By Sterling McGinn
The American Legion Post 74 of Newberry has spent more than a decade working to secure a static military display for the post headquarters on south M-123.
The work of Jim Dzelak and Jean Foley has paid off: The post was offered a Wiesel military vehicle this spring.
Though the vehicle itself costs nothing, transporting it from lower Michigan and pouring a cement pad will cost money, and the Legion is seeking donations to help cover those expenses.
Longtime Legion Auxiliary member Jean Foley said contributions can be dropped off, or mailed to the post at 7964 State Highway M-123 Newberry, Michigan, 49868.
“We want people to be aware that we have a vital Legion and that we are conscientious in supporting our veterans,” Foley said. “This vehicle is one way to salute them.”
The Legion will receive a Wiesel MK/TOW tank, which is currently located at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in a military museum in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. It is an air transportable light-armored front-drive vehicle used by airborne troops. The armor provided protection against infantry weapons. The vehicle was armed with an automatic cannon and six anti-tank guided missiles.
The Wiesel was manufactured by the Rheinmetall Landsystem in Germany.
For approximately 12 years, Dzelak, who has served as the post finance officer and past post commander, and Foley had applied to the United States Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to obtain a military Howitzer, which is an artillery weapon that falls between a mortar and a cannon.
“When you apply, you are put on a list and you tell them what you are looking for,” Dzelak said. “You have to renew that application every year and it is very detailed. We had been waiting a long time, but they just didn’t have any available.”
They finally received a call this spring that the Wiesel would be gifted to the Legion.
The Wiesel will be located on the south end of the front yard of the Legion. Placement for a cement pad has been marked off, and someone has volunteered to dig a hole before the cement goes down.
“The cement slab is going to cost approximately $2,500,” Dzelak said. “It has to be big enough to put the piece of equipment on and it has to be to their specs.”
The Legion also will need to find someone licensed to transport the equipment to Newberry.
