Military camp offers public fishing, museum

Although Camp Mabry may be best known for the aircraft angled toward the sky along a small stretch of MoPac, there is a lot that goes on behind the fence for both military personnel and the general public.

Maj. John Davis, Camp Mabry garrison commander, said his charge is to keep the public connected with the post and its storied history.

"Keeping true to our roots is a huge component of what we do," Davis said. "... We are the connection back to the public."

The camp, located on the west side of MoPac between 35th Street and Perry Lane, was founded in 1892. Camp Mabry currently serves as the joint headquarters for the Texas Military Forces, including the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, Domestic Operations Command and Adjutant General's Department. The Texas Military Forces provide the administrative, logistical and operational support to troops around the state.

TMF serves as the state's military under the command of the governor. The role of the Texas military is to provide support and trained personnel to respond to war, national emergencies and natural disasters.

Although the 375-acre camp serves as a military installation, Davis said the camp is open to the public and works to support the local community. There are various activities at the post in which the public can participate, including a museum and fishing, as well as nonprofit events such as 5K races.

"It goes back to our desire to help local nonprofit organizations," Davis said. "We like to partner with organizations and do things that have an immediate and direct nexus to our veteran population and their families—to the local community—and it's really those nonprofits that do that."

Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St., is open to the public during daylight hours but requires photo identification for all adults to gain access to the area.

Brig. Gen. John C. L. Scribner Texas Military Forces Museum

The 45,000-square-foot museum, which opened in 1992, features the history of the Texas military and its role in various conflicts throughout the world, including the Texas Revolution, World War II and the war on terror.

"The museum is really the cornerstone of [Camp Mabry's] historical district and really is our showcase facility," said Maj. John Davis, Camp Mabry Garrison Commander.

The museum charges no admission and is open 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday as well as on most holidays.

"Our feeling is that our citizens shouldn't have to drop a dime to find out what our troops have done for us and what they do for us," Museum Director Jeff Hunt said. "That admission price has already been paid through their service and for some of them, with their blood. As long as we can be free, we will be free."

For more information, call 512-782-5659 or visit www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org.