March 8 – 9, 2024

All active military personnel and veterans and their guests will receive free admission to Discovery Park on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9. 

This two-day event features a variety of programs and interactive activities that will interest the entire family. Enjoy a weekend that explores the past, present and future of the military.

Discovery Park’s 2024 military expo will include presentations, demonstrations of military equipment, reenactments and experience our new temporary exhibit, “Vietnam, 2 Soldiers. 2 Artists. 2 Journeys. Then and Now.”

Friday has been planned with students in mind and will provide both military and history-related content perfect for school groups. For student group information, email our education department at education@discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731-885-5455.

Sponsored by Union City Coca-Cola and Dixie Gun Works.

Guests will experience:

• Reenactors sharing stories from the history of the military
• Military vehicles and equipment on display
• A preview of the temporary exhibit, “Vietnam, 2 Soldiers, 2 Artists, 2 Journeys. Then and Now.”
• Experts on a variety of topics relevant to the past, present and future of the military
• Gallery talks with Discovery Park educators

A video from the previous Military Expo at Discovery Park of America.

Special guests include:

Paris-Henry County Festival Band

The Paris-Henry County Festival Band is an elite middle school band comprised of students from Henry, Harrellson, Inman and Lakewood Middle Schools. In the past, this group has performed in Paris and at the University of Tennessee at Martin Concert Festival where they have received a superior rating.

Maj. William Burgess

Maj. William Burgess joined the Army in 2004 as a Human Resource Specialist in the Army Reserves and deployed to Al Asad Airbase in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. Following his deployment, he began the ROTC program at Stephen F. Austin State University. In 2011, Major Burgess earned a bachelor of liberal arts in history and was commissioned as an air defense artillery officer. He is currently serving as the program director and assistant professor of military science and ROTC at Murray State University.

Lt. Col. Bernard House

Lt. Col. House is a professor of military science at the University of Tennessee at Martin. House is also the overall leader of the ROTC battalion at both Murray State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin. Lt. Col. Bernard House is a native of Lexa, Arkansas, and was commissioned into the U.S. Army in 1997 from the University of Arkansas at Pine where he graduated as a distinguished Military Graduate with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.

Sgt. 1^st Class Grover J. Muirheid

Sgt. 1st Class Grover J. Muirheid is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and enlisted into the U.S. Army in 2006. He attended One Stop Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he earned the Military Occupational Specialty of Infantryman (11B). Sgt. 1st Class Muirheid’s initial assignment was Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from November of 2006 through June 2012. Most recently, he moved to Army South, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to serve as the NCOIC of Contingency Command Post operations until August of 2023.

2nd Lt. Christina Mills

2nd Lt. Mills is familiar with the military from family members who have served in the army. She was inspired during her junior year of college to join the ROTC at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Mills graduated in 2023 with a bachelor of science in criminal justice. She received her commission on August 31, 2023. She reported to Fort. Moore, Georgia on Jan. 25, 2024 to attend the infantry basic officer leadership course at Fort. Moore. 2nd Lt. Mills’ goals are to make it to the rank of Capt. and return to Fort Moore for the maneuvers captain career course.

Brig. Gen. Trent Scates

Brig. Gen. Scates is the Director of the Joint Staff for the the Tennessee National Guard. Scates has 33 years of service in the military. He received his commission from Officer Candidate School at the Tennessee Military Academy in 1993, following an enlisted career as a heavy equipment operator in the 913th Engineer Company in Union City, Tennessee. He spent most of his career learning and developing his leadership while assigned to multiple levels of command within the 194th Engineer Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard.

Reenactment Groups

These groups will be displayed throughout the Settlement on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Schedule of Events

Programs are subject to change.

Friday, March 8, 2024

All day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Experience reenactors, military displays and equipment from the past, present and future, and hear stories from the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, the War of 1812 and the Spanish-American War.

10:30 a.m. in Dino Hall Patriotic Kickoff Concert featuring Paris-Henry County Concert Band

11:00 a.m. in the Lower-level Military Gallery

Posting of Colors performed by members of the UTM ROTC and performance of the National Anthem and an Armed Forces Medley from Paris-Henry County Concert Band

Welcome and Introduction from Discovery Park director of education, Michael Larkin

“Then and Now,” an educational panel hosted Lieutenant Colonel Bernard House featuring cadets from the UTM ROTC Program

11:45 a.m. in the Lower-level Military Gallery

Keynote address from Brig. Gen. Trent Scates

12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Wade Cabin

“Letters and More from the Civil War” hosted by historical interpreter, Mike Ramsey

2:30 p.m. in the ATA Traveling Exhibit Hall

Guided Tour of the new “Vietnam, 2 Soldiers. 2 Artists. 2 Journeys. Then and Now.” led by Discovery Park’s  director of education, Michael Larkin

3:00 p.m. in the Lower-level Military Gallery

“The Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE): Food on the Frontlines” hosted by Discovery Park’s Erik Uselton

Visit with Vendors in the Military Gallery (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 

• UT Martic ROTC
• Chaplain Ron Powell, LTC. U.S. Army (Retired)
• The Veteran’s Museum
• Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution
• Wreaths Across America

Saturday, March 9, 2024

All day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Experience reenactors, military displays and equipment from the past, present and future, and hear stories from the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, the War of 1812 and the Spanish-American War.

11:00 a.m. – Military Gallery

11:00 a.m. in the Lower-level Military Gallery

Posting of Colors performed by members of the UTM ROTC and performance of the National Anthem by the 52nd Regimental String Band

Welcome and Introduction from Discovery Park director of education, Michael Larkin

“Then and Now,” an educational panel hosted by Maj. William Burgess and Sgt. 1st Class Grover Muirheid featuring cadets from the UTM ROTC Program

Keynote Speaker, 2nd Lt. Christina Mills shares her experience from the perspective of a young Lt and how she is preparing for her future

1:00 p.m. in the Lower-level Military Gallery

Explore military equipment with a guided tour hosted by Discovery Park’s David Heathcott

1:30 p.m. in the Lower-level Military Gallery

“The Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE): Food on the Frontlines” hosted by Discovery Park’s Eric Uselton

2:00 p.m. in the Wade Cabin at The Settlement

“Civil War Clothing: from Flax to Fiber” presented by historical interpreter, Mike Ramsey

3:00 p.m. in the Settlement Pavilion

Performance by 52nd Regimental String Band

Visit with Vendors in the Military Gallery (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 

• UT Martic ROTC
• Chaplain Ron Powell, LTC. U.S. Army (Retired)
• The Veteran’s Museum
• Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution
• Wreaths Across America

All programs associated with the event are included with park admission or membership.

Three new hotels are now open right next door to Discovery Park of America. For reservations or more information click here.

Images from previous Military Expos at Discovery Park of America.