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Every now and then we are invited to a display/event and we are treated like royalty. The NAPA Dealer show in Hampton this year was, without a doubt, the best event since the Country Club in Alexandria. Barry Conwell, Dabney Cowger, and Fritz Eley, and I were treated like kings. My 5 ton was the center of attraction displaying on NAPA’s new four-wheel independent lift. This is a portable four-stand lift with the capacity of over 40,000 pounds. Originally they tried it out on our M-20, but they decided they would rather display the M-20 on the ground where people could get into it and keep my truck and the air so people could walk underneath and observe the demonstration of the lift. We were treated with open bars and unlimited buffets and each of us was put up in a suite of rooms at the Hilton Embassy Suites. We towed the M-20 on a trailer with the 5-ton without a problem. All of the vehicles ran very well thanks to Dabney’s meticulous M-20 preparation. Unfortunately, my truck engine quit five miles from home. With the help of Barry Conwell, we were able to use the new wrecker to complete the trip. I was afraid that it was a major diesel fuel injection problem, but Frank Tynnis figured out it was only a minor kill switch malfunction. Thank you, Frank! Thank you, Barry!

I have decided not to run for President. I have nominated Dabney Cowger to take my place as the leader of this fine organization. He has certainly paid his dues. He has put in as much time for the club as anybody and he also works BINGO for the VFW Post every Wednesday. He has a lot of experience with firearms and he is getting a lot of experience with military vehicles. He has owned a 2 ½ ton truck for years and just recently acquired an M-37 on which he is doing a signification restoration. He is retired and will be able to devote full time effort to working for the club. I will continue to help him manage our events and continue writing newsletters.

Our building project with the VFW is on the verge of actually securing a building permit and I am looking forward to excavation and construction in the early spring. Harry Jaeger has submitted his final drawing and we will be taking it to the county this week. The recent Appeals Court ruling upholding Donald Trump’s roll back of the Wetlands definition will allow construction on the post property without the previous encumbrances.

We still have some items for sale from the Bill Gagnon estate. We have approximately 400 plastic scale models, battery chargers, air compressors, airsoft rifles, tools, and Jeep parts. We also have two M-38 A-1s and one M-38 stretch ambulance remaining. You will have an opportunity at the meeting to see if there is anything you need. I am anxious to finish out this project. No reasonable offer will be refused for anything. We are currently rebuilding the 1942 Ford Jeep and if anyone wants to help complete this project or buy it outright, it is at Wade’s shop.

We are looking forward to the New Year and our upcoming membership meeting at VFW Post 10657 on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 5 p.m.

The address is:

VFW Post 10657

11568 Cedar Lane

Ashland, VA 23005

Happy hour is at 5, we will eat at 6 and our meeting will begin at 7.

Merry Christmas!

Richard A. Crane

President

804-241-8182

Racrane020146@earthlink.net