West Monroe, LA – In a unique collaboration between education and community service, the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum has partnered with Louisiana Delta Community College's (LDCC) West Monroe Diesel Powered Equipment Technology Program to restore a Deuce and a Half military vehicle. This historic vehicle, transported to LDCC’s diesel shop on September 13th, will be restored by students as part of an exciting hands-on learning opportunity.
Veterans Art Garlington, Harold Riggin, and Glen Scioneaux were present alongside diesel students and instructors to unload the vintage vehicle. After researching its serial number, Deuce and a Half was identified as a 1970 model dating back to the Vietnam War era. The restoration project allows students to explore automotive history while contributing to preserving military heritage. Rock Frost, diesel equipment program lead, and Dax DeCelle, instructor, both saw an opportunity to enhance their students’ learning experiences while helping their community.
“This project is a fantastic blend of education and community engagement,” said Frost. “Our students are not only honing their technical skills but also part of an effort to preserve a piece of military history.”
Once restored, the Deuce and a Half will return to the museum, where it will serve as a piece of living history, appearing at community events, and serving as an educational tool for the public.
This partnership exemplifies the mutual benefits that arise when the community and educational institutions collaborate, offering students real-world experience while contributing to the preservation of our nation’s history.
For more information about the restoration project or the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology Program at LDCC, please contact Rock Frost at 318-397-6190 and rockfrost@ladelta.edu or Dax DeCelle at 318-397-6110 or daxdecelle@ladelta.edu.