GREENVILLE – Visitors to the Greenville America 250 Community Picnic on July 5 will have the rare opportunity to step close to history as TROOPS IN TOWN! brings an impressive lineup of military vehicles to Greenville City Park. The display is designed not only to showcase historic equipment but also to spark conversations across generations about service, sacrifice, and the nation’s military heritage.
This year’s exhibit carries special meaning as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary. Organizers say the goal is to help younger generations understand the experiences of American service members and the vehicles that carried them “across all terrain throughout the world.”
TROOPS IN TOWN! is made up of members from the Ohio Motorpool (OMP), the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA), and several reenactment groups. The organization has grown from a small group of enthusiasts into a full team dedicated to honoring veterans and preserving military history. Their mission is simple but powerful: honor veterans while educating youth.
Ben Zoldak, a member of TROOPS IN TOWN!, said the group’s outreach has expanded significantly in recent years.
“We attend many events each year, staging our vehicles and interacting with the public, encouraging dialogue within the community,” Zoldak said. “From small displays with only a few vehicles to parades and fully immersive events complete with living historians and battle reenactments, we take pride in creating experiences that bring history to life.”
A major focus of their work is engaging children. During their annual event held alongside the Celina Lake Festival on Saturday, July 25, TROOPS IN TOWN! hosts activities such as kids’ boot camp and a kids’ battle, designed to help young participants understand — in an age‑appropriate way — the challenges and sacrifices faced by military members.
Organizers say they hope the Greenville display will inspire curiosity, respect, and meaningful conversations among families attending the America 250 celebration.
The vehicles to be attending will be a WWII WC-51 weapons carrier, M939 5-ton troop carrier, an LCVP “Higgins”, M35a2 deuce and a half, M38a1, and various Willy’s GP’s (jeeps).
TROOPS IN TOWN! can be followed on Facebook for updates, event announcements, and opportunities to invite the group to future community gatherings.
