Montana Military Vehicle Club preserves history, honors veterans 07-29-12
Mike Atwood's military jeep has been in his family since he was a kid. When he decided to restore it, he discovered the close history his family had with it, as both his grandfather and father served in the Navy.
"So when I went to sanding at the layers I found the USN, which was really cool that this was an actual Navy Jeep," Atwood said.
The Montana Military Vehicle Club is a non-profit group that restores old military vehicles back to their original form.
Some group members are active duty soldiers, while others are veterans. And others have personal connections that led them to restoration.
"Every member has a different connection to these military vehicles. In my personal case I started restoring a vehicle in remembrance of my dad who was a WWII veteran," said club president Steve Mayville.
The vehicles can take years and several thousands of dollars to restore.
The club uses their vehicles in parades, car shows, and for educational purposes, while raising money to help veterans.
"We basically provide an opportunity or a mode by which veterans can get in front of people and where we can thank them for their service," Mayville said.
"When I help a mid-80's WWII veteran and he can step into a Navy Jeep, that's really cool for me to offer that for him," said Atwood.
70 years ago these vehicles were built to preserve freedom. Now they're used for a different reason, to preserve history.
"When we outfit these things we like to make them look more like they're in tactical use rather than on the showroom floor. We feel an obligation to be historically accurate"
Weapons dating back to the revolutionary war are typically put on display with the vehicles. Club members say restoring the vehicles gives them a whole new perspective and appreciation for those who served.
To learn more about the Montana Military Vehicle Club visit their website here: http://www.mmvc.org/
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