I saw last night just a glimps of a story about what they are going to air tonight. It is a story of a father/son project car but the father was sent to iraq. I didn't hear it all so I really don't know what it will be about.

This will be on the early evening news arounf 5 or 6 pm.

what network ??

Did anyone catch the story? It would be very cool if we could all help out and keep the project rolling while Dad is serving our country. I didnt find it on the news?

CBS

The father was assigned to iraq and was killed in the line of duty. He and his son had started a 1968 Camaro project but never got to finish it. Now there are a load of volunteers helping finish this project. The family lives in Killeen, Texas and according to the news report they are going to finish the car. It showed them pulling the motor and working on the body. It is a long way from being finished and when it is done it will be yellow and black.

If anyone is from Killeen please do some research to try and find out more information. Team Camaro could step up and help on this project for a Fallen Hero and his son!

Just saw it, maybe the admin here could contact CBS and tell them we would be intrested in helping. Anyone know if he posted here? If we all just gave $1.00 it would go a long way.

Al is there anything you can do? I would rather donate to Al then have him send in one check from all of us at Team Camaro. Maybe have a time frame to send you checks or loose change to Al so we can all help out? Even if the car is already finished the boy will need money for Gas, insurance,driving lessons, maintance.

Man it was a quick story and brought a tear to my eye. Saw it and got on the puter and saw this post. They Killeen Tx is north of Austin, looked it up on mapquest.

Joe

16113 members X $1.00 = $16,113.00
Wow, now that would get this project a real good start. I will be willing to participate in this if admin will see what they can do. I also agree that we could do a donation to the admin here and then they could present a donation in one lump sum on behalf of all the TC members.

Haven't seen it yet as our news is due at 5pm PST.
But count me in on the donation. Just let me (us) know.

OK, If we get it going, here's the first pledge for $100.00. Let me know where to send it. Bill D

You are a great bunch of people.I feel lucky to be able to participate here. Count me in for a donation.Just let us know what to do if you can set something up Al.

It's on at 6:00 pm here on the west coast but I found it on the web about half way down the left...

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?channel=i_video

I would be willing to donate some of the "good stuff" from my inventory for the restoration. I hope we can find out what they need. This car should be done to perfection. Thanks Supv26 for making us aware of this worthy mission.

Count me in. Can someone here organize this as far as a donation of some sort???
They interviewed the Sales Manager from Soffseal, Alex Tainsh, for the CBS segment....maybe he can be the contact person??

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 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 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.

I'm at work tonight and do not have access to view the video or see the news.
At this time, not sure what we can and can't do, but let's all check into it.

[ 12-22-2004, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: Al ]

I'm thinking maybe this is a lot of pressure to put on Al? It's a great cause and all, and something we can all support, but I'm sure Al is a very busy man already, and maybe some of us can explore just how one (or a group), of us can find out what it takes to organize such an endeavor?

I don't know where to start, but I will be looking into it. Of course it would have to be approved by Al, but maybe those of us who wish to contribute to this cause can take a little time to find some avenues we can take? If we split the load, it's easier.
I'm in, but don't know what to do yet.

sherr20 is in that area. If he could chime in maybe he has some insight about what’s going on.
I don’t have much in the way of 68 goodies but I have a few odds and ends and widgets. Considering that it’s only 2-3 hours from here I could donate a weekend of my time as well.

Just a suggestion, but when trajedy strikes and then you see it on the national newscast, they set up a fund at a nationwide bank like BofA, US bank, etc. Then we can donate locally and the family gets the dough locally ;) I don;t know anyone in Kileen, Texas...but maybe we can call CBS, or see if there are any car clubs in/around Kileen?

Dano graemlins/beers.gif

Guys, I have taken the liberty to write the Soffseal Sales Mgr that was interviewed in the news clip. This story was orignally aired in Sept so who knows what the status of the car is. CBS re-ran the story today to lead up to a story they are airing tomorrow from what I gathered. Let's see what I hear back, I'll post as soon as I get a reply.

I have never organized anything like this so please let me know how I can help. I will try to do all I can to get something going.

Well,

I'm here in the DFW area and would be willing to lend a hand.

I know many qualified shops (that have done loads of First Gen Camaros) that might be willing to do the work on this car. graemlins/beers.gif

I'll even trailer it up here if need be.

I'm in,parts or cash.

Thanks Dennis. That's the direction I was going to try first thing tomorrow. Tom, thanks for the thoughts. I'd certainly like to help and do what we can but we should see if something is already in place either financially or for working on the camaro. I'd hate to see us arrange anything and possibly interfere with work already assigned.


We have 5 members from that area, 4 joined but never posted (from 2001+), including someone with the email address of sgtlawrence@
2 of them list the military as their occupation.

Al

This is a perfect situation for "Overhaulin" (as opposed to Ian Ziering). Anyone know Chip Foose?

I just sent him an email - I hope he gets it.

I just watched the video from Dennis' link.

It looks like the work is already under way in the Austin area.

If there is anything they need though, I am sure we could help. graemlins/beers.gif

Hey guys, My name is Jerry, I was the unit Instructor Pilot in that unit with Shane Colton, we overlapped about 1 year their 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 this 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 famalies, 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. Inga still lives there in Killeen with Lance, Shane was buried in Killeen and she intends to stay there. They had just bought a new house. I do not have her new contact information,but would be able to track it down very easily. I still have quite a few peoplein that area in other units that were Shane and Chucks friends also.

you can email me at:

jerry.sherrill@korea.army.mil

Looks like this baby needs OverHauled the "Team Camaro" way...

I have a few pennies in my piggy bank.

DjD and Al, when you find a resource or Quarterback for anything we can help with, Sue and I are more than happy to jump in too. I was blessed with 2 girls, so helping a young boy, well, its just time for us.
Jerry, Gods speed back to your family too.

I have also sent mail to overhaulin'. It's not a long word crafted letter but I hope it gets their attention. Here is an extract.

***Extract***

Good morning.

I do not normally send messages like this let alone from my work account, however this message has inspired me and a host of others who are on a technical Camaro board to bring this to your attention.


Please take a moment and review the message string attached.

***link***
I and many others are willing to contribute to this effort. It could be as simple as a shop affiliated with the show to take contributions via credit card or pay pal.

If ever, this is a worthy endeavor for your show. I look forward to hearing from you.

***end extract***


For some reason, I think this will happen. It may be the cynic in me, but I don't think they could resist the drama. If it does happen, I hope that they are respectful and thoughtful in how they handle this.

Not that it matters what I think but you guys have no idea how proud I am of every single one of you. You're the best.


Rick & Deb

Someone want to send this to Kyle at DSE?

Wife and I saw this on the news yesterday. Brought tears to both of our eyes. I'm in with cash once we find out to whom and where to send it.

Randy

Ok. I caught the story on the news tonight and it appears that the car is at a local college in Killeen.
I was able to find some information about the college but it’s probably closed for the holidays.


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

http://www.ctcd.cc.tx.us/

Media Inquiries: Andrea L. Howard
Phone: 254-526-1224
Fax: 254-526-1751


Local TV and radio station
http://www.knct.org/

[ 12-23-2004, 05:04 PM: Message edited by: Geezer ]

Good find, the link I posted last night has the story you are refering to now instead of the old story...

No word back on the e-mail I sent, I figure I might not hear back until next week...

It would be nice if we could figure out what the car needs and or needs done to it, and get our resources together so that we can do something, and figure what and when. If I had my druthers, when contact with the family is called for, I’d rather have sherr20 contact them if he wouldn’t mind.

I'm just waiting to hear the plan. Checkbook is at the ready. Maybe we could start a new thread or change the title of this one to be a little more specific in what is going on to attract more members attention? Check out sherr20's post about those who truly care. I can envision the same thing here.
Just me thinkin' again.

[ 12-23-2004, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: 383 ]

I'm in for some money if we end up doing it. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Here is a Ft Hood memorial page @ L.Shane Colton,

http://pao.hood.army.mil/1cd_1-227cav/Pages/Fallen%20Heros.htm

Here is an AP newswire article,

http://www.ardmoreite.com/stories/053104/new_families.shtml

You guys can count me in for sure. Admin has my e-mail address. I also posted this link over on Team Chevelle so alot of the guys over there may have a chance pitch in also.

I haven't heard anything from TLC/Overhaulin. I would gather they get a sizable amount of mail per day/week so perhaps one week turn around time is to be expected.

Is it the general concensus that we want to do this localized? Meaning we drive and conribute?

Do want to continue with The Learning Channel ideas? Along that line, we could begin an email campain to suggest a wide segment thinks they should do it.

We could also outsource directly to DSE or another company? (What the big speed channel resto shop in Toronto?)

Continue on all front and see which one looks most promising? Ideas?

Rick.

If you guys want me to contact Inge, It will take me a few days and I think it might be best to wait a few days past Christmas to do so. I am not sure how she is doing without Shane for the first time in quite a few years. I will talk to my friends back at Ft Hood that were also in the unit and see how things are. Inge is from Germany and may have gone back there for Christmas to be with family or up to Oklahoma to be with Shanes family.

Tell me what you guys think.
This is great to see you guys wanting to help, I want to help also as much as I can, having the honor of knowing Shane, it is the least I can do.
Jerry

errr, yeah, I didn't even think about the holidays. It would be probably a month before any semblance of a plan would come together.

Hey Jerry, happy holidays to you and your wife. Spend lots of phone time over the next couple of days.

Rick & Deb and Team Camaro

count me in on whatever is needed.

angel

Guy's since there are plenty of you that really want to give this young man a hand completing this project, I sent an email to Foose Designs to see if Mr. Foose can help us help this kid.

Hope that he responds to my email and can lend a hand

Keep you posted

Tom

Here is what I did. I called Classic Industries 1-800-854-1280. I explained to the customer service rep the situation. As luck would be, Shane Colton had ordered parts from Classic for his 68 Camaro. Classic then set up an acct for Lance(Shanes son). I then had Classic send a $200 gift cert to Lance.

That's a great jesture Dayton but what happens if the car is finished and Coltons end up with a ton of store credit they can't use? The news last night again leads me to believe the good deed was already done back in Sept when this all first came about.

Here's what we know from the 2 news stories.

1> This all started in Sept.
2> The locals and car clubs kicked in parts and labor.
3> CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE is/was/did the body work etc.
4> Soffseal was involved enough that their marketing guy was interviewed.

I'm sure there is more but these are the biggies.

My thoughts, bad idea to take someone elses project away from them. If the car was still in the Coltons garage and folks were just dropping by from time to time to work on it it would be different. That takes Foose and overhaulin out unless they would allow Chip to ride shotgun over the project if it's still a project. Who knows how far ahead they work on overhaulin, it could put the car off for a year if they wanted to do the Colton car.

If we all do as Dayton has, it could help the project but if it's near completion it may put money out of our pockets into a can that who knows if or when it will ever get touched. Dayton don't take what I'm saying wrong, I'm sure that your gift will be appreciated and would be used toward the car, but if 20 or 30 others did the same the money could go for not...

If we are going to do this as a group, that was the idea, right? Let's see what I hear back from the Soffseal folks. If anyone else contacted folks directly connected to the project already and you hear anything back let us know also.

You guy are all great folks, I wish you and all your families a great day tomorrow, Merry Christmas!

Sounds like a good idea to wait a little. I am sure that if the project is done and we as a group make a donation after the completed project that our donation would still be of use. The son needs driving lessons, needs insurance, needs money for maintance and looking into the future money for a Tux and all the makingings for a great date when he drives this car to the prom.

Simply put I am sure a we can help out, it just might not be that we help out with the build or assisting to complete her. We can ensure a young boy might have some time to enjoy a vehicle without worry and expence.............ummm just got me thinking that we as group think of things other than car parts etc we can help with, maybe post a few poles after we find out more on situation. As a start a Hagerty insurance fund? Maybe ask Hagerty to donate a little insurance???

Joe

OK,NOW I think this is heading in the proper direction....Let's not forget that this family has lost it's(probably)chief breadwinner and we now have a single mom trying to raise at least one child that we know of on a reduced income.
I'm in either way, checkbook is ready but I don't think we want to earmark this money strictly for the Camaro.I say just a monetary donation to the entire family, or to whatever funds may have been set up to help them.
I also think we may be setting a precedent here for future mass donations to other causes that we as a group deem worthy.I'm fine with that,I've felt ever since 9-11 that I wanted to do something to help and honor all the heroes who have come forth in defense of our freedoms.Maybe we choose a fallen military person's family on a monthly or bi-monthly (I'm just throwing this out there,guys) basis and show them some gratitude for making the ultimate sacrifice.
I'm proud to be associated with everyone here at T/C!!!!

Peter

I'm in too.

Peter's idea is worth some thought. I'm sure the Colton's are not the only "Camaro" family who has had a father fall in combat.

Team Camaro is a wonderful place to make friends and share our passion for our cars. We could be a lot more.

Such an effort shouldn't be just dumped on our hard working mod's and Admin tho. Perhaps we need a committee? Perhaps our members in the armed forces can help us identify where the needs might be?

Take the last three posts. I can get behind the thinking of all of them. Good ideas, especially now that the project car is almost complete. (we think anyway).

I would be willing to be a part of a commitee for such causes, if one were to be created.

I have given to other causes before, and tend to choose them based on how close I am to the particular issue. Breast cancer, toys for foster kids, are just 2 that hit close to home for me as examples. I realize the purpose of this site was not intended to be a charity organization, nor should that be the main focus, but it is nice to hear thoughts of selecting special causes related to our passion, that we as a group in agreement, may be able to help out on. This one we're discussing is a good example. Just my .02

A commitee? I have never done anything before that would be of assistance or know what to do but I am willing to put in some time to help out on such commitee. If it's site related and done through T/C maybe mods can provide a space for a commitee only posting area. Then the commitee can post it's discussion/minutes in a special section???????????????

Joe

I agree we should wait to see outcome of DjD's letter and other information to confirm what is needed. If the car is done, certainly a trust fund for future expenses would be a consideration to give too. As mentioned, we all have our favorite charities but once in awhile a situation comes along that also hits our hearts in a way that doing nothing just doesnt seem right, so doing even a little check writing connects that sad story to our own homes. In a heart beat anyone of us could be gone too.
Helping that family out now is an extension of what we would do for a close loved one, its all good.
We are in.

Just wanted to bring this back on top. I agree, we should wait and see what has transpired so far.

If more info is needed my girlfriend was both a sportscaster at NBC and a newscaster at CBS in Dallas until DEC of last year. She worked for CBS for almost ten years doing sports and news so I can have her call the station she worked at in Dallas to check on any leads if you think that will help get us up to date ....and like everyone else..I am in for a cash donation to the benefit this family whether the car is finished or not.
As a few of you know I bought my last car for my 13 year old son and I to restore together as a father son project. Rob , Olympic69 on this board just looked at a 69 RS Z for me in Texas for just this purpose last month. It is something that my son and I have been looking forward to doing.
I will do whatever I can to help , count me in .

383: Thanks for brining this back on top. I've been away for a few days and probably wouldn't have seen this thread. Let's not let this thread disappear again. My checkbook is ready, even to just make a donation to the family to help make ends meet. I would be honored to be involved and help out in anyway I can.

I would be willing to host my paypal account to collect donations for this project. Then make a one time donation in the name of Team Camaro. This would make it easy for everyone to donate to one place, or someone else could sponsor it. It definatley would have to be someone with high morals.
I have been serving in the military for the past 22 years and it would be an honor to host this.

What we would need is the donation institution that is local for the son to tranfer the funds to after all is said and done.

Wife and I were talking about this again and another idea came up. My wife wants her own Camaro someday, so if the boys mother also likes camaros, maybe thats where Chip Foose or other folks in this camaro business could get involved. We find a camaro to rebuild for her, so she and her son can go to shows and cruises together when he is old enough.
This could then be done over a proper time span for a resto to be done from scratch as a 'gift' from those involved like us here at TC, maybe Ground Up, etc. etc.
Just an idea. It sure would be nice to 'adopt' this kind of concept for other unfortunate situations that might rise in the future too.

It sure would be nice to 'adopt' this kind of concept for other unfortunate situations that might rise in the future too.
That was my main thought before. This incident all happened in September, the recent story was a followup, and we will probably find that many good hearted folks have helped this particular family all ready.

This will not be the last father to fall in combat though...

I realy like the ideas I am reading here. Whatever the decisions are about how to support the family, I have my wallet in hand!

I realy like the idea about financing the time 'after' the project! If the car is built, she will need insurance, gas etc. so if we can donate money and/or time they can enjoy the '68 everyday. Being in Europe it will be impossible to donate time for me, but money for the maintenance etc. is no problem at all!

Let's wait what others find out about the situation, and count me in for whatever it is we (TC) will do for the family!

Wanted to keep this thread @ the top!

Here is an update.....
I called Loren Nix in Oklahoma City. He is the stepfather of Shane Colton. As mentioned in a previous post, the car is at a local college in Killeen, Tx. According to Mr Nix, the car won't be complete until @ Nov 2005.

While both Mr Nix and I were on the tele, I directed him to this thread. He might register and post a reply.

Shanes widow(Inge) and son(Lance) age 11, will arrive @ the Nix residence tomorrow.

I can get behind any united project that comes from this TC thread. My checkbook is at the ready....

Dayton,

Thanks and Keep us all up to date, Im sure we could get alot of people to donate.

Hey guys, I've been pretty busy and missed this thread. Count me in for whatever the decision is. I dedcicate alot of my time to helping others in alot of ways... personally, through my business and through non profit organizations. It is very rewarding, and very much appreciated. The most important thing here is to keep the lines of communication open with the widow so that she knows exactly what is going on and is in agreement to it. Open lines of communication will ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Mike

I like the idea, I will be watching

I have had no reply from the email sent to "Overhaulin". I'll work up a more formal letter tomorrow and resend.

Rick.

I have gotten no reply so far from the Soffseal guy and will resend the e-mail Monday.

Rick - I had the pleasure of talking to Chip Foose today, he was at the SF Rod and Custom Show I went to today. He was real busy as he had a long autograph signing session he was about to start. People were waiting over 200 deep, out the door and standing in the rain to meet him. Chip was nice enough to take a few and I got to introduce my friends to him. What I got from the conversation is all business goes through the front office. I was hoping to get him to stop in here and post a little in the forums, I'll keep working on that. His life has changed since the inception of Overhaulin and his private time has severly been limited. Anyway my point is if you don't here back it's not Chip directly. He's a hot commidity and you can imagine just how much e-mail is generated because of that fact...

Dayton - any chance you have any further info?

You may want to re-think getting any TV show to save the day.
http://www.realoldspower.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14480

I didn't realize it, but the owner has to pay income tax on all the "free" stuff recieved and on labor done, plus the link above shows the work is done quickly and sometimes not done well,leaving a lot of things to re-do afterwards.

I think it would be far better to support the local people who will do a good job on the car and stand behind their work, it will help to build relationships between the young man and his neighbors.

I'm not knocking Chip Foose, but he's just one cog in the wheel, and very buisy now that he's getting recognition.
David

Follow Up Here...
http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/2/10371.html?