Vet’s Hospital Loma Linda, CA October 2, 2011
While most charity car shows have a few sponsors and volunteers, The Volunteers for Veterans Foundation, which hosts this show, is an amazing group of volunteers which have partnered with more than 50 companies, groups, individuals and clubs to put on an outstanding car show. The fact that the proceeds from this show are used to help veterans and active military personnel in some way, whether its through the Vet’s hospital, or providing assistance to those in transition to civilian life, makes what all these folks do so incredible.
- The Model T Club of Riverside was at the Show again this year
The sponsors and supporters of this show include K&N Air Filters, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (t-shirt sponsor); Lucas & Associates and Midnight Impressions (goodie bag sponsor) Dick Rennick/Team Rennick (dog tag sponsor) Rafe Federal Credit Union (ticket sponsor), B&M Racing Performance, Speedway Engineering, Classic Chevys of Riverside, Over the Hill Gang-Berdoo and so many more. However, one car club which has worked hard at every Vet’s Show for the last 15 years is the Wiseguys Car Club which sells a BBQ lunch to a hungry crowd. Over the years, the Wiseguys have sold more than 14,600 sandwiches and raised more than $82,000 all of which went to American veterans who have served our country. That’s an accomplishment that’s hard to top.
- The give-away car is a ’63 Nova
One of the major fundraisers every year is the give-away car. This year the car was a 1963 Nova convertible. These cars go to people who want and appreciate them. Before going to its new owner, this year’s give-away car was kept company at the show by the give-away car from last year and the one from four years ago. The cars, parts and labor are all donated so the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets goes directly to help our veterans and active military. In addition to the give-away cars, a washer/dryer, a golf cart and other want-to win items were raffled off for the benefit of our veterans.
- Fernando Montano and his ’62 Vette
As in past years, the show was opened with posting of the colors by the All Forces Honor Guard from the Riverside National Cemetery. These guys volunteer their time, not only at the Riverside National Cemetery, but to the Loma Linda Vets Health Center; they also attend funerals and go to schools to teach children how to fold a flag. The photo on the left shows Fernando Montano and his ’62 Vette. Fernando serves with the Honor Guard from the Riverside National Cemetery but still had time to build this outstanding Corvette.
This year the Vet’s Show attracted 1,248 hot rods, customs, muscle cars, rat rods, motorcycles, military vehicles and other classic cars. The cars at this show are some of the nicest to be found. Just seeing them all requires most of the day. However, this show is also a place to see old friends and meet new ones. And of course, there are so many vendors to visit offering everything from kettle corn, brats, Italian ice, dog tags, t-shirts, car upholstery, car parts… too many to list.
We were glad to be able to visit with our Vet’s show friend Phillip Miller who was again at the show with his 1953 Willys Jeep. Phillip is a Korean war veteran.
Below are a few of the fine cars and bikes at the show. The patriotic ’34 coupe belongs to Richard Frisby, custom bike is owned by Pete Muier, the Chevy P/U highboy was brought by Ron Mangus who donated his time and talent to upholster the give-away car, and the unique ’64 Volkswagen Rat Rod belongs to Perry Fleming. (Click on any of the photos in the gallery below to see an enlarged photo; however, they are large photos and will take a moment to load.)
Many of the cars at the show are owned by veterans and many of the spectators are veterans, to them we say ‘thank you for your service’.
This ’41 Willys was built and shown by Dale Bourgeois, U.S. Air Force Retired.
The photo on this ’55 Chevy identifies the service of Toby Mestas USAF 1963-1967.
If you love your freedom, thank a vet
All of the photos above and many more can be seen on our SmugMug site. Click the link at the top of the page or in the right hand side panel to see all the photos. All photos are available for purchase through SmugMug.
