Veterans Honored and Helped by Car Show 

By C. MacDonald

Thousands came to pay their respects to former and current US military at the Surf City Veterans Day Car Show in Huntington Beach, Ca.

Many thanked vets, like Howard Phelps, 90, who served in the Navy in WWII, for helping preserve our country's freedom. Some wept at the 6-foot tall, 94-foot long "Wall of Remembrance." Everyone "feasted their eyes" on more than 300 spectacular autos and trucks, including Woodies, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Exotics, VWs and Rat Rods.

A lot of the splendid vehicles are owned by vets, like Joe Still, who served in the Navy, and has a cool 1941 Ford Truck. HB Firefighters Chico Sanchez and Kevin Cook marveled at the Extra Storage manager's beautiful "wheels", which included old time drive-in movie speakers sticking on its window.

Army flyer Alicia Thompson drove down from Los Angeles to salute the veterans and enjoy custom cars, like Ben Frederiksen's 1971 red VW Bug Window Taxi. It's known as "Shorty" because of the condensed size and unique build, which was created by a Marine.

Deborah Pauly, an Air Force vet and Villa Park Mayor Pro Tem, helped judge the car show, which seemed to have something for everyone, including Phil and Elaine Wilder's legendary 1941 Ford Woodie. (Phil is a cousin of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the best-selling "Little House on the Prairie" books, which were adapted for the hit TV series.)

The car show was a fundraiser for Vision2Victory, which benefits US combat-wounded veterans and created the amazing two-sided traveling memorial "Wall of Remembrance." The organization's director, Richard (JR) Nichols, was aided by many volunteers, including former race car driver Vic Galich and family.

There were auctions, raffle drawings, donations and military-related T-shirt sales to help raise funds and awareness. Some who assisted in making this impressive event happen, included Johnny's Saloon, Reed's Original Ginger Brew, Virgils, Vision2Victory, Zacks, Jacks, 2nd Floor, representatives from the military branches, The City of Huntington Beach, The Waterfront Beach Resort (Hilton) and several vendors.

HB Mayor Pro Tem Matthew Harper joined in the celebration to remember our veterans, past and present, and honor our military. There are plans to continue this popular event next year. Keep tuned to Vision2Victory.org