FORT LEE, Va. (Jan. 6, 2011) -- Holding a small plastic model of a military jeep in his hand, Lee Holland pointed out flaws like the globs of glue on the hood and windshield but admitted it wasn't a bad assembly job for a 5-year-old.
"This is how it all started," said Holland, an instructor at the Army Logistics University here. "It was my first model, and I'm still building these things more than 50 years later."
Those tiny plastic parts of the past, however, were quickly replaced by full-size motors, metal doors, canvas tops and split rim tires. The "models" Holland continues to assemble these days have transitioned from 1/72nd scale to actual 1/1 scale restorations of World War II-era military vehicles.
To date, Holland has restored more than 15 of them, to include a 1942 MB 1/4-ton "jeep," a 1942 WC56 command car, a 1943 1-ton trailer, a 1944 GMC, CCKW353 truck and his current projects - a 1942 WC53 Command Carryall and a 1943 WC54 Ambulance.
"Each one of the completed vehicles represents about five to six years of restoration work," said Holland, who is a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, an international organization that's dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and public education and display of historic military transport.
"Finding the parts to rebuild the engines is the most challenging and, oftentimes, time-consuming part of these projects. The body work can be tricky also - it usually involves a lot of bent and rusted metal - but I do the majority of it right here in the shop."
An example of Holland's work can be seen in the Quartermaster Museum. Years ago, he rebuilt a six-wheel amphibious vehicle that was commonly known as a "Duck" (its actual nomenclature is DUKW). Holland said it was far too expensive to maintain and operate, so he felt it would best be appreciated by the public as a display in the museum.
Other vehicles in Holland's collection are kept in an out-building behind his home in Chester. He calls the structure his "motor pool," and it too is a re-creation of military history. "It was built to the exact specifications of Army 700-314 Motor Pool plans, dated 1938, that were found at Fort Lee," Holland explained. "They were for a previous motor pool building that used to be located along Shop Road on post."
If you're picturing a typical garage with oil-stained floors and tools strewn across work benches, think again. Holland's motor pool is every bit as meticulous as the vehicles contained within. The walls are adorned with historic photos and framed front pages from newspapers that were published during WWII. Mannequins are dressed in authentic uniforms from the war, and there's even a display dedicated to the Victory Mail system.
Holland uses the facility to educate others on the design, development and production of the first truly military tactical vehicles. In December, for instance, he welcomed about 35 students from the Ordnance Basic Officer Leaders Course 11-002. They listened intently as he described the background of various vehicles and the manner in which they were designed and operated.
"You may have noticed the name Elaine on the windscreen of this vehicle," said Holland as he gestured toward a MB 1/4-ton truck, better known as the standard jeep that earned a reputation as the military's most famous form of transportation.
"Elaine was a doughnut girl in the Baltimore USO. They served hot coffee and doughnuts to the American troops. A lot of them became friends with the Soldiers, to include my dad who served as an ordnance officer in the North African Campaign during the war, and Elaine became my mom in 1952."
Standing beside another famous cargo vehicle - the "deuce-and-a-half" truck - Holland offered another little known fact. "The Army actually explored the idea of using coal for fuel, and it worked ... sort of," he said. "The engine ran just fine off the gases that were released, but the burner unit and coal in the back took up too much room to make it practical as a troop and cargo transport vehicle."
"Fascinating and fun" were the words that 2nd Lt. Jeff Archer from the visiting BOLC class used to describe Holland's talk. "I think this collection is simply amazing, and I truly appreciate this opportunity. An experience like this is very valuable; you have to understand where you came from to truly see where you're going. There are many examples here that show how decisions that were made in the past are still shaping the way we do business in the military today, and my decisions as an ordnance officer could have an impact on Soldiers for many years to come."
That's the sort of reaction Holland wants. He served in the officer ranks of the Army Ordnance Corps during his 28 years in uniform that ended in 2003, and just like the military vehicle association he is a member of, he considers the celebration of the war-fighter and recognition of the ingenuity of the combat-vehicle industry as rewards for his efforts. It's one of the catalysts also for the biennial convoys organized by the MVPA.
In 2009, Holland participated in a cross-country excursion for the 90th anniversary of the 1919 Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy that demonstrated the durability of military vehicles while underscoring the need for an interstate road system. With the vehicles (Holland drove a 1952 M-37 Weapons Carrier) moving at an average speed of 30 mph, it took 26 days to travel from Washington, D.C., to Oakland, Calif., a 3,250-mile journey. Holland is also planning to participate in a 2012 convoy that will traverse the 1,390-mile Alaska-Canadian highway that was constructed during World War II.
As for his military vehicle preservation projects, Holland said he has a few more he would like to complete in addition to the current ones he's restoring.
"I'll probably stop when I hit 70," he said. "I know the interest and desire will still be there, but heavy engines, transmissions and body work don't mix well with age. Eventually, the vehicles will be donated to a museum. Hopefully, I can still participate in the education part of it though. That would be fine with me."
Holland extended an open invite to individuals and groups interested in professional development tours of his motor pool. To arrange a visit, call his ALU office at (804) 765-4370. Pictures of Holland's exhibit also can be seen at www.mymotorpool.webs.com.
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