Our Military - Their Race Cars

[jimmyparker]

My Grandfather served in WWI, my Dad served in WWII, I served in '66 & '67 and my brother was killed in Viet Nam on June 6, 1969, the 25th anniversary of D-Day. He would have been 71 this month.

[John Bender]

Ken, thanks for thinking of veteran racers. I served in Viet Nam while in the Navy. There are several other D-1 racers that are Viet Nam vets, and one I know from the west coast.

[drag junkie]

Thanks Ken, I'm a long time reader of the forum but never posted until now. I was a chopper pilot in Vietnam, served 6 yrs in the Army. Don't like to blow my horn but very proud of my service. Seems vets are finally getting recognition that we didn't get in the day. Raced nostalgia S/S with a 65 Dodge I bought from Roger Lindamood, that was like his 64 "Color Me Gone" car.
THANKS AGAIN!!!

Vic Raupe
NHRA R494

[JCChildress]

I served four years in the Marine Corps. My dad is a Marine Corps, Vietnam Vet. My grandfather was a Marine also, as were all of my uncles but one. Several cousins also. The Marine Corps is a family tradition I suppose. I bracket raced for years, and have been building a Chevy II to run in SS/F. Its been a long process but should be out in 2018. I also worked for Sox & Martin on the Pro Stock truck team and helped Ronnie a good bit with match racing. I really enjoyed that and have been very blessed. My daily job is working at Kowalsky Racing Engines. Proud to have served this country and would do it again in a heartbeat. God Bless the USA

[Greg Reimer 7376]

Thank all of you very much. Sounds like the military was a family tradition for many of you! I signed up for the draft when I turned 18 in 1972, was attending Pasadena City College and was closed 1-H, then a standby draft lottery was taken the following year, and I was #22. I immediately got new draft cards recalled as 1-A, but the draft expired shortly afterwards. You guys that went and served are a real special group of great Americans. The stories drag racers tell are pretty amazing, just add military stories and the material for discussion increases immensely. Thanks again for your service.

[Ron Ortiz]

I enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 upon graduation from Carol City High School in Miami FL. Wanted to join to see aircraft. Went to basic training in Lackland TX. Then to a Navy base in Oxnard CA, then an Army base in Pensacola FL and off to beautiful Viet Nam. Was attached to 7th Pacific Air Force, and visited Pleiku, Bien Hoa and Cam Rahn Bay, but was never on an Air Force base, never got to see planes except in the sky. Went back to the states and was told to wait for my discharge papers at home as they had no need for equipment operators at Homestead Air Force base. Several months later received my discharge papers. Still, no planes. Have no regrets serving my country, would do it again.

Other racers that I know who served, Daran & Daryl Summerton, Bruce Fulper and Bill Grubbs, know there are many more. Thank you all for your service.

[Ron Ortiz]

I would also like to add, if any young man or woman comes out of high school and is really not sure of what to do with their lives, the military is a sure bet to be a better person overall. It is real, growing up fast, learning to take care of yourself and others, to take responsibility, to learn, to be a better person mentally and physically. It is an experience that changes you for the better. I encourage young people to join and be a big part in America's future. It is an adventure.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA proud to be an American.