye Simmons, the owner, greeted us, making us feel like we were dinner guests in her own home.  She suggested a few wines and let me assure you, Faye knows wine; she's a Certified Sommelier (2010) with the Court of Master Sommeliers and Certified Specialist of Wine (2011) with the Society of Wine Educators. I was impressed that one could order some very pricey choices by the ounce. How clever to experience the taste a renowned vintage when one could never afford to buy the entire bottle.

Faye's daughter, Ashley Simmons Parsi-Garciana, is the executive chef and indeed, an excellent one.

My meal began with baby spinach, crumbled Goat Cheese, sliced oven roasted golden beets, candied pecans, grape tomatoes and a house citrus vinaigrette.

Chilean Sea Bass

Judy chose lamp chops

The entree of seared and oven roasted Chilean Sea bass was exquisite- moist, flaky and over the top with a dollop of peach chutney and sweet potato hay- the thinnest crunchiest strands of fried sweet potato.  (My guess is they cook these for only a few seconds.) We couldn't pass up dessert: steamed lemon pudding cake with colorful blueberry coulis. 

Meritage is a grand addition to the walkable city of Columbus and after that meal Ruth and I needed a walk. We meandered through the historic house district and along the RiverWalk, which couldn't be a nicer way to end an evening.  

Peachy French Toast

Off to Warm Springs the next morning, but not before we stopped at Bitter Brick for breakfast. They call the restaurant a cocoa, coffee and wine retreat. I call it my kind of place!  I devoured fresh peach French toast which was tasty enough to make me say, "Bazinga."  Judy enjoyed an egg and bacon biscuit and others chose breakfast banana splits. I am positive we left Columbus about two pounds heavier and very satisfied.

Pastry Options at Bitter Brick    @ Debi Lander
 

- Post by Debi Lander

The Thrills and Spills of White Water Rafting in Columbus, GA

Rapids the morning of... Photo © by Judy Wells.

Twelve years ago the Chattahoochee River and the city of Columbus were in need of urban renewal.  But, the private and public sectors worked together to change the tide - literally.  Today, the city boasts the longest urban white water course in the world.

Do we really want to do this? Photo © by Judy Wells

 The Good Girls investigated some of the 15-mile Columbus RiverWalk in the morning- a place where folks stroll, exercise, bike, and fish.  When we got down to the area with rock studded “big water” I nearly changed my mind.  Recent rains have swollen the river and the water truly rushes along. This gnarly section of class 4 rapids (would have been class 5 if the course hadn't been groomed to prevent rafts getting hung up in rocks) looked more powerful than I could handle. Certainly Judy would need to back out as her recent recovery from a broken foot might be in jeopardy.

Debi and Ruth geared to go. Photo © by Judy Wells.

However, when 1:30 came and it was time to don a life jacket and helmet, I wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip by.  Ruth from Laurie Rowe Communications would join me instead of Judy. Casey, our raft guide from White Water ExpressOutfitters, was confident and couldn’t wait to give us an exciting adventure. 

Debi and Ruth learning how to go safely. Photo © by Judy Wells.

After a general group briefing, we hopped into the van along with our oars and were driven to the loading zone. No sooner did we enter the Chattahoochee River (I love saying that name) than we encountered our first series of rapids.  “Dig,” hollered Casey and the four rafters on board attempted to stroke together. 

The splash and spray of the river felt exhilarating as the sun was out and temperatures were running in the low nineties. Woo-hoo; bring it on. That was fun!

We lazed through the next section, the river doing the work of pushing the raft forward.  We enjoyed views of Blue Heron around the Habitat Pool, a man-made zone created by the river project engineers.  Shoal Bass, which spawn in rough water, have returned now that the river churns with rushing tides. In all, two dams were removed from the river along with any sharp rock formations.

Hitting high water. Photo © by Judy Wells.

Casey mentally prepared us for the challenging lower course and let those of us on the raft decide how we wanted to approach.  No wimpy rafters here, we choose the hot and spicy route. 

In high water, Photo © by Judy Wells.

Oh my gosh, we had a wild ride as our raft bounced along, waves crashing in and over the sides. I screamed- but with delight not fright. I momentarily thought we would flip, as the raft seemed to fold up in the middle.  Ruth fell forward while I slipped backward.  But, with Casey at the bat, no one fell out and we soon recovered control of the course.  Casey called for a high five of our oars and we were all elated. 

We were offered the option of running the course again, from a slightly shorter launching location. We all choose to return, so once again our raft bounced by the old brick denim mills at river’s edge and the newer convention center and historic downtown Columbus. How very cool to have what I think of as a rural adventure in the center of town.  No need to drive hours to a park and camp out in order to get to a white water course.  In Columbus, the adventure waits just outside your hotel or restaurant door. 

- Post by Debi Lander.