Thank You for Your Service

How often do we hear the phrase “Thank you for your service” spoken when greeting a veteran or current service member of the armed forces?

It is used very often and we do indeed owe a debt of gratitude to the members of our armed forces, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we might continue to enjoy the life and freedoms that we have.

Several years ago, the New Jersey Triumph Association decided to express its gratitude to veterans in a more active and involved way. Since car shows are enjoyable for both club members and the public, the club decided to visit the local veteran’s hospital and bring a car show to the veterans there. The thought was that the veterans might enjoy seeing those lovingly restored little British Triumph cars and could spend some time talking with the club members. The vets would vote for the car they liked best, much like the people’s choice selection commonly held at car shows.

When the proposal was presented to the hospital administration by the club’s vice president Cliff Besett and secretary Debbie Lipp, the administration raised the possibility of hosting a barbecue for the vets and club members during the car show. It would be hosted by the NJTA and prepared by the hospital staff. Working together, Cliff and Debbie spearheaded the organization of the show. The ideas for the event kept coming, and by the day of the show, members of the local military vehicle association, the Military Transport Association, joined in by bringing some of their vehicles. Club members brought books and magazines to give to the vets, and there were prizes from various sponsors to give to the vets in a show that was expanded to an all-day event. That first show was deemed a success by all and everyone eagerly looked forward to making it bigger and better the next year.

The show is now in its fourth year and it has continued to grow. The Military Transport Association vehicle club has become an official sponsor of the show and shares the cost with the NJTA. Together, the clubs make a donation to the hospital’s recreation fund, which is used to pay for such things as transportation to take the vets on outings.

The barbecue menu has grown, and the door prizes for the vets have become larger and more numerous. Each vet receives a goodie bag with various donated items in it as well as a T-shirt or ball cap, and each driver receives a goodie bag of car-related items. The list of sponsors has also grown; in fact, the organizers, Cliff and Debbie, have discovered that once businesses, organizations and folks learn what the show is all about, they are very generous with their donations and want to help support the show and to make a fun event for our vets. The show’s sponsors include local professional sports organizations, automobile raceways, insurance and car care products companies and numerous individuals who simply want to show their support.

This year, an NJTA club member made a video of the event, which is available for viewing on YouTube (search for “New Jersey Triumph Association Veteran’s Show 2015”). Everyone enjoys mingling and sharing stories about the vehicles. At the end of the day, a good time is had by all. Although the NJTA and the Military Transport Association are intent on showing gratitude to the vets, it never fails that vets will approach club members, shake hands and say, “Thank you for coming and spending time with us. We look forward to the show next year.” The NJTA and the Military Transport Association are likewise looking forward to an even bigger and better show next year.

Lillian Blair