In 2006, recognizing the wounded troops were not just interested in sports, they were also interested in learning how to build and restore cars, we started an automotive program called "Automotivation." That year we made our first trek to the SEMA Show, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to one location, the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show features the latest in automotive restoration tools, show cars, custom paint jobs, as well as some of the most beautifully restored vehicles of the rich and famous. There are also educational classes participatants attend.
Since the initial 2006 visit, participating wounded troops have been in attendance at SEMA every year. This year those participating in "Automotivation" were able to show the two vehicles they built. They began with a 1984 Ford Bronco, restored the chassis and then decided not to put the body of the Bronco back on the chassis. Instead they decided to put the body of a 1954 Dodge Power Wagon on the Bronco chassis. This vehicle was used as a Weapons Carrier by the Army. The body didn't fit and so they had to cut down the bed of the truck. When asked why they didn't use the Weapons Carrier chassis, they said "No" they weren't going backwards. Too much time and energy of wounded Service Members who had now left the hospital had gone into the Bronco chassis and they would move forward. During the five year build of the Bronco/Weapons Carrier relationships were made that will last a lifetime.
We had the good fortune of receiving a grant to purchase a 1966 Cobra Kit Car and the Texas Cobra Club and the Houston Cobra Club were kind enough to donate Cobra parts. This was a two and a half year build, and it is absolutely beautiful!!
Through amputations, burns, traumatic brain injury, post truaumatic stress disorder, being shot up and blown up and all the personal issues going on in their lives, they stuck to their plan and finished the projects. We are incredibly proud of them and their accompishments. Many hands have gone into these two builds!
The generosity of our Sponsors and friends resulted in the donation of several pieces of shop equipment, tools and auto parts. BECAUSE OF YOUR GENEROSITY THESE TWO BEAUTIFUL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT BY WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS. THANK YOU!
Our hope is that these young men and women will find that they love working on cars and will decide to go into the Automotive Industry.