Quartermaster Museum to tell the story of riggers and 92 Sierras

FORT LEE, Va. (Dec. 18, 2013) -- While the primary missions of Army riggers and 92 Sierras (shower, laundry and clothing-repair specialists) have remained unchanged over the years, both fields have evolved to accommodate the new technology and equipment that allowed them to continue providing supplies and support to troops in the field.

The vital service they continue to provide to the war-fighter is a story that's often overlooked. That's why the staff at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum here is creating a new Aerial Delivery and Field Services exhibit that is expected to open in February.

"Once completed," said Paul Morando, museum director, "the exhibit will offer visitors an engaging and informative display on the history of these quartermasters."

He explained that the museum is undergoing a renovation to partner with more departments.

"We began looking at our storyline about six months ago," said Morando, "and how we could update it, make it more relevant to what is happening today and also tie into the history."

The leadership, he said, selected these groups to update their story. Aerial Delivery had its beginnings in World War II and Field Services traces its formation to 1916.

"They have been onboard since day one and very supportive with manpower, moving two large pieces into the exhibit area," said Morando.

These main drawing cards will be a Bell UH-1H Iroquois "Huey" helicopter and a 6-ton Vietnam era M85 Laundry Unit.

Morando said members of the Quartermaster School moved the frame of the "Huey" into the museum Sept. 24, which will serve as a "prop" to tell the story of aerial delivery's sling load mission.

"We needed a helicopter without rotors and a tail boom to fit it into the museum," he said. "We worked with the Center of Military history and they located it at Aberdeen (Proving Ground, Md.)"

He said, "The massive Laundry Unit was a monster to move here and caused some delays."

Many people do not understand how important shower, laundry and clothing repair specialists (92 Sierras) are to the Army, he said.

"Washing clothes is important from both a hygiene and morale perspective," he said, "And they don't get recognized a lot."

A large display panel for the exhibit notes, "Throughout military history poor hygiene and disease have caused more deaths in war than all the weapons mankind has produced."

The exhibit also will include large and small display and portrait panels, many artifacts, parachutes and six large cargo containers from various periods and more.

For details about the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum, call (804) 734-4203 or visit www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil. It is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., weekends; and closed Christmas Day, New Years Day and Thanksgiving Day.