This should be required reading in every school and college in our country. This Captain, an Army doctor, deserves a medal himself for putting this together. If you choose not to pass it on, fine, but I think you will want to, after you read it.

I am a doctor specializing in the Emergency Departments of the only two military Level One-Trauma Centers, both in San Antonio , TX and they care for civilian Emergencies as well as military personnel. San Antonio has the largest military retiree population in the world living here. As a military doctor, I work long hours and the pay is less than glamorous. One tends to become jaded by the long hours, lack of sleep, food, family contact and the endless parade of human suffering passing before you. The arrival of another ambulance does not mean more pay, only more work. Most often, it is a victim from a motor vehicle crash.

Often it is a person of dubious character who has been shot or stabbed. With our large military retiree population, it is often a nursing home patient. Even with my enlisted service and minimal combat experience in Panama , I have caught myself groaning when the ambulance brought in yet another sick, elderly person from one of the local retirement centers that cater to military retirees. I had not stopped to think of what citizens of this age group represented.

I saw ‘Saving Private Ryan.’ I was touched deeply. Not so much by the carnage, but by the sacrifices of so many. I was touched most by the scene of the elderly survivor at the graveside, asking his wife if he’d been a good man. I realized that I had seen these same men and women coming through my Emergency Dept. and had not realized what magnificent sacrifices they had made. The things they did for me and everyone else that has lived on this planet since the end of that conflict are priceless. 

Situation permitting, I now try to ask my patients about their experiences. They would never bring up the subject without the inquiry. I have been privileged to an amazing array of experiences, recounted in the brief minutes allowed in an Emergency Dept. encounter. These experiences have revealed the incredible individuals I have had the honor of serving in a medical capacity, many on their last admission to the hospital. 

There was a frail, elderly woman who reassured my young enlisted medic, trying to start an IV line in her arm. She remained calm and poised, despite her illness and the multiple needle-sticks into her fragile veins. She was what we call a ‘hard stick.’ As the medic made another attempt, I noticed a number tattooed across her forearm. I touched it with one finger and looked into her eyes. She simply said, ‘Auschwitz .’ Many of later generations would have loudly and openly berated the young medic in his many attempts. How different was the response from this person who’d seen unspeakable suffering.

Also, there was this long retired Colonel, who as a young officer had parachuted from his burning plane over a Pacific Island held by the Japanese. Now an octogenarian, he had a minor cut on his head from a fall at his home where he lived alone. His CT scan and suturing had been delayed until after midnight by the usual parade of high priority ambulance patients. Still spry for his age, he asked to use the phone to call a taxi, to take him home, and then he realized his ambulance had brought him without his wallet. He asked if he could use the phone to make a long distance call to his daughter who lived 7 miles away. With great pride we told him that he could not, as he’d done enough for his country and the least we could do was get him a taxi home, even if we had to pay for it ourselves. My only regret was that my shift wouldn’t end for several hours, and I couldn’t drive him myself. 

I was there the night M/Sgt Roy Benavidez came through the Emergency Dept. for the last time. He was very sick. I was not the doctor taking care of him, but I walked to his bedside and took his hand. I said nothing. He was so sick, he didn’t know I was there. I’d read his Congressional Medal of Honor citation and wanted to shake his hand. He died a few days later.

The gentleman who served with Merrill’s Marauders,

the survivor of the Bataan Death March, 

the survivor of Omaha Beach ,

the 101 year old World War I veteran.

The former POW held in frozen North Korea   

The former Special Forces medic – now with non-operable liver cancer

the former Viet Nam Corps Commander.

I may still groan when yet another ambulance comes in, but now I am much more aware of what an honor it is to serve these particular men and women.

I have seen a Congress who would turn their back on these individuals who’ve sacrificed so much to protect our liberty. I see later generations that seem to be totally engrossed in abusing these same liberties, won with such sacrifice.

It has become my personal endeavor to make the nurses and young enlisted medics aware of these amazing individuals when I encounter them in our Emergency Dept. Their response to these particular citizens has made me think that perhaps all is not lost in the next generation.

My experiences have solidified my belief that we are losing an incredible generation, and this nation knows not what it is losing. Our uncaring government and ungrateful civilian populace should all take note. We should all remember that we must ‘Earn this.’

Written By CAPT. Steven R. Ellison, M.D. US Army

If it weren’t for the United States Military, 
there’d be NO United States of America!

And now as you have finished reading this, our Congress that enjoys 
their free medical care are in the process of charging these people for their medical care and at the same time possibly reducing their retirement pay. A typical political “thank you.”

This should be required reading in every school and college in our country. This Captain, an Army doctor, deserves a medal himself for putting this together. If you choose not to pass it on, fine, but I think you will want to, after you’ve read it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Victorious Project presents A Ride to the Wall – the 25TH Anniversary of veterans’ national road trip sponsored by Northern California Road Trip Bar & Grill.
Woodland, California – April 3, 2012 – On Saturday, April 28th, 2012, from noon to 8pm, Road Trip Bar & Grill in Capay Valley, California will be hosting a benefit for Fueled by the Fallen.  A 501(C)3 non-profit organization, Fueled by the Fallen was started by Kevyn Major Howard, “Rafterman” from Stanley Kubrick’s blockbuster film Full Metal Jacket.  “In 2007, I was watching the nightly news as they announced that twelve died this day and seven that day,” Howard remembers.  “I woke up one morning and challenged myself to name just one person who had died for my freedom.  I couldn’t.”
Along with life-long drag racer and former National Go Kart Champion Chuck Spiker, Howard created a memorial car – a 1963 Nova – and created a ten-second quarter mile door slammer drag car representing fallen Marines from Iraq and Afghanistan.  “Maybe I can get people who look upon this race car, with the names of 867 fallen Marines, to remember just one name.  If I can do that, I have accomplished my mission,” shares Howard.
Today, Fueled by the Fallen has a number of memorial cars, including a cruiser featuring the names of 477 Los Angeles County peace officers who have fallen in action since 1850.  And in May, a Fueled by the Fallen vehicle will be accompanying Harry Bostard, a Vietnam War veteran, as he makes his way across the country on the Air Force bike – one of five motorcycles representing each branch of the military.  Bostard will be joining fellow Vietnam War veterans for the 25th anniversary of Rolling Thunder and celebrating 30 years of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC.  “I get an immense feeling of freedom when I am out there with my knees in the breeze.  That is what we fought for – freedom; even if we were not given a hero’s welcome when we returned home,” exclaims Bostard.
Capturing this momentous event will be accomplished by the use of “the world’s most versatile camera,” the GoPro® camera.  Featured in an upcoming documentary, Presented by The Victorious Project®, viewers will be able to experience this unprecedented journey through the eyes of the riders.  “With GoPros mounted on Bostard’s bike and helmet, you’ll be a part of this cross-country procession.  We’re pleased to have the support of Road Trip Bar & Grill, Belt Drives Limited, and GoPro® promoting this journey and the non-profits who serve our veterans,” cites Gerald Macias, Executive producer for The Victorious Project®.
This is your chance to personally meet Harry Bostard, and Brad Masterson, a new breed of kustomizer who stays true to old school and learned at a very early age from the masters – George Barris and Bill Hines.  Joining Bostard and Masterson and the Road Trip will be Nic Ashby, SEMA award winner and owner of LDRSHIP designs and RockStarGarage.
“Our family has always been part of the military, and Road Trip Bar and Grill is honored to be part of The Victorious Project®, Fueled by the Fallen, and Rolling Thunder – A Ride to the Wall.  Stop by the Road Trip Bar and Grill from noon to 8pm on April 28th to show your support for our nation’s heroes as they begin their journey to DC,” invite Jerry and Paula Tackett, owners of Road Trip.
For more information about The Victorious Project®, go to thevictorious.org
Hollywoodland Productions, LLC. Copyright 2012 all rights reserved
Contact: John Wright 530-681-2917 speedracerjwright@yahoo.com  Jerry Macias jerry@f360p.com
The Victorious Project is a collaboration ofFuel360 Productions, HollyWoodland Productions, Red Jet Films, and Town Square Production. Special appreciation goes to BDL for their support ofour veterans and for The Victorious Project.
Press Release contact: Linda Henigan, LindaHeniganTSP@gmail.com, 530.867.3103
The Victorious Project contact: Jerry Macias, Jerry@fuel360productions.com, 858.229.0798
“jjohn wright”
Hollywoodland Productions LLC
John Wright 530 681-2917

Fueled by the Fallen Angel 3 Chevy Camaro rear.jpg – NJtoAZ Photography–Christopher Radoian | SmugMug

By Kelly SmithOriginal Article: http://www.theday.com/article/20120228/NWS01/303019723

Publication: Shore Publishing

Photo by Kelly Smith/The Guilford Courier

From left, Lou Pizzaro, Kevyn Major Howard, William Raccio, Bryan Allman, Alfred Lugo, Steve Kreider, Joe Leal, Mellanie Villareal, and Ted Aub enjoy the Feb. 24 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day at Friends and Company in Madison.

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Terry McMillen has come agonizingly close the past two years to making the Top Fuel Countdown to the Championship field. And the chance to be one of 10 to compete for the ultimate prize, the supreme satisfaction, has become his sole mission — until now.

As he starts his third season in the National Hot Rod Association, the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owner-driver has a greater cause. It reaches out far beyond his Elkhart, Ind., headquarters, branches out past the gates to any racetrack, goes straight from his heart to the heart of America. He is not only saying thank-you to veterans of all wars and conflicts. He’s paying more than lip service.

McMillen will debut a second dragster this spring, the Armed Forces Racing Dragster, likely at the Las Vegas or Charlotte race. The dragster will run in honor of veterans all across the country and be used to draw attention to veteran issues. McMilen’s outreach will also include job fairs for veterans at each NHRA race.

“Partial funding is in place right now to do selected races. Our ultimate goal is to fund the program for the entire year,” McMillen said.

He said he will announce the driver of the Armed Forces Racing Dragster in the near future.

“Terry will have a team with a mission,” Rick Ecker, president and CEO of Armed Forces Racing, said.

Ecker visited with McMillen, appropriately enough, last Veterans Day weekend at the NHRA Finals at Pomona, Calif., and shared that Armed Forces Racing is about meeting the needs of all veteran service members. And McMillen adopted the objective.

“Armed Forces Racing is about more than just racing. It’s about community outreach. It’s about educating the American people about our veterans and the issues that they face,” Ecker said. “For the last couple of years, I’ve been looking for the right team to associate the Armed Forces Racing brand with. Terry completely — completely — embraced what we were doing and our cause.”

Said McMillen, “I’m blessed to be doing what I’m doing, and in life, you’ve got to pay it forward.”

McMillen added a unique element to the deal: a job fair at each NHRA venue as part of his hospitality offering.

“One of the things Terry told me last November he wanted to do, what he thought would be a cool thing, is to create a job fair for veterans,” Ecker said.

Jesse Medina of the Association of the U.S. Army — a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America’s Army and its families — will spearhead the job fair program.

Ecker said that during the past couple of months, besides McMilen and his Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team, he has met a number of people who share his desire to help veterans.

“I recently hosted a ‘mini summit’ at my home in Virginia, where I brought in the founder of Fueled by the Fallen, Kevyn Major Howard; the founder of Vet Hunters, Joe Leal; Chris Johnson, of First Foundation, an investment company in southern California; and a few friends with whom who I’ve shared the Armed Forces Racing vision,” Echer said. Those gathered understood the mission. They understood the cause. They understood the problems. Then they said, ‘How could we fix it?’ Tie in all of those issues, tie in the Vet Hunters program, tie in Fueled by the Fallen, tie in the job fairs . . . We figured out a way to do it: through motorsports,” he said.

Several companies have pledged support to the program, but more is needed. McMillen continues to work with the NHRA to make sure the job fairs will function smoothly.

Whoever drives the 7,000-horsepower Armed Forces Racing Dragster won’t be overwhelmed by its raw, brute strength. What will overwhelm that racer, undoubtedly, will be the idea that he will be a huge public voice with an attention-getting platform for such a special and deserving group of Americans.

“People pay attention to motorsports. People are intrigued by motorsports. And motorsports carries a pretty important and powerful message,” Ecker said.

To clarify, Ecker said, “Armed Forces Racing is a private venture and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense and does not receive federal funding.” AFR, he indicated, continually works with additional marketing partners to join in supporting the race team.

Ecker also said that AFR “is working on a line of apparel and merchandise, as well as a membership element to the race team, which in time will provide funding for the team. It is the goal to have AFR become one of (if not the first) self-funded programs on the racing circuit and provide a team that is truly dedicated to the men and women in uniform, past and present.

“There’s one more key element to this puzzle. It’s a non-profit organization that I started a couple of years ago called Veterans’ Hope,” Ecker said.  It’s “an umbrella organization that reaches out to hundreds of thousands of non-profit organizations and veteran-owned businesses and pulls them together into one voice.” These private-sector groups and agencies give hard-core, real-world assistance to U.S. military service members and their families. Right now, about 45 organizations are under this umbrella, but more organizations are joining the partnership every day.

“Veterans’ Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Money is raised through corporate and personal donation, as well as from Armed Forces Racing,” Ecker said. “The Job Fair hosted by Veterans’ Hope, in cooperation with the NHRA, Terry McMillen Racing, and Armed Forces Racing, is being funded by the corporations attending the job fair.”

Original Article: http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-racing/news/20318-power-of-caring-mcmillens-2nd-dragster-to-help-veterans

Jenna Lee from Fox News Supports Fueled By The Fallen Angel Series

Support With Flags
There is no better way to say “Thank You For Your Service” than to support our troops at home and provide a way for them to “Serve At Home”.

Mission: To sell 500 large flags in 25 days and donate $25,000 to both Fueled By The Fallen and The Mission Continues.

50% of the profits ($125) per large flag, 40% of profits from our medium flag, and 30% from
our small flag will be donated to either organization on your behalf, pick your organization from
the drop down menu. Your name and or organization will be posted on our website if you
enter it. You will be invited to join us when presenting the checks.

http://www.supportwithflags.com/missioncontinues.html

Read more: http://www.pokernews.com/news/2011/12/patriot-poker-players-raise-awareness-military-charities-11603.htm

Keith, we are thankful for the way you graced our lives and touched everyone with your brilliant smile. The way you conquered challenges in your daily life, help us to remember that patience and determination assist in our success.

We ask everyone of you who reads this, to light a candle in remembrance of Keith Phillips on December 17th, 2011. Please say a prayer that his wife, Rayna, children, Kylie and Koryn, parents, Lorna and Finious, and brothers, Kevin and Kenny find comfort and peace knowing, we, like them, miss Keith tremendously, and in keeping with FBTF’s mission
“ We Will Never Forget”

Love from all of us at Fueled By The Fallen.

“Inscribed onto these cars are those that fell on that particular day,” Kevyn Major Howard, founder of the “Fueled by the Fallen” organization, said.

Read the full article and see the video

 City Council Woman Kaye Jones fires the starting pistol as Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan waves the flag kicking off the next leg of the 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally

Clarksville, TN – The 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally Southern Excursion made their scheduled stop in Clarksville, Tennessee, Thursday afternoon, and left out early on Friday morning on the final leg of their 2500 mile journey. The 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally began on September 24th on Florida’s Space Coast and concludes today in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The 2011 locations included Melbourne and Jacksonville FL, Savannah, Atlanta and Peachtree City GA, Charleston, SC, Knoxville, Crossville and Clarksville TN, Scottsville, KY, Anniston AL, and Gulfport MS.

Read the full article here

Read more:Anniston Star – Fireball Run mixes lighthearted fun with serious message

Tony Schumacher “The Sarge” Signs 9/11 Pentagon Angel 4 Car,  Fueled By The Fallen.  Sept 11th Memorial Cars.

On Thursday, Howard brought his mission to Ontario when two of the vehicles from the series – Pentagon and First Responders – were on display in front of the Ontario Rotary Police Museum.

“It was my wakeup call to America,” Howard said.

His inspiration for the vehicle came from personal experience, he explains.

Read the full article at :Here

Take a look at the latest images for the Angel Cruiser Series.

Hi Kevyn,

War memorials take many forms. The Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., are two examples that remind millions of visitors each year that their freedom comes at a very high price. Traditionally, years pass after the end of fighting before such monuments are constructed – the memorial wall listing dead and missing Vietnam soldiers did not open until 1982 – but Kevyn Major Howard wanted to remind the public of the sacrifices military personnel are making right now.

Click to read the full article

They gathered by the thousands on San Fernando Road in front of Glendale Harley-Davidson, the grey mist of the morning marine layer slowly yielding to sunshine. A party-like atmosphere had already been established thanks to Max Mueller’s band filling the air with guitar-driven music. Soon, Love Ride founder Oliver Shokouh and Grand Marshal Jay Leno would take the stage to address the motorcyclists who had gathered for the 28th annual Love Ride, one of the biggest one-day motorcycle charity events around. The bellow of Big Twins would soon resonate throughout the Glendale area as riders fired up their motorcycles to begin the hour-long ride to Castaic Lake for an afternoon of biker revelry, highlighted by a concert performed by country stars Montgomery Gentry.

The benefactor of this year’s event would be Autism Speaks, the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the nation. Autism is a developmental brain disorder that affects an estimated one in every 110 children. Its cause remains unknown, making the altruism of efforts like the Love Ride even more important. Love Ride 28 grossed $375,000 so far, but organizers still have a few expenses to foot which will cut into this total. Regardless of the exact dollar amount, hundreds of thousands of dollars will soon come to the aid of the organization courtesy of big-hearted bikers who rose up to support the cause.

Bikers lined up early on San Fernando Road outside of Glendale Harley-Davidson to make the ride to Lake Castaic for the 28th annual Love Ride.
The ride to Castaic had the feel of a parade, fueled by people standing on overpasses along I-5 waving hands and American flags to riders passing by beneath them. Leno would lead the procession aboard an Ultra Classic Electra Glide, The Tonight Show host a seasoned rider. The closer riders got to Castaic, the more the day warmed up to SoCal standards, golden sunshine and temperatures in the 80s.

At the lake, attendees were treated to a concert by country stars Montgomery Gentry. The duo entertained the appreciative crowd with hits like “Something to Be Proud Of” and “What Do Ya Think About That.” The band was a good choice for the event, because not only do they ride, but their down-home lyrics were easily relatable to the predominantly blue collar crowd. While many crowded the area in front of the stage, others chose to lounge out of the sun in the shade of the park’s trees as the lake’s natural amphitheater offered up excellent acoustics, no matter where you took in the concert.

With vendors, food and beer booths, bike shows and motorcycle drill teams, it was a rally-like atmosphere at Castaic. Actor Danny Trejo, a familiar face in Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez movies, had a booth set up promoting Trejo’s Hardtime Designs where the “Machete” bike, built by Manny Hernandez, was also on display. In a different area of the venue, five “9/11 Angel Cars” were also prominently displayed. The pearl white Camaros have custom paint honoring the victims and first responders of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. According to the Fueled by the Fallen website, “One car honors the first responders at Ground Zero, two represent the twin Trade Towers, another commemorates those lost at the Pentagon and the fifth Angel Car honors the flight victims lost on board each of the four flights. In recognition, each Angel Cruiser lists the names of every victim lost on that day.” Seeing how we just passed the 10th anniversary of the attacks, it was a fitting tribute.
Read the Article

Article reposted from: sunherald.com

(PRWEB) August 29, 2011 — Fueled by the Fallen, the Memorial Tribute Car Tour founded by Kevyn Major Howard, (“Rafterman” from Stanley Kubrick’s blockbuster film Full Metal Jacket) joins the 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally. “Fueled by the Fallen” is a non-profit that assists in supporting our Military Members, Public Safety Personnel, and their Families to aid in their emotional, physical, and financial recovery needs by displaying and racing Memorial Tribute cars.

A specially-designed 2011 Chevrolet Camaro ‘First Responders Memorial’ vehicle and a mint-condition 2001 Crown Victoria ‘National Law Enforcement Memorial’ police cruiser will compete in the rally and act as honor guard for the rally’s police escort out of destination cities. Each of the two memorial cruisers are covered with the names of over one-thousand fallen police officers and first responders that have lost their lives on and since September 11th, 2001.

Read the full article: motorsportworldnews.com

Daytona Beach, FL-A special visit to Biketoberfest is turning heads here.
Fueled by the Fallen, the Memorial Tribute Car Tour founded by Kevyn Major Howard, (“Rafterman” from Stanley Kubrick’s blockbuster film Full Metal Jacket) is making stops here for Biketoberfest.

“Fueled by the Fallen” is a non-profit that assists in supporting our Military Members, Public Safety Personnel, and their Families to aid in their emotional, physical, and financial recovery needs by displaying and racing Memorial Tribute cars.
Each of the memorial cruisers are covered with the names of over one-thousand fallen police officers and first responders that have lost their lives on and since September 11th, 2001..

One vehicle carries names of those lost in the World Trade Centers, another is for the victims at the Pentago and another carries the names of all those lost on the airliners that day.

From: http://daytonasun.com/Radio/WNDB/WNDB-Latest/Fueled-By-The-Fallen-9/11-Tribute-Cars-VIsit-Daytona-Beach.html

SA – What inspired you to start Fueled by the Fallen?

KMH – In watching the nightly news, we would learn that 12 died this day, 2 the day before, and 5 even the day before in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict. We all, sad in our own ways, could recognize the name of that fallen hero for four or five seconds on our TV screen. The next morning I tried to remember the name of one of the heroes that died for my personal freedom and I couldn’t do it. I felt quite ashamed, living in this great nation where others are dying for our freedom, that we don’t give more of a tribute. That’s how Fueled by the Fallen came to life, to commemorate, pay honor and respect, and teach the children of tomorrow that will inherit this great land what the cost of freedom has been and how lucky and gracious we should all be today.

SA – How did you come across the SymbolArts 9-11 Ten Year Commemorative Artwork?

KMH – I came across the Google images of SymbolArts. The artwork tells the 9-11 story brilliantly for the 9/11 Angel Crusiers.

SA - Why the “9/11 Angel Cruisers”?

KMH – The 9/11 Angel Cruisers consists of five Chevy Camaros, each one describing their specific tragedy on that particular day 10 years ago. The first car is the 9-11 first responders at Ground Zero, inscribed with the names of the police and fire responders who sacrificed their lives to save others. The second represents the victims from the Pentagon and Flight 77. The third car is for the flight victims from all four flights that were terrorized, and the other two remaining cars are for the 2600+ that lost their lives in the Twin Towers.

SA – Of all vehicles, why did you choose the Chevrolet Camaro?

KMH – The Camaro is a very stealth automobile in its fashion and design. I love that Chevy has been the “American Apple Pie”; it is what our country is built on.  I am hoping that Chevrolet will pick up the phone and help Fueled by the Fallen by giving back to the American Heroes.

SA – What are your plans for this September 11?

KMH – The 9/11 Angel Cruisers are about to leave LA on a national cruiser and will arrive in Washington, D.C. Some of the anticipated itinerary: Arlington National Cemetery, WestPoint, the Pentagon, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, USS Intrepid, and the USS Constitution. We’re hoping that the morning of September 11th we can have survivors drive the car specific to their tragedy down to Ground Zero.

SA – What do you hope to accomplish with this program?

KMH – We need to challenge America to help this effort out. A lot of our program’s motto is to “Teach a child to thank a hero today.” We want people to reflect daily when they see these cars, and recognize that life is precious, and that the names on these cars are someone’s babies. It’s time for us as a nation to garner respect towards each other, especially to respect the uniformed that protect our city’s streets; there is no reason to be killing officers within our own country. This is a time to show them that, if these cars do what I hope they do, that respect is needed more than ever.

SA – Can anyone make a request to be part of the tour?

KMH – Anyone can make a request. Go to our website and fill out the request form and tell us which cars, how many cars, where you’d like the cars to be, etc. Anytime, anywhere, we can bring these cars to you. We’ll bring this piece of history to you.

SA – Are names still added to the car?

KMH – We will continue to add names and recognize and pay tribute and honor, especially to those who have been left behind; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters. We get to share a journey of conversation, and learn who the fallen heroes were; the tears, smiles and love. It’s remarkable when you look into the eyes of a family who says, ‘I miss them dearly, I cry every day. Thanks for letting this country know for what they did.’

SA – How can people help Fueled by the Fallen?

KMH – You can donate on our website; they’re much appreciated, as many, many people need us. And it doesn’t take 90 days or a few years when you need assistance. If you’ve asked for help, you have served our country and we have got it in our trust fund, we really want to be there for you. And it’s not just about the donation of dollars, although they’re certainly very helpful and needed. We need the ability to put fuel in these cars, as well. Or even if you have a car you’d like to donate, whatever you have in your heart and you can afford to give is much appreciated.

SA – Talking with you for this little bit is truly inspirational. Thanks for letting us partner with Fueled by the Fallen.

KMH – Thanks to all of you at SymbolArts. We’ve come together in this relationship and you have made the cars come to life with your artwork. Your art will stand as long as these cars stand, which may be 1000 years from now as they sit in a museum. SymbolArts will be recognized by their efforts. It really comes down to the American people to make the difference that we all need to make.

Original Article: http://www.symbolarts.com/2011/08/3243/fueled-by-the-fallen-interview/

A patriotic trio made a pit stop last Wednesday at the Kennebunkport home of former President George H.W. Bush.

An American flag-painted Jeep led two 9/11 Angel Cars, each with thousands of hand painted names of Sept. 11 victims, through Kennebunkport to the Bush compound at Walker’s Point during the Maine-leg of the caravan’s journey across country.

The caravan is part of a memorial tour, Crossing of America, presented by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and Spirit of Liberty Foundation. The ride began on Memorial Day as the fleet departed from the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego.

Ninety-seven days and more than 18,000 miles later, the cars arrived in Maine with less than two weeks to go before concluding their trip at Sept. 11 10th anniversary commemoration ceremonies in New York City.

The tour has passed through 44 states and met with hundreds of families of soldiers who were wounded or killed while serving.

“The emotional part of this whole thing has been the number of families of fallen heroes and wounded warriors that we have seen,” said Crossing of America Founder Richard Rovsek.

Rovsek last year dreamed up the cross-country trek to support soldiers and their families.

Rovsek before the trip began e-mailed Gold Star Families, families with members who have died serving in the military.

“We had lists and we must have sent out thousands of e-mails and they responded in such large numbers,” he said.

David Ojena, a 21-year-old San Diego State college student working for Crossing of America, said the emotional journey has been far more tiring than the physical one.

“We’ve met a lot of families and some of them have lost someone less than 60 days ago,” he said. “That’s the emotional part, it’s the hardest part. The drive time is nothing. The long days are nothing. Meeting with parents and widows and talking about the loss of a loved one is by far the toughest part. But it’s also the most meaningful part at the same time.”

Spirit of Liberty Foundation last spring bought two Jeeps and had award-winning airbrush artist Kiwi Terry spray paint them in honor of the American flag.

Kevyn Major Howard, founder of the nonprofit Fueled by the Fallen, a memorial race car honor tour that supports military members and public safety personnel, joined the tour.

Howard added five 9/11 Angel Cars to The Crossing of America fleet: two represent those killed in the Twin Towers, another represents those killed at the Pentagon, a fourth commemorate first responders killed at the scene and the fifth represents all passengers killed on the three hijacked flights.

Read the full article: here