Louisiana Military Museum | Ruston, LA

Veterans Day - Monday, November 11th

Although we are thankful every day for their dedication and sacrifices, this is the time of year we all think about the service men and women who have fought for this country. With Veterans Day just around for corner, let’s take a moment to also celebrate a local treasure, the Louisiana Military Museum.

Since November 11, 1995, the Louisiana Military Museum has been reliving 150 years of military history through the lives of local heroes and unknown enemies. The museum is home to approximately 10,000 artifacts and showcases U.S. conflicts from the Civil War all the way to the Afghanistan War.

The exhibits are unique to the area and feature an expansive weapons collection, flags, training gear and apparel, as well as personal items like diaries, letters and Bibles. Outside the museum you’ll also find aircraft and vehicles from almost every conflict in American history. Museum Director Ernie Stevens is quite knowledgeable of, not only the wars, but of every artifact on display.         

Iraqi Redayeen
The helmet design is a copy of the
Darth Vader helmet from Star Wars.

I had the pleasure of visiting the museum this past month with a group of travel writers. I had not been there in a couple of years and didn’t realize what I'd missed. I’m a bit of a history enthusiast and enjoyed a good two hours browsing the displays. (I’ll also tell you now, two hours wasn’t nearly enough time to see everything.) World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars are particularly well represented. And the machine gun display is also a must see for any military history buff. 

I was unusually excited by the variety of military-issued gas masks. I’ve always found them strangely fascinating.

Jackpot!

Iraqi Gas Mask

Copy of a

U.S. M-9 gas mask

I also found this photo of a gentleman from my hometown. Private Robert H. Scott, 8th Louisiana Volunteer Infantry from Winnsboro, LA.
Side note: Does anyone else see the John Cusack resemblance?

Caption reads: Pvt. Robert H. Scott, Winnsboro, Louisiana,
Co. E (Franklin Sharpshooters) 8^th Louisiana Volunteer Infantry, C.S.A.
(Image courtesy Mark Hadley, Capt. Leon Polk Camp
Sons of Confederate Veterans, Bastrop, La.)

Have you been to the museum lately? These displays are a standing honor to those who served our country. They are here for us to appreciate and are important in the fight to keep history alive.

If you’d like more information on the museum, visit their website or call (318) 251-5099. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and admission is free. It’s located at 201 Memorial Drive in Ruston. Stop by and see Ernie and spend some time exploring one of Ruston’s hidden treasures.

Also, if you’re interested in learning more about Louisiana in war history, check out articles from Dr. Terry Jones in Louisiana Road Trips. 

Amanda Quimby is a native of Franklin Parish, a University of Louisiana at Monroe alumna and now a proud Ruston resident. As the marketing director for the CVB, she has an love for travel and tourism, and the coolest job ever. Amanda’s favorite things: coffee, wine and swing jazz. When she’s not working, ...just kidding. She’s always working. Follow her on Instagam and Twitter.

Tourism Development Grants Available

We all love our town and want to see it thrive. Have you ever had an idea that could improve Ruston - Lincoln Parish, but didn't know where to start? The Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to create partnerships and draw visitors into the area!

The Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is now accepting applications for the 2014 Tourism Development Grant Program. This program is a matching grants program geared toward generating increased travel and overnight visits to the area by assisting with the growth and promotion of the events. To be considered for funding under the program, projects must target markets beyond the local area and demonstrate the potential to make or have a record of making an economic impact in Ruston and Lincoln Parish. 

“These matching grant dollars can provide vital assistance to our local organizations to bring tourism dollars to our community,” said CVB President/CEO Travis Napper.

There have been a few updates to the application process. Groups and organizations who have received grants in the past will need to make an appointment to pick up an application and review new guidelines. First time applicants will need to first attend the Tourism Development Grant workshop and follow up with a one-on-one appointment to go over the application prior to be eligible to receive the grant. 

The workshop will be held on November 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the CVB, located at 2111 North Trenton Street.

“Our end goal is to create a cycle of new events that need help getting started, and grow them into successful, self-sustainable events. As those events become self-sustainable, we’ll be able to assist with new projects, continually adding to the quality of life of our community and truly showcasing what this area has to offer to visitors,” says Travis. 

Travis says the CVB has increased its grant budget for 2014 to encourage new applicants and provide more opportunities. During 2013, the CVB awarded numerous grants to various tourism related projects. Those funds were used to support a variety of events such races, tournaments, rodeos and festivals. 

Applications must be submitted to the Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau no later than December 9, 2013. If there are any remaining funds, grants will be offered throughout the year as new partnership opportunities arise, but will be on a first-come, first served basis.

For questions or to set up a one-on-one appointment with Travis Napper or Amanda Quimby, please call 318-255-2031.

Meet the Staff: Part 3

At the Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, our team is busy every day developing and promoting the tourism economy of Lincoln Parish. In the last year there have been some changes and additions to the office so we would like to take to take this opportunity to introduce our staff to you! 

Deana Sherrill, Administrative Assistant
 
Deana joined the CVB team in May of 2013 as an Administrative Assistant. She is the first face visitors to the area will see and is ready to help with their travel needs. Deana is responsible for sending information packets, maintaining website listings, boardroom bookings, as well as assisting with social media marketing.

Deana came to the CVB from North Louisiana Medical Center where she was the unit secretary for two years. She also has a background in the hospitality industry having served as the administrative assistant for resorts throughout the country.

“After traveling and living all over the United States, it’s really great to be back home in Ruston. Lincoln Parish is such a welcoming place. ”

Deana graduated from Louisiana Delta Community College with and an LPN degree. She moved back to Lincoln parish in 2008 and is the mother of her two year old son, Kingston.

Q&A
 
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Getting to meet and speak with all the travelers who stop into the CVB.

What is your favorite things to do in Ruston and Lincoln Parish?
Listening to the live music at Portico, Ponchatoulas and Sundown, and also taking my son to the many parks.

What three items are always in your purse?
My keys, wallet and then my cosmetics bag.

What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon?
Looney Tunes, of course!

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?
Outdoor activities in the cooler months. My son loves to play outside.

---

Meet the Staff: Part 2

At the Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, our team is busy every day developing and promoting the tourism economy of Lincoln Parish. In the last year there have been some changes and additions to the office so we would like to take to take this opportunity to introduce our staff to you!

Amanda Quimby, Marketing Director

Amanda joined the CVB staff in September 2013 as the new Marketing Director. She is responsible for implementing sales and marketing and communications/PR on behalf of the CVB.

Amanda came to the CVB from the marketing team at Skyjacker Suspensions in West Monroe, LA where she spent the last two years. During her time with Skyjacker, Amanda was responsible for social media and email marketing, brand development and promotion and event sponsorship. Amanda also has a background in the tourism industry, having served as the Communication Intern with the Monroe-West Monroe CVB for two years.

  “I accepted the Marketing Director position without much knowledge of the area. I have very much enjoyed getting to know the people here, visiting the attractions and restaurants and shopping the local boutiques. This really is such a beautiful place.”

Amanda is originally from Winnsboro, LA and moved to Monroe in 2005 to attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. 

Amanda is a member of the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association and serves on the board of the Northeast Louisiana Film Commission.  

Q&A

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Getting to show and tell people the great things about Ruston and Lincoln Parish. I’ve fallen in love with this place so I feel lucky to get to promote it every day.

Being new to the area, what is your favorite thing about Ruston Lincoln Parish so far?

I absolutely adore Downtown Ruston. The area is beautiful and you just can’t beat the shopping and dining; especially when the restaurants have live music!

What three items are always in your purse?

My wallet of course, my Kindle Fire and lipstick. I can’t do without my lipstick.

What is your favorite snack food?

Raisinets. There is a bag of them sitting on my desk right now.

Are you a morning person?

I really wish I was a morning person, but no, I am absolutely not.

---

Check back Friday, October 4th for Meet the Staff: Part 3!

Meet the Staff: Part 1

At the Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, our team is busy every day developing and promoting the tourism economy of Lincoln Parish. In the last year there have been some changes and additions to the office so we would like to take to take this opportunity to introduce our staff to you!

Travis Napper, President and CEO

Travis joined the CVB staff in May of 2012. As President and CEO, Travis is responsible for leading sales and marketing efforts to promote Ruston and Lincoln Parish and oversees all administrative functions of the bureau.

Travis came to the CVB from Louisiana Tech University where he served as the Director of Orientation and Special Programs for six years. During his time with the university, Travis was responsible for administering all the orientation sessions for students and parents, as well as training and development of the orientation staff.

“I’m not originally from here, but I’ve always had ties to Ruston. Since moving here over a decade ago, I feel like I’ve been accepted into this family; and it’s a pleasure to be able to serve the area.”

Travis is also an active member of the community. He serves as Vice President of the Ruston Civic Symphony Society, sits on the board of the Dixie Center for the Arts and is a member of the Rotary Club of Lincoln Parish

Travis has been married to his college sweetheart Brittany Schimmel Napper for almost six years. They have two children, Emory, who is four years old and Stover, who will be one on Wednesday.

Q&A

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Any time that I get to hear the feedback from our visitors' experiences, and how much they enjoy our authentic community. 

Where is the best place to take the kids in Lincoln Parish?

Lincoln Parish Park or any LA Tech sporting event. My kids always have a great time!

What was the last app you downloaded?

Goodreads. I like it because it helps me keep up with all the books I have read, but more importantly all the books that I would like to read at sometime in the future.

You must like to read. What was the last book you read?

Death by Meetings by Patrick Lencioni.

What is the most special gift you've been given?

My wedding ring. It symbolizes the covenant that we have made to each other and reminds me of how thankful I am to have such a wonderful wife and mother to my kids.

---

Check back Wednesday, October 2nd for Meet the Staff: Part 2!