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October updates are available here.
November 2005 CBS News story aired November 8th
When Lance Colton's father Shane was killed in Iraq, the '68 Camaro they were restoring sat abandoned in the garage. That is, until the community got involved. They are assisting in restoring a project that had created a strong bond between father and son.
The Members of Camaros.net were inspired by the Story that aired on the CBS Evening News, and wanted to provide a method to help finish this project.
Our collection period has ended and we are excited to report that a total of $4410.00 was collected and sent to help finish this project, along with a number of parts donated by visitors.
A special thanks to all whose hearts this story has touched.
Thanks to Challenger Engine Software for donating copies of their Virtual Engine Dyno (Standard Version 2005) - $39.95 Value, FREE to all who donated!
Donations
Checks are still welcome, made out to "Colton Camaro"
Sent directly to:
Soffseal
Attn Alex Tainsh
104 May Dr
Harrison Oh 45030
CW2 LAWRENCE SHANE COLTON
CW2 Lawrence Shane Colton was born October 30, 1971 in Guthrie, Oklahoma to Loren and Kathy Nix. He was raised and educated in Midwest City, Oklahoma. A devoted husband and father, Shane enlisted in the Army in June 1992. He had been stationed in Korea, Fort Hood, and Germany.
His military awards and honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, 2nd Award, the Nation Defense Service Medal with Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Aviator Badge.
Shane died Sunday, April 11th 2004 when his AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter was shot down by insurgents west of Baghdad, Iraq. He and his fellow crewmember were protecting a fuel convoy headed toward the city of Fallujah. Their actions saved the lives of numerous US soldiers and allowed them to fight another day. An amazing man, father, husband, and solider, Shane will not be forgotten. Words and tears of heartfelt thanks have poured in from unit commanders, soldiers, and family members for the ultimate sacrifice he paid to ensure the survival and safety of his fellow man.
Information provided by:pao.hood.army.mil
1-227th Apache Pilots Honored for Their Sacrifice
For photos and more information please click here.
See the videos as aired on CBS News
Fallen Hero's Story Inspires | December 23, 2004 19:38:45
When Lance Colton's father was killed in Iraq, the '68 Camaro they were restoring sat abandoned in the garage.
Tech Forum Member Jerry Sherrill - username:sherr20 provided this personal insight:
Hey guys, My name is Jerry, I was the unit Instructor Pilot in that unit with Shane Colton, we overlapped about 1 year there at Hood.
Shane was excited about getting his camaro on the road and we always talked about our cars when we saw each other. Shane as you know was killed on Easter Sunday of last year leaving behind his Son Lance, and wife Inge.
Shane had already put together a 383, new quarters, and was working on a newer dash and newer gen tilt steering column as well as a new rear end setup with disc brakes. Of course when the unit deployed he put the car in storage there in Killeen thinking he would get back to it when he got home. As we all know now he never made it.
Shane was a great soft spoken guy, he had offered to help me when I finally do my quarter panel fix on my car. I know he would have given the oppurtunity. Inge, his wife, has taken Shanes death very hard, they were very close, closer than most couples I have seen over my years in the Army. They went everywhere together and were very happy I always thought. I remember a special time for me when my son who was 9 at the time was visiting from England (I get him a few months a year) we were over at Chuck Fortenberry's house in Troy Texas, just north of Temple, for a C Company "Vampires" get together; my son was there with me as was Shane, his wife, and their son Lance. Also there were 2 great friends of mine and all the guys from our company, Ron Young and Dave Williams, you remember them, they were the 2 apache POWs shot down at the beginning of the war.My son and Lance had never met but Josh really enjoyed playng with him and the other boys all day,playing in the pool and such. Sad thing is, Chuck was also killed with Shane in that shootdown. I think back on that day now and remember how we were all sitting around a fire, talking, drinking beer and talking about things,our families, and what we want in life, it was a happy time.
I cant help but think about how Shanes and Chucks sons,who were so happy and having so much fun that last summer, not knowing it was their last summer with Dad. I can only imagine how they felt losing their dads, I think what if it was my son Josh who lost me it makes me tear up right now. I have placed myself in their shoes many times, knowing what happened to them in explicit detail and it hurts me very bad. They didnt deserve what was dealt for them, they deserved better. I know I am rambling, but In the business I am in, I thank the Lord everyday I come back and get to see my Son, knowing that people that were good friends of mine do not have that luxury, and their Sons are growing up without their dad to show them those things that fathers do.
With that if there is anything I can do I will, I am in Korea and will not be back in Texas until end of summer 2005. Inge still lives there in Killeen with Lance, Shane was buried in Killeen and she intends to stay there.
Jerry Sherrill
View the current status in our Tech Discussion Forum
Since September 19, the Camaro is being restored at:
Forsyth Tech. Community College
Winston-Salem, NC.
The instructor is Mark Walker - (336) 723-0371
Formerly worked on at:
Central Texas College
P.O. Box 1800, Killeen, Texas, 76540-1800
Tel: 254-526-7161
In State: 1-800-223-4760
Out of State: 1-800-792-3348
- Team Chevelle - Chevelles.com
- Long Island Chevelle Club
- Camaros Limited Nor-Cal
- Challenger Engine Software - Virtual Engine Dyno
Setup by: Mike Russell on behalf of everyone at Team Camaro.
Mike's Bio:
Ive been in the Coast Guard for 22 years this May. Enlisted and went to boot camp between my JR and SR year in High School (Back in 1983). I was considered a Reservist during my Senior year and was doing weekend drills until I graduated HS where I transfered full time onto Active Duty.Some Info on My CG Career:
I am currently a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) working as a Supervisor for an Inteligence Team. I was deployed to Iraq during the start of the War (2 years ago this month) for about 3 months, I was one of the lucky guys to come home early cause our mission was complete. I was Deployed to NY during 911 as part of the CG Strike Team to assist in recovery and clean-up. Also I was part of a Team that was involved in cleaning up the Anthrax that was introduced in Boca Raton Florida, where we decontaminated all the post office's and the National Inquirer Building.But my passion and the reason why I joined the CG was to do Search and Rescue (save lives) and drive those Motor Life Boats that operate in the Bad Weather. I became Qualified earlier in my career as a Surfman which is the boat operator of those CG vessel's you see that roll over and pop back up. Hopefully my next tour of duty will take me back to one of those stations.
Mike's website is: http://www.camaro.lookscool.com/
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