National Korean, Vietnam war museum moving to Wurtsmith

The Bay City Times reports today that Wurtsmith has been selected as the location for a branch of the museum. Originally reported back on June 23, 2004, this new article adds:

The museum originally planned to specialize in the Korean War, but the additional space at Wurtsmith will allow for a Vietnam War museum as well, Kopitke said. Many Korean War veterans went on to serve in Vietnam, he said.

"We're really excited about coming," said Kyle Kopitke, the museum's founder. "We have all kinds of exhibits we haven't been able to set up here in Hawaii," Kopitke said Monday. "Since we already have them, we're looking at 60 days to have something open at Wurtsmith."

Kopitke said he currently is working to find an air carrier willing to take some of the Hawaiian museum's inventory to Oscoda at no cost or low cost. He is also hoping for enough donations to pay for airfare for him and his family to fly to Oscoda. The National Korean War Museum in Hawaii opened in February on the island of Oahu. The distance to Wurtsmith is about 4,400 miles.

Visit the web site of the museum here.

Also reported in the Lexington Kentucky Lexington Herold-Leader and the Kansas Witchita Eagle.

The Oscoda Press adds this quote -- "It has room for the planes, tanks and a series of Walls of Honor to house the names of over 30,000 killed in action from the Korean War", Kopitke said.

The museum will be located in building 5006 (the former Wing Headquarters). This facility at 28,000 square-feet is almost three times larger than the museum facility in Hawaii.

The ten year lease agreement begins Aug 1.