Topic: My Vette Story
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
Well, for those of you that have corresponded with me over the last six months, I have returned home from Afghanistan. I am the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of a Special Forces Battalion and even though we are home, six of my boys came home with a flag drapped over them. The sixth one, we laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetary on 5 July. Since I was in Afghanistan when my wife bought me the Vette, I did not have enough details about the car to tell youall my story, but now I do.
Five years ago, we sold my first Vette (94 Admiral Blue Coupe) so that my wife could get a BMW. Ever since, I have told her my next corvette would be the one I have always wanted. Well, last fall, just before I deployed to Afghanistan, we talked it over and figured out how much we could afford. She said she would look for me and when I got home we would go buy it. As it turns out, she found my car just three weeks after I deployed overseas. My guidlines to her were simple, 68-72 Convertible, 4 speed, small block. By Christmas it was in the garage. As it turns out, the man who sold it to her, had been in Special Forces during the Vietnam war with my Father-in-law (also Special Forces). When My wife explained how I had always wanted this car, and that I was in Special Forces deployed to Afghanistan, he discounted the price and my lovely wife drove the car home. The car needs some work and I have already ordered a new interior from Ecklers. The suspension will be next. I'll keep you all posted on my progress. Thanks for the comraderie.
Joe
Thanks for your service and protecting our freedom and our country.
Your Vette is beautiful, good luck with her.
Matt

Moderator




Sweet ride, StreetShark!!

Thanks for you service, and courage. Sorry to hear about the loss of your "brothers". I can't imagine the devestation you've seen, but I definitely appreciate the sacrifices made.






Enjoy your 'Vette! And please, don't sell it for a Bimmer!!!



Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Sergeant Major,
As another prior service member living in this great country of ours, I also know the deep sadness of losing a brother in battle. I also know the deep relief, and strange sense of guilt when you return home. I thenk you for your many years of service, as a CSM is no rank to disrespect, and not easily earned. Every soldier knows that the CSM runs the show, and the role that the brass fits into. I am sorry for the loss of your men, but we all spoke the same words when we were young, with our right hands up to God.
I am thankful you made it home to your family, and to your "new" vette.
Now go have some fun in her, you've earned it.
Alan
Just a private citizen now
Thanks for the comments. I have always felt like I was just doing what God intended for me to do. I love my work and could only imagine one other job, "CORVETTE RESTORER".
Today I began disassembly on the interior. The seat belts were rotten and the bolts were froze, took some time to get them out. I started removing the old glue from the previous carpet. The interior will be a lot of work, I'll post a picture of the before and after when I get'r'done.

Hey Sergeant Major,
As one vet to another from the current War on Terrorism, a well deserved welcome home!! That vette is one sweet ride!! The story of my vette is similar except my wife only knows the steering wheel and the 2 pedals below the dashboard, so I went shopping right after I came home.
If you're ever up in the Garden State, give me a yell and I'll put the beer on ice! And steaks on the grill. I served with the 101st in Iraq for the better part of a year and as Gribble123 mentioned, I know what it's like to lose a brother...but, I know you know this and it goes without saying, don't forget how many soldiers came home in one piece due to your great leadership. A hearty HOOAH to you and your battalion.
Drive on - in more ways than one!
SSG Lukas
aka Luke
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops
As one vet to another I'm glad you made it back safe and sorry for your losses...now enjoy your vette.
PS you've got a great wife hope she enjoys riding in it as much as mine does. When I here stories like this it makes me prode to be an American.
Alan