Page 122 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2019

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
living history
Government
Local Museum Preserves Military Memorabilia
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of GI Museum
Doug and Cheryl Mansfield are a military family with a keen sense of respect and pride in all who have served the United States. That’s why they opened the GI Museum in August 2006.
“It’s in the blood,” Doug Mansfield says. “With the museum we honor all the veterans who have served throughout history.”
ISSUE
Mansfield’s father and grandfather served and he had seven uncles who were in World War II all over the world. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and their son, also named Doug, has served in Iraq and is still in the Army. The museum
is dedicated to their son’s platoon sergeant, Sean Cooley, who was killed in Iraq in 2005.
The museum’s mission is to preserve memorabilia representing the generations of Americans who have served in the armed forces. “We don’t try to glorify war, just show it as it was and honor those who served so we can remain free,” Mansfield said. “We don’t want people to forget, especially young people.”
The museum has 59 mannequins in military uniforms — including the largest collection of women’s uniforms in the Southeast — uniforms in shadow boxes, a rare Medal of Honor, jeeps, weapons and every day items WWII
soldiers used such as cigarettes and matches. All in all, there are currently 16,000 artifacts.
“We spent a lot of time and money searching out these items and welcome donations of artifacts
and funds,” Mansfield said. “We proudly display the things people give us, and we are capable of restoring artifacts as close to their original state as possible.”
A retired broadcaster with 30 years experience, Mansfield works in partnership with WKFK Channel 7 in Pascagoula to interview veterans from different eras of history. He gives them the opportunity to tell their stories uncut and unedited.
The owners hope to extend the museum’s hours of operation but currently those hours are limited. Visitors may tour the facility at no charge but donations are welcomed. It’s a volunteer organization with the Mansfields supporting it with their pocketbooks and love of country.
GI Museum
5796 Ritcher Rd., Ocean Springs 228.872.1943 www.gimuseum.com
Open:
Wednesdays, first and third Sundays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
122 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2019
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