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Missouri National Veterans Memorial adds a Vietnam Era Huey Helicopter to its offering
Episode 3064 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the dedication of a Vietnam Era Army helicopter at the Missouri National Veterans Museum at Perryville, Missouri. The featured story appeared in the Republic Monitor of Perryville and was titled: Hundreds Gather for Huey Helicopter Dedication at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial. The story was submitted by Kevin Jenkins, the editor of the Monitor. [editor@perryvillenews.com]
Jenkins reported that a large and enthusiastic crowd braved overcast skies to witness a significant new chapter in Missouri’s commemoration of military service: the unveiling and dedication of a restored Vietnam War-era Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” helicopter at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial (MNVM) in Perryville.
The ceremony, emceed by MNVM executive director Rae Lynn Munoz, marked the culmination of a yearlong restoration effort and celebrated the helicopter’s new status as a permanent outdoor display.
The Huey, a 1964 model, was previously on display at Wentworth Academy before being transferred to Perryville in March 2024 through the cooperation of the Museum of Missouri Military History.
Its journey to Perryville signaled the start of a significant transformation, as a team led by Col. Kevin P. Robinson, US Army (Ret.), and supported by more than 50 volunteers and local businesses, dedicated over 1,700 hours to restoring the aircraft to its former glory.
As the centerpiece of the day’s events, the Huey’s restoration included extensive cleaning, disassembly, sheet metal repair, and reassembly, ensuring its place as a lasting tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War.
Visitors to the site can now see the Huey along with other prominent tributes, including a full-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall—one of the most accurate in the nation—as well as the Honor Flag Memorial, the Guardians of Freedom monument, and the Old Guard statue.
The MNVM grounds are open 24 hours a day, offering a peaceful setting for reflection, while the welcome center and military museum provide educational exhibits and staff assistance daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Listen to Episode 3064 and discover more about the dedication of a Vietnam Era Army Helicopter at the Missouri National Veterans Museum at Perryville, Missouri.