POW-MIA 55 Chevy by Max Loffgren, Vietnam Vet from Fairfield, CA
This car was built as a tribute to the 2,211 American servicemen
who are listed as Prisoners of War/Missing in Action during the Vietnam War from 1959 – 1975. |
http://www.neverforgotteninc.org
For one Vietnam veteran, remembering was not enough. Over the years, every veteran has come to terms with the Vietnam War in his or her own way.
Built by Max Loffgren, Vietnam Vet from Fairfield, CA. This car was built as a tribute to the American servicemen who are listed as Prisoners of War/Missing in Action during the Vietnam War from 1959 - 1975.
Max Loffgren served in Americal Division in Vietnam between 1969-70. He is now a firefighter in Fairfield (CA) who has taken to the racing circuit. ‘The car speaks for itself…people understand it.’ His goal is to use the car more to educate than to race. ‘This is for the guys and their families.’
The car has criss-crossed America several times and has appeared at many major events. Powered by a 500 cubic supercharger, big block Chevy engine putting out over 1,100 horsepower and weighs over 3,000 pounds.
The hard work is paying off. People gather around this unusual car to look for a name they might recognize or reflect on the sacrifice made by those servicemen and women. Dan Ulrich, a volunteer helping with the car said, ‘You look at the 2,211 names and think about what they and their families went through and your imagination just kind of takes off.’
Many tears have been shed when family members see the car. Max recalls that, ‘A young lady was sitting in the grandstands and saw our flags. She walked up, looked at the names and said ‘that’s my dad’ She thanked us and gave us a hug. We want the families to know their love one is not forgotten. | http://www.neverforgotteninc.org
Two Air Force security guards take a time out from the Mather-Reno air races to inspect the POW-MIA '55 Chevy Dragster. Image from Max Loffgren
Warren Johnson, Cory McClenathan, Melanie Troxel, Tommy Johnson, Jr. & Jim Yates
"I wasn't old enough to understand what was going on then, in Vietnam, but I feel privileged to be able to honor our soldiers now," Troxel said. "So many gave of themselves, gave their lives for our country and they deserve a hero's welcome and all our thanks."
PA Special Forces Chapter 64 presenting a plaque for Evan Knoll. ‘Leadership such as yours is what's right about our Great Country’.
Torco's Competition Plus potential two-car team will be headlined by Melanie Troxel. She will continue to fly the banner for the National League of POW-MIA Families as well as the Vietnam Veterans.
Melanie Troxel made each ride with her partner POW Matt Maupin | www.yellowribbonsupportcenter.com
Matt Maupin - Remember My Face - It’s been a long time now I can’t help but feel, My life is over, is this all really real? I’ve been a prisoner for such a long time, No one left behind, was that just a line; They beat and threaten my life with a shiv, Name, rank and serial number, that’s all I give; Does anyone even remember my name? Or am I a soldier and prisoner of little fame; How much longer will I be held in this place? My name is Matt, do you remember my face; I’m an American soldier, who willingly served, I can’t help but think this is so underserved; Have I been abandoned in this horrible place? Will I die and disappear without leaving a trace; What about my buddies, who fought at my side, Are they still fighting, has the war turned the tide; Will they come for me and free me from this fate, Or will I die in the place, a victim of fanatical hate; The country I love and served with such pride; Has it turned its back on me now, has it lied; Please don’t leave me behind; it would be a disgrace, My name is Matt Maupin, please remember my face. Author unsigned
Evan Knoll has dedicated this car to the memory of the 58,195 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who gave their lives in the line of duty in the Southeast Asia theatre along with the 304,704 who were wounded in action. All told, almost 1.6 million members of the United States military saw combat action during the conflict. The highest troop concentrations reached 543,482 during April of 1968.
Hey!!! Thats Bob O'Leary up there.
Bobby Bennett has been a large driving force behind the dragster that Melanie drove during the first tour of duty and just to think, it all came together during a brainstorm at 3 am before the season began. The program just took on a life of its own. We had a complete team that made it all work incredibly. Melanie Troxel, Ann Mills-Griffiths, Bobby Bennett and Karen McManus.
RaceWay Park Englishtown NJ
In 2008, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher finished the season by capturing his fifth consecutive NHRA Top Fuel World Championship. Schumacher still owns the National ET record at 4.428 seconds set in 2006 and the NHRA National speed record for Top Fuel dragster of 336.15 mph from 2005.
Angelle Sampey wins again on her Suzuki TL1000
Matt Maupin - Remember My Face - It’s been a long time now I can’t help but feel, My life is over, is this all really real? I’ve been a prisoner for such a long time, No one left behind, was that just a line; They beat and threaten my life with a shiv, Name, rank and serial number, that’s all I give; Does anyone even remember my name? Or am I a soldier and prisoner of little fame; How much longer will I be held in this place? My name is Matt, do you remember my face; I’m an American soldier, who willingly served, I can’t help but think this is so underserved; Have I been abandoned in this horrible place? Will I die and disappear without leaving a trace; What about my buddies, who fought at my side, Are they still fighting, has the war turned the tide; Will they come for me and free me from this fate, Or will I die in the place, a victim of fanatical hate; The country I love and served with such pride; Has it turned its back on me now, has it lied; Please don’t leave me behind; it would be a disgrace, My name is Matt Maupin, please remember my face. Author unsigned | Matt's remains were found in late March 2008, but confirmation was not made until March 30, 2008, in Iraq. The burial took place on April 27, 2008.
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