San Luis Obispo – In a showcase of community spirit and respect for military heritage, a group of Diablo Canyon employees teamed up with veterans and local volunteers to restore the M60A3 tank that has stood outside the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum since 2006.
Volunteer effort saves museum money
The three‑day project, coordinated over six months, involved 125 volunteer man‑hours and eliminated the need for the museum to hire a contract curator. By handling the pressure washing, masking, priming and final coating themselves, the volunteers saved the museum an estimated $20,000 in restoration costs.
Details of the restoration
Led by a Diablo Canyon security supervisor who also serves as a National Guard tank commander, the team used two pressure washers attached to 350 feet of hose, five gallons of primer, six gallons of top‑coat, and 300 square feet of aluminum foil and paper for masking and hand‑cut stencils. The tank, a 53‑ton M60A3 model measuring 22 feet long, 12 feet wide and 11 feet high, served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1991.
Veterans and community members unite
Many of the Diablo Canyon participants are military veterans, and the effort brought together veterans, non‑veterans, museum supporters and other community members. The collaboration underscores the shared commitment to preserving local military history and honoring those who served.
Why the tank matters
Beyond its physical presence, the tank stands as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made by service members over three decades of Cold‑War and post‑Cold‑War service. Restoring it ensures that future generations can see and learn from this piece of history right here in San Luis Obispo.
Looking ahead
The successful restoration sets a precedent for future community‑driven preservation projects. Diablo Canyon employees have expressed interest in partnering on additional initiatives that support local heritage and veteran causes.
For more information about volunteering opportunities at the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, visit their website or contact the museum directly.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
