April 28, 2012 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. I found this event, hosted by the Military Transport Association (MTA), on the internet and it looked interesting. I had never attended a military vehicle meet before and wanted to see what is was about.
Upon arrival, my first impression was: this is a very large, serious show and swap meet. There were many interesting vehicles and special pieces of equipment everywhere.
There was an active on-the-air Amateur Radio Station (N3FRQ, Al at the mike) making contacts around the northeast. The radio net was called: The Moose and Squirrel Cold-War Clandestine and Long-Range-Reconnaissance-Patrol (a name only the government would love). Al was using an AN/PRC-104 HF packset.
Intrigued by the plaque of dog tags, I met Alan Ballester, the County Representative for Essex County, who explained that the New Jersey Mission Of Honor is dedicated to locate, identify an inter orphaned and abandoned Cremains of American Veterans from state wide New Jersey. Interments include full Military Honors, a Mahogany Urn, a Bronze Military Emblem and a US Flag. This mission is accomplished through the joint efforts of many Veterans Organizations and assisted by the participation of funeral homes, crematoriums, hospitals, senior homes and veteran homes.
This confident looking veteran spent several years restoring his jeep to mint condition.
Small world: I traveled one and a half hours to get to the show and discovered a friend and his son, who live only 3 miles from me! I found out the the young man really enjoyed the show.
This handsome young man was passing time at one of the vendor pavilions.
This pretty re-enactor, in WWII era clothes, fit right into the military environment.
It was most interesting and informative day as I was introduced to the Military Transport Association, the Military Vehicle collector and the restorer of vintage vehicles.