Proud Americans

[papabear]

Today was probably the best day of my life.

Uglyranger(SS) Calvin Bennett (Original builder of Proud American Guntruck and rear gunner) and Danny Cochran, Ace of Spades GT, converged on the CAMO compound and participated in an annual Medal of Honor Ceremony here in Columbus, Georgia.

It Just don't get better than that folks: here's some pics:

 

[papabear]

Some more pics:

 

[Recovry4x4]

Hats off to Larry and the CAMO crew for always stepping up. Larry, you and the crew are PROUD AMERICANS!

 

[4x4 Forever]

Excellent work PB! Thanks for posting and pics too boot!!

 

[WillWagner]

Thanks PB, CAMO is the best!

 

[wreckerman893]

Looks like I missed another good event......ya'll did good PB.

 

[goldneagle]

Thanks PB and the CAMO crew for sharing your event with us.

 

[CARNAC]

Thanks. I know I was suppose to come down but playing Mr Mom this weekend unexpectedly. F!!!!!!!!!!! That would have been a real honor.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Your patriotism in action deserves our heartfelt SALUTE.

Thank you.

 

[papabear]

To me, it's all about training/teaching the young folks. Making sure they know what their freedom costs, and who pays for it with all they have to offer.

There were young men and women from the Army, Airforce, Navy, Marines and the Coast Guard representing those services present at the ceremony.
Before the ceremony they could be seen reading the citation on each of the five plaques and I could see what I thought was a drastic change come over each one of them.
The smiling and giggling stopped and was replaced by a quiet resolve to do the best they could do when the ceremony started.

The large patch on the back of our CAMO jackets says..."THE NATION WHICH FORGETS ITS DEFENDERS WILL ITSELF BE FORGOTTEN".

Here's a few pics of the young folks in action:

 

[Billy Bobbed]

Thanks for the pictures PB.

 

[sandcobra164]

PB, you told me it was a seafood fest, you never said anything about MOH honor's. I would have gladly came earlier and yes, I'm still that younger crowd that still need's educating. I truely believe we've shared some of the same ordeals being veterans and what not, I still think I can learn a thing or two from the generation that preceded mine. I'll post some pic's of me and Calvin later. What an HONOR to be photo'd next to the truck you built and the idea in his head that was never built due to lack of time in Vietnam. I'm even more ready to drive "The Pround" to the GT rally in Louisville, I just need some Vietnam era fatigues to fit the image. Let me know if you find some, I'd be honored and pleased to drive this impressive piece of history again.

 

[papabear]

PB, you told me it was a seafood fest, you never said anything about MOH honor's. I would have gladly came earlier and yes, I'm still that younger crowd that still need's educating. I truely believe we've shared some of the same ordeals being veterans and what not, I still think I can learn a thing or two from the generation that preceded mine. I'll post some pic's of me and Calvin later. What an HONOR to be photo'd next to the truck you built and the idea in his head that was never built due to lack of time in Vietnam. I'm even more ready to drive "The Pround" to the GT rally in Louisville, I just need some Vietnam era fatigues to fit the image. Let me know if you find some, I'd be honored and pleased to drive this impressive piece of history again.

Joe...that's EXACTLY why we try to include you in every event we can. Not only are you a young Veteran, you have the heart and the drive to continue the mission.
I THOUGHT I told you about the Medal of Honor Ceremony...well...you know I have issues...sorry.

One correction though...Proud American was built...by Calvin and Robert Thorne...in Vietnam...she was just never lettered.
Read the story Driver523 posted in the Guntruck Forum.

Uniform is no problem...we have original stuff...you and Uglyranger can fit...the rest of us are too fat!!!

 

[porkysplace]

Great thread.