This past weekend, members of the United States Army Brotherhood of Tankers (USABOT) arrived in New Bedford to begin restoration work on two historic military tanks, breathing new life into powerful symbols of service and sacrifice.
Volunteers from Abrams Co. of Burt’s Knights (4th Battalion USABOT) began restoration efforts on the tanks located at the Franco American Veterans Memorial (where Nauset Street, Mount Pleasant Street, and Hathaway Road converge) and on the M4 Sherman tank at Papineau Square near King’s Highway. These tanks were previously restored by the same team in 2016, but exposure to the elements has brought them back for another round of care.
These veterans, many from New Bedford and others traveling from across New England, including as far as Maine, are donating their time, skills, and heart to preserve these historic artifacts.
The restorations are made possible through volunteer labor and generous donations. A grant from the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) has helped provide essential supplies and equipment for the restoration process. Weather permitting, the work may take several weekends to complete. Later this year, the team also plans to restore the tank at Fort Taber.
USABOT has restored over 19 tanks across New England, some more than once. But their work goes far beyond preservation. Members are also active in supporting other causes, including volunteering with the American Heritage Museum and assembling backpacks of supplies for homeless veterans.
We thank these dedicated veterans not only for their service to our country, but for continuing to serve our communities with pride and purpose.
If you’d like to get involved, whether you’re a veteran interested in joining or someone who would like to support their efforts through donations, please contact Juan Ramos at usabot.secretary@usabot.org
This past weekend, members of the United States Army Brotherhood of Tankers (USABOT) arrived in New Bedford to begin restoration work on two historic military tanks, breathing new life into powerful symbols of service and sacrifice.
Volunteers from Abrams Co. of Burt’s Knights (4th Battalion USABOT) began restoration efforts on the tanks located at the Franco American Veterans Memorial (where Nauset Street, Mount Pleasant Street, and Hathaway Road converge) and on the M4 Sherman tank at Papineau Square near King’s Highway. These tanks were previously restored by the same team in 2016, but exposure to the elements has brought them back for another round of care.
These veterans, many from New Bedford and others traveling from across New England, including as far as Maine, are donating their time, skills, and heart to preserve these historic artifacts.
The restorations are made possible through volunteer labor and generous donations. A grant from the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) has helped provide essential supplies and equipment for the restoration process. Weather permitting, the work may take several weekends to complete. Later this year, the team also plans to restore the tank at Fort Taber.
USABOT has restored over 19 tanks across New England, some more than once. But their work goes far beyond preservation. Members are also active in supporting other causes, including volunteering with the American Heritage Museum and assembling backpacks of supplies for homeless veterans.
We thank these dedicated veterans not only for their service to our country, but for continuing to serve our communities with pride and purpose.
If you’d like to get involved, whether you’re a veteran interested in joining or someone who would like to support their efforts through donations, please contact Juan Ramos at usabot.secretary@usabot.org
