About Us
Military Machines of American Freedom, Inc., is a non-profit IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Quincy, Florida. Our mission is to educate the public as to the use, contribution, and history of the vehicles and aircraft used by our American military forces with emphasis on recognizing our military veterans for the sacrifices they made and continue to make for the freedoms cherished in the United States.
Education is accomplished through public display of vehicles and aircraft at airshows, civic events, schools, military veteran events, and parades focusing on increasing the awareness and appreciation of our military across all ages and generations.
The exhibition of vehicles and aircraft is interactive allowing for seeing, touching, smelling and riding in the actual vehicles used by our military forces and veterans.
Military Machines of American Freedom enjoys a close relationship with members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA). This relationship provides for access to a wide variety of military vehicles of many types and eras for use in diverse events. Access to restoration experts and veterans with intimate knowledge of these vehicles and aircraft allows for exceptional educational opportunities.
Military Machines of American Freedom proudly supports the Florida State University, College of Motion Picture Arts, by providing military vehicles when needed for student film productions.
Military Machines of American Freedom supports various community organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Sea Scouts and the American Red Cross. Organization vehicles and equipment have also been made available to the community in times of natural disaster response.
Bell Helicopter UH1C/M Huey Helicopter
Serial # 68-00608
A Bell Helicopter UH1M Huey, Serial # 66-00608 was acquired in 2012. This helicopter served a distinguished military combat history with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. The helicopter served as a "gunship" primarliy with the 176th AHC, 282nd AHC, 191st AHC, and the 135th AHC units. This helicopter was equipped with various weapon systems to include two M-134, 7.62 caliber mini-guns, two M-158, 7 shot 2.75" rocket pods, two M60, 7.62 caliber machine guns, and the M-5 system. The M-5 fitted the gunship with a nose turret mounting a M-75 40 millimeter automatic grenade launcher, with a rate of fire of about 220 rounds per minute. This helicopter was manufactured as a "C" model but went through modifications along the way and ended up as an “M” model. The "M" model was an upgrade from a Lycoming T53-L-11 engine with 1,100 shaft horsepower to the Lycoming T53-L-13 engine with 1,400 shaft horsepower. A limited number of "M" models were outfitted with special electronic systems allowing for increased capabilities to fly combat missions at night.
This helicopter suffered numerous instances of battle inflicted damage while serving in Vietnam.After its military service in Vietnam, it was brought back to the United States. It was subsequently acquired by NASA and used for STS Space Shuttle launch perimeter security and astronaut medevac in Florida from 1986 until approximately 1995. It was then acquired by a helicopter agricultural spray company which heavily cannibalized the helicopter for parts.
A very special thank you is extended to Jim and Adele Crawford of Timberline Air Service for the donation of many parts needed for the proper restoration of 66-00608. This helicopter will be restored back to its original military configuration while assigned to the 176th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam.
What We Do
Vehicles
PBR Patrol Boat River
Helicopters
We have several former military vehicles used in support of our mission.
Helicopters
PBR Patrol Boat River
Helicopters
We have UH1H, UH1C/M and OH58 helicopters.
PBR Patrol Boat River
PBR Patrol Boat River
PBR Patrol Boat River
We have two Vietnam era River Patrol Boats (PBR).
Activities
PBR Patrol Boat River
PBR Patrol Boat River
Our organization participates in parades, static displays, and public education events.