LDCC students restore Vietnam War vehicle for Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) – The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum partnered with Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) to restore a vehicle used during the Vietnam War era.

The Deuce and a Half was delivered to the LDCC School of Industrial Technology diesel mechanic shop, where students pursuing an education in Diesel Powered Equipment Technology would have the opportunity to be a part of the restoration project. KTVE/KARD spoke to the instructors overseeing the restoration about having the opportunity.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about some of the older equipment that is out there and to be able to restore something for the museum. You know, Deuce and a Half for the military, it’s a great honor.

Rock Frost | Lead Instructor, LDCC

When the truck was delivered, it was unable to crank, and finding parts for the vehicle was challenging, but Frost says with the help of Bumper to Bumper and Batteries Plus, needed items were found. Shortly after being in the hands of LDCC, the historic vehicle was up and running. Instructor Decelle stated that getting the vehicle back running wasn’t too difficult, but there were a few more obstacles to overcome before Deuce and a Half could make its way to the museum. Veteran and Co-Founder of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum spoke to KTVE/KARD about the collaboration.

What they’re doing right here is very special. We don’t have the total knowledge of what they’re doing or facilities to work on something like this. So, people and groups like this who come together to support us, it means a lot to us.

Jerry Smith | Co-Founder, Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

Students have been working alongside their instructors to restore the vehicle. Some even discovered that they had a tie to the historic military piece. Kash Rudd, a student at LDCC, found out through his grandmother that his late grandfather had driven a Deuce and a Half during his time in service. Rudd spoke to KTVE/KARD about his experience of helping restore the vehicle.

It kind of makes me think, man, my grandpa could’ve been sitting in this exact seat right here twenty, thirty, forty years ago.

Kash Rudd | Student, LDCC

Veterans who served during the Vietnam War and drove the Deuce and a Half met with the students and instructors. During the veteran’s visit, a former driver cranked the vehicle for the first time in years. A student present spoke about that moment.

To see those men faces light up when they crunk it up, yea I love that.

Darrean Leichman | Student, LDCC

The instructors also gave KTVE/KARD a few facts regarding the vehicle. The truck is believed to have been a part of the 233rd regiment. A Deuce and a Half is known as a military tactical cargo truck that can travel almost any terrain. The vehicle can also take multiple variations of fuel. The only fuel type off limits is jet fuel.

After the mechanical restoration is complete, the historic vehicle will return to the museum, where it will undergo a paint job and cosmetic fixes. According to Smith, the Deuce and a Half’s restoration and exhibit is to honor those who once drove the vehicle, those who served, and the many lives the vehicle aided in saving.