Armed Forces Day

[Chris T.]

Armed Forces Day is Saturday. Here in Chowchilla, we're holding our 59th Homecoming/Armed Forces Day Parade & Barbecue. The MV count, so far, is a MB, a GPW, 3 WC51/52s, a M38A1, a M151a1, a Command Car, a M52A1, a 155mm How., a Ferret, and my CCKW shop truck.

I also help with the barbecue. We feed about 5,700 people in 2 hours.

Here's the shopping list for the barecue:

9,246 pounds of beef.
700 dozen dinner rolls.
1,600 pounds of beans (dry weight).
1,100 pounds of salad.

The cooks have a saying "Real men barbecue with backhoes and boom trucks."

Hope you all find a moment to thank the troops on their special day.

Later

[Nick Bombini]

Chris, what time do I need to be there and where is the gathering point? I will be there w/ my uniform.

[Chris T.]

Hi Nick,

No later than 9:30 am at 11th & Robertson Blvd.
We will display the MVs at the fairgrounds, so we get in for free!

Later,

[armydriver]

Wish I was close to California, that sounds like fun.

[Chris T.]

Military Vehicle Count: 10

Mototug
MB
3/4 Command Car w/ Gen. Patton
Ferret
M38A1
M151A2
CCKW Shop Truck
M52A1 Truck Tractor
M1A2 155mm How.
WC-51

No breakdowns or parking problems.

People served at B-B-Q: 6,193

I think everyone had a good time and I know everyone left with a full belly.

We get a month break then start planning for next year!

Thanks,

[Bill_Wolf]

Any pictures?

[Nick Bombini]

Here is a picture my dad took of me standing in front of Chris's shop truck.

Here is the same picture after I played with it a bit.





We were planning on getting more photos but my dad ended up getting a ride in the M52A2 instead of walking.

I had a lot of fun at this parade. The little kids were oohing and awwing and the older men and veterens would nod their head. I look forward to next year and next time I will have the jeep done and my driver's liscense so I can drive it.

Thank you for inviting me Chris.

[Nick Bombini]

I almost forgot, here is General Patton and his guard.