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Unusal request.
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 10:56 am
by armydriver
Of all the years I have had military vehicles this is most unusual request I have had. The National Cemetary here at Fort Sam Houston as asked me if I would bring my truck to act as a cassion for the funeral of an old retired WWII Army Lt. Colonel this wednesday. It appears he was a Transportation Corps officer and wanted to be transported to his funeral in a 2 1/2 ton truck, preferably a WWII truck. I will clean her up and we will make the trip with his casket from the main gate , through the post to the funeral ceremony at the cemetary. I am pretty excited about doing this.
I think I will request the same when my time comes, however I need to start training a driver. Most of the kids of today don't know how to drive a stick shift, and especially not double clutching.
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 10:59 am
by Bill_Wolf
Wow AD...what an honor!
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 11:15 am
by armydriver
Thanks WN, I am looking forward to it. I will wear my class A uniform for this one. A colonel driving a truck, now that should be interesting. I will try to get photos to post on the site.
I have the only running CCKW in the entire San Antonio area. There are a couple of non-running trucks in Austin but not operational at this time. That is a shame because during WWII there were four Army Air Fields here along with Fort Sam Houston, where 3rd Army trained, and Camp Bullis where 4th ID trained. There had to have been literally hundreds of CCKW's here, and this is the only one left. I wonder where the others went.
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 11:17 am
by joel gopan
Not trying to be funny, but you will likely have tailgate down, so be sure to block the Coffin in place, one pop of the clutch, or quick acceleration........ It would be nice to have a pair of his Boots in view.
Joel
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 12:00 pm
by armydriver
Thanks Joel for the info . It would be embarrasing to lose the passanger as we drive to the funeral.
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 12:22 pm
by Bill_Wolf
AD...I don't mean to sound disrespectful...but you may open a can of worms for yourself here.
Every WW2 soldier will be wanting his final ride in your truck...
It would be the ultimate honor...
Bill
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 1:30 pm
by armydriver
Thats true Bill and I would not mind, if I have time. If I am needed enough I would leave the truck at the bus barn here at the high school as we are across the street from the National Cemetary. It would not be a 20 mile drive in each time.
I am excited about this coming wednesday.