Heartfelt Tribute Unveiled: Restored Vietnam War Huey Helicopter Honors Heroes at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial

I'm not afraid to admit I am a fan of the flag and our country. During my time in active service and my professional life, I’ve been lucky to see alot of this world—both good and bad.  I can confidently say there is nothing like the United States anywhere else on this planet.  Many people have given their lives to ensure our freedoms, and I get it.  

Today, a full-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall stands in Perryville at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial. It is a full-sized Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, just like the one on the mall in Washington, D.C.  It is beautiful yet sad to experience the Wall with the flags floating overhead and your image reflected on the wall itself.  But there is much more to the Missouri National Veterans Memorial (MNVM).

Recently, we met up with Col. Kevin P. Robinson to tell us about his lead on the latest memorial at the site—the restoration of the Huey helicopter, soon to be dedicated to a Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient. The Vietnam War Huey Helicopter will be an outstanding addition to the Wall, the military museum, and all the other memorials.  The Missouri National Veterans Memorial truly is an amazing place right here in Perryville and we at 573 Magazine are honored to be able to bring this story to you.  

My name is Kevin P. Robinson. I retired from the guard as a full-bird Colonel.

I was given the privilege to lead the restoration of the Huey helicopter.

My name is Kevin P. Robinson.  My spouse, Charlotte, is a practicing registered nurse, and we have two children: Dalton, a former Marine, and our daughter, Kirsten, who is a new Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force.  I am a 29-year veteran of the Army and the Air Force.  I initiated my military career in the fall of 1979 by enlisting in the Army National Guard.  Following this, I completed three years in the Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant and then went back into the Army National Guard as a Warrant Officer 1 and to Army Flight School at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, where I learned to fly.  I retired from the guard as a full-bird Colonel. I currently serve as Chairman of the Board for the River Region/Multiply Credit Union in Jefferson City.  Additionally, I own a small business that owns and manages commercial rental properties.

...it truly is a national treasure right here in Missouri.

I previously served as a board member and president of Missouri's National Veterans Memorial (MNVM) in Perryville.  Many people refer to it as the Vietnam Wall Memorial, but there is so much more to the MNVM—it truly is a national treasure right here in Missouri. 

...serves as a sanctuary for those coping with emotional trauma.

https://mnvmfund.org/

The MNVM is vital to our community, serving as a repository for military history and education for future generations.  It gives citizens a way to explore various exhibits showcasing our military heritage and serves as a sanctuary for those coping with emotional trauma.  Just sitting in front of the wall is a tremendous experience for so many people.  Recently, I was given the privilege to lead the restoration of the Huey helicopter—it was right up my alley and a true labor of love for me and all the folks who came on to assist in the restoration, so many great people giving up countless hours to make all this happen.   The effort garnered widespread community support, and the dedication ceremony is expected to draw a large crowd for the unveiling.  

...so many great people giving up countless hours to make all this happen.

...serves as a poignant reminder that freedom is not free.

It will be a great attraction to an already amazing place in the world...

Despite years of decay and corrosion, our team successfully restored the 1964 UH1 B to its original cosmetic appearance. The unveiling solidifies yet another chapter in preserving our history as the Huey stands guard over the campus and serves as a poignant reminder that freedom is not free.  It will be a great attraction to an already amazing place in the world, right here in our backyard.  I couldn't be more proud to be a small part of this very big effort.

Huey Helicopter Dedication Ceremony

Hosted by Missouri's National Veterans Memorial 

Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM

1172 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Perryville, MO

More info at https://mnvmfund.org/

Get FREE tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/themissourinationalveteranmemorial/event/hueyhelicopterdedicationceremony/

The muesum is filled with relics from various American conflicts.

The muesum has many displays and provides staff to answer questions.

The quality and attention to details makes the Missouri National Veterans Memorial well worth the visit.

For more info about the memorial and museum visit: https://mnvmfund.org/

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