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Third Annual Veteran's Day Car and Truck Show
Cordele, GA (November 11, 2006)
Event coverage in Mike Kelly's Cruise News volume 14, issue 152
| For those who have served in the military, or for those that have members of their family that have served deserve the honor and respect that this day brings. This is our third year hosting this show, and we cannot say enough about the individuals that independently sponsor the Veteran's Day show. Bobby and Darla Gilmer and Greg and Tammy Gilmer, along with many other family members use their own private money to keep this show going. The work that goes in to arrange all the activities and events is endless. We are proud to be a part of this honor, and plan on continuing to help the Gilmer family for years to come. We also want to thanks the wonderful State of Georgia and their Veteran's Park facility and their employees who have now graciously hosted us for these three years. It is nice to have a beautiful state park to have a tribute to the men and women that have served our country. This year, we had 141 participants, and we think the dash plaques and T-shirts were a big hit. The Gilmers went out of their way to purchase 150 shirts and dash plaques so that everyone would have a memory of the day. The Gilmers own and operate the East Coast Locomotive Company. The biggest surprise for all is when they also included a $250 dollar prize EACH to not only the top two best of show, but also to the best military display ($750 total). The weather was incredibly wonderful, and everyone seemed to have had a great time. The day started off with a solemn display of the colors by the Crisp County High School Jr.ROTC Color Guard under the leadership of Sergeant Arrington. Past Chaplain Cornelius (40/8 Retired Army) read the official 2006 American Legion prayer for Veteran's Day, and then was followed by the National Anthem. The military displays that our participants brought were touching and were full of history.The winners Ralph Palmer and his wife described her grandfather's tour of duty overseas, and the trophy memorabilia he retrieved from downed planes and such from the Germans and the history behind them. One of the spectators even took the time to translate some of the German words that were on them. There was an antique plane fly-by overheard along with vintage helicopters. Along with being an entry, we were entertained and delighted with special goodies from T. J. Ruley's 1991 Tomas Moped specially equipped with an ice cream freezer and ice cream music! And as the day warmed up, they were a welcome treat for all. It was also a pleasure to have two strong car clubs honor this show. The Cordele Cruisers and the Artisan City Car Club were in force to pay tribute to our Veterans. Thank you all for your gracious support. Our special honoree for this year was William G. Cross Jr. who was a Vietnam Veteran. Confetti's honored him with a plaque for his service and roses for his wife. (William's History) After the ceremony, Sergeant Pope came up to the mike to say a few touching words, along with a handful of others to briefly tell their feelings about this honorable day. Baylor Boone, 10 years old from Leesburg, GA won our Best Kid Award, and Dacey Truluck, 4 years old from Sylvester, GA won our Little Miss Confetti Award. Our Gas Hog Awards and $10 went to Mike Saliba and Robert Guinn. Our Best Military Display Award, as mentioned before, went to Ralph Palmer. Our Confetti judges did not pick out the winner, but three independent judges that were pick by the Gilmers decided that winner of the money and trophy. Thank you all for attending this year, and we hope to see more of you next year. The other sponsors that contributed to the endless supply of door prizes is listed below. We thought this was going to be the last show of the year, but we were asked by Craig Hamilton to host a benefit show for a young man with cancer. We couldn't say no, so please mark your calendars for Saturday, December 2, 2006 at Camilla Chevrolet in Camilla, GA. The Palmers, who won the money for the best Military Display, already donated half of their winnings to this young man. We are now in the "Reason for the Season", so open your hearts and pocketbooks to help on December 2nd. Also, we hope to see you on Saturday, December 9th at Golden Corral in Bainbridge, GA for our StreetRodder of the Year Banquet starting at 5:30 PM. If you attended 3 or more shows this year, your meal and a guest are free, so come and celebrate with us! God Bless you and have a wonderful and safe holiday season. Pray for our troops so that they all come home soon, and we are looking forward to an incredible 2007 season. BEST OVERALL - NEW Glenn and Laura Rudd, Tallahassee, FL Representing Army $250 winner 2004 1500 Rumble-Bee Stock BEST OVERALL - OLD Glenn and June Smith, Altha, FL Representing USAF $250 winner 1957 Chevy Bel-Air Modified BEST OF CLASS AWARDS And Branch of Service they Represented: Mike Polenske, Warner Robins, GA 2005 Chevrolet, SSR, Stock USAF Jerry Johnson, Cordele, GA 1932 3 -Window Coupe, modified Army Bill Dismuke, Donalsonville, GA 1964 Ford Thunderbolt, Stock Army Bill Williams, Kathleen, GA 1925 Ford T-Bucket Modified Army Wayne Nipper, Cordele, GA 1970 Ford Mustang, Stock USAF Wayne and Kathy Moss, Lizella, GA 1923 Ford T-Bucket, Modified Navy Jimmy "Whistle" Blaxton, Albany, GA 1964 Chevrolet Nova, Modified Army John H. Woodward, Cordele, GA 1966 Ford Mustang, Stock Army Sammy Hand, Bainbridge, GA 1969 Ford Shelby Mustang, Stock Army George Cooke, Cordele, GA 1965 Ford Mustang, Stock Navy Ralph Palmer, Jackson, GA 1931 Model A ,Stock Army Chris Cathcart, Bonaire, GA 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona 1500, Stock USAF Sponsors and Donations: Wallace Chevrolet-Albany Napa Auto Parts-Cordele Sam Shortline Excursion train-Cordele Hurt Motor Co.-Cordele CarQuestAuto Parts-Albany Advance Auto Parts-Albany Rooney Bowen Chevrolet-Cordele K&M Auto Parts (CarQuest)-Cordele Napa Auto Parts-Cordele O'Reilley's-Albany Bennetts-Albany Sunbelt Ford-Cordele Southland Chrysler-Cordele Flash Foods-Albany Thurman Brown Truck Service-Baconton Pa Tim's Ice Cream-Albany Ray's Collision Center (money donation)-Albany Eastcoast Locomotive-Albany |
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