One of the only things that changes from war to war, is the equipment and technology.
1991 M923
This vehicle was used as an all terrain/all weather vehicle for movement of troops, weapons, and anything needed to logistically support a mission. It was in service through 1991 and utilized heavily in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Operation Storm.
Mended Swords utilizes this vehicle to help support events and functions created for our veterans.
Opportunities to drive this vehicle, through an off-road experience, will be available soon. If this is something you may be interested in, please email us at mendedswords1776@gmail.com.
Ralph's Vision
The acquisition of this 1991 M923 vehicle was inspired by Ralph Osterhoudt. Ralph operated a WWII half-track during the Battle of the Bulge.
When asked if he'd like to have the opportunity to drive the M923 through a five foot mud hole, the instant smile, and the words "Can I really?" was incentive enough to make it happen.
Be a part of the story!
The acquisition of this 1991 M923 vehicle was inspired by Ralph Osterhoudt. Ralph operated a WWII half-track during the Battle of the Bulge.
When asked if he'd like to have the opportunity to drive the M923 through a five foot mud hole, the instant smile, and the words "Can I really?" was incentive enough to make it happen.
This vehicle was used for troop transport and medical support for over eight thousand miles in the Korean War. This jeep sat on the back of a train car for 15 years before it was bought back to its glory by a private party.
Mike bought this vehicle for it to be a monument, and a way to help people remember, to never forget, the brave men and women who served during this time. Over the last 15 years, it has been at countless memorials, funerals, parades, fairs, community events, and schools.
It can currently be viewed at West Point's Black Knight Alley during most home football games and at other various functions on the campus/post.
The Mended Swords paintball tank is a modified Polaris UTV. This vehicle was another addition inspired by WWII veteran Ralph Osterhoudt. While visiting Mended Swords veterans at a West Point Paintball Combat Classic, Ralph said he really wanted to play paintball. We had to figure out a way to make it happen. So Ralph was brought onto the paintball field in an un-modified enclosed UTV.
Although unable to return fire, he loved it! This led us to look at how we could bring Ralph and other Veterans with disabilities onto the paintball field and "into the fight." Through several generous donations we have been able to bring many veterans out onto the field who would not otherwise be able to participate. When we take a vet out on the field they don't want to leave and they look forward to coming back again and again.