[19SIK9]

IRAQI VETERAN PROJECT UPDATE 12/9/2007


THIS PROJECT IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE PATRIOTDREAM.ORG PROJECT POSTED IN THE PRO-TOURING FORUM.

On behalf of the First Generation Camaros of Arizona and the Cactus GTO club – an early Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to all that have contributed and have been following our restoration of the 1968 Camaro owned by Corporal Jared Foster -- a young soldier wounded in Iraq while serving our country.

Thanks to Al and everyone on the TEAM CAMARO website !!! Al’s assistance with our request to post this project on the website, has been instrumental in garnering much of the financial support we have received. Many enthusiasts, business owners, and fellow Americans from around the country have offered their financial support, in addition to a variety of parts. From $10 to $100, it is all equally appreciated.

A RECAP FOR THOSE NOT FAMILIAR WITH OUR PROJECT:
This project is all about 24 year old Marine Corporal Jerrod Foster. We refer to him as Corporal Foster---or sometimes we just call him “the kid”, because he’s so young. Unfortunately, he was severely wounded in Iraq and is now permanently disabled. While he can still walk and function in most manners, he does have some debilitating wounds that will stay with him the rest of his life. Corporal Foster owns a 1968 Camaro, which was nothing more than a shell when he first approached us. While Corporal Foster was merely looking for a few parts and some information on a good body shop, we as a club heard about his efforts and decided to adopt his project, but unbeknownst to him. In order to show our appreciation and gratitude for his service, we decided to do our own version of the hit TV show “Overhaulin”. And true to the shows concept, he has no idea that this is happening. Corporal Foster got the project started by purchasing the much needed sheet-metal and laying down his own funds to get the body work started. We are taking over from there.

John Bauler, co-President of the First Generation Camaros of Arizona, was the initial contact with Corporal Foster and has continued to be our liaison with “the kid”. John allows Corporal Foster to work inside his Camaro restoration shop. Corporal Foster does have the ability to perform such operations as using the sandblasting cabinet, the wire wheel stand and the cleaning and painting of various parts. However, when it comes to the heavy lifting tasks, laying under a car or working on the dash for example, each pose a problem for him due to the nature of his wounds.

SEE ATTACHED THUMBNAIL PICS POSTED BELOW


CONDITION OF THE SHELL WE ARE WORKING WITH
The pictures below give a clear indication of the condition of the Camaro when it came back from the sandblaster. It was determined that much of the sheet-metal would need to be replaced. Corporal Foster’s had already laid money down to get the ball rolling on this project when we met him.

SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY
On November 17th, eleven of us got together to clean, paint and assemble the subframe assembly for this project. Members from the Cactus GTO Club joined along side of the First Generation Camaros of Arizona, to help get this portion of the project completed. The subframe was completed off the car---which made the process a little more difficult when it came to installing the springs. In the end, we triumphed with the entire process completed in about 4-hours or so.

DIFFERENTIAL CLEAN-UP AND ASSEMBLY / TRANSMISSION INSPECTION / PAINTING OF VARIOUS BRACKETS
Our second work day took place on December 8th, with 16 participants showing up. Our major goal this day was to tear down three differentials and in the end, assemble one 10-Bolt Posi with drum brakes. Mission accomplished in approximately 5-hours. In addition, the donated Turbo 400 transmission was inspected, but determined that it would wise to send it in for a complete overhaul. Also, we took the opportunity to paint a variety of brackets that had already been to the sanblaster.

OUR CURRENT STATUS AND WHERE WE COULD USE YOUR HELP
Approximately $2550 has been contributed in financial support thus far. However, as anyone knows, and despite the fact that we are using as many of the original parts and used parts, we still have quite a ways to go. The contributed funds have been instrumental in allowing is to acquire many of the parts we have needed thus far. In addition, Corporal Foster has will be putting some of his own money into the project and we as a team have thought that would be beneficial for him, as it would give him a better sense of ownership. Corporal Foster, like so many of veteran does not expect a hand-out and we understand that as well. John Bauler and Corporal Foster do sit down on a semi-regular basis and discuss the parts that will be needed for the Camaro. Corporal Foster assumes the parts will need to be assembled after they arrive. Little does he know, we’ll deliver them to him----already on the car !!!!

Our current direction is to complete the body, suspension and interior first. The last stage of this project will involve the engine. We know that a small-block will be the choice for this project. At present, rumors of a possible crate motor donation from a local Chevrolet dealer are being talked about, and if that does not become a reality, then the team will search out a good used 4-bolt and start the build-up ourselves.

Several manufacturers and shops have also donated parts to this project.
RECARO USA donated a new set of Specialist seats. Thanks to the folks at RECARO !!!!!
IDIDIT has offered a steep discount on one of their tilt steering columns, and our order is being placed shortly.
DREAM CAR RESTORATIONS, a local shop has donated $500

Below is also a list of those that have also graciously offered their financial support and hands on labor for this project.
Your support has been the necessary ingredient needed to get the project rolling.

• Tom Burton
• Guy and Donna Ferstl
• Steve Hodges
• Arizona Outlaws – Hotwheel Club
• Tony and Katherine D’Angelo
• William Eaton
• Larry and Connie Norris
• Keith Marsicola
• Pete Berkowitz
• Anonymous Donor !!
• Jerome S. Solam
• Joe Regulski
• Jack Eggers
• Andrew Douglas
• Dominico Discenza
• Robert Gaudsmith
• Rodd Fromm
• Laurie Butler
• Dan Haggerty
• Stephen Cruttenden
• System Tools Software Inc
• Online Performance (Team Chevelle/Team Camaro)
• Sterling Allen
• Carl Schwendler
• Dave House
• Jack Riley
• Luis Miranda
• Doug Hurst
• John Debelder and son Tristan
• Dave Veals
• Jim Lindmair
• Jesse Sanger
• Mike Skaramagos
• Joe Schneider
• Phil Santucci
• Jay Zuschlag
• Jasen Barcklay
• Chris Harrell
• Thom Mohr
• John Reed
• Dennis Predmore
• Herbert Martin
• Jack Swan
• Steve Pistolakis

Again, on behalf of the team here in Arizona that is working so hard on the Iraqi Veteran Project, we want to Thank the Camaros.net administrators for their support and for allowing the Iraq vet link to be posted on the opening page. Furthermore, the Team Camaro viewers and subscribers and others who have made financial and labor donations to this project, have each made a significant difference for Corporal Foster.

FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO ASSIST IN OUR PROJECT FOR CORPORAL FOSTER, PLEASE CLICK ONTO THE IRAQI VETERAN PROJECT BANNER BELOW. SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM AND YOU WILL FIND A PAYPAL LINK FOR AN INSTANT DONATION, OR YOU MAY MAKE YOUR CHECKS OUT TO:

THE FIRST GENERATION CAMAROS OF ARIZONA
5063 E. DELTA AVE.
MESA, AZ85206
ATTN: LANCE BAKER


SINCE OUR CLUB IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND THIS IS A NON-PROFIT EFFORT, ALL DONATIONS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED WITH A TAX DONATION SLIP, ALLOWING FOR CREDIT ON YOUR TAXES.

For questions regarding your financial donation, tax credit letters and the logistics of our project contact:
LANCE BAKER 480-229-5691

For questions regarding the 1968 Camaro, parts needed, assembly questions and when and where the next project work day will be held, contact:
JOHN BAULER 480-632-6214

For questions regarding your PayPal donation, contact:
JACK RILEY 602-628-0324

[Rocketrod]

Very cool project! What is the planned completion date of the project?

[jackr]

We would like to get the car completed by late February. The car won't be out of paint until about late January so the current plan is to build up whatever we can as we can.

[Old baldguy]

Lance I am happy for all involved ,and thank you and your 1st gen Camaro club and GTO club for donating time and $$$ ,I wish I was in the area to lend a hand ,but all I can do is support by $$ ,and will do more ,Thanks for the update Merry Christmas to you and all...and Happy Motoring soon to Jared..

[Al]

I received this update from Lance and am passing it along:

TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN OUR IRAQI VETERAN PROJECT:

Sorry for not providing more timely updates, but several of us have been very busy behind the scenes, gathering parts, sponsors, etc. Also, we currently do not have an recent pics, but will soon.

Corporal Jared Foster is still unaware of our covert operation. I have spoken with his parents and his mother noted, "We stand in awe at what everyone is doing for Jared." She went on to emphasize that when Jared started this Camaro project, they were so worried that he would never be able to complete it, due to his physical limitations. All of you have taken a tremendous burden off their shoulders due to your contributions.
Also----Jared's mom is 100% in on our plan and will run interference where necessary. You'll want to meet and Thank her at the final presentation.

Jack Riley has been quite successful in contacting manufacturers and the support they have offered is overwhelming to say the least !!! A list of what has arrived or is on the way is at the end of this Email.

Also, we are anticipating that the body and paint may be done as early as the end of February. From that point, we will start the process of installing the interior, trim, etc. The motor will be our last hurdle.

I have attached a copy of the latest parts spread-sheet, showing the parts we have acquired and the parts we still need. I do know there was a whole truck load of parts that John Bauler order and that was also paid for by Corporal Foster himself, but has yet to be entered onto the list. By this weekend, we may have the list updated and I will resend it.

Just a small sample of the parts that have been donated by parts manufacturers so far, plus some of the more costly parts that have been donated by others:
RECARO seats
Morris Classic Concepts - 3pt seat belts
IDIDIT steering column offered at 25% less jobber cost
Painless Wiring
Taylor Wiring
Dream Car Restorations
Ground Up Restorations - complete interior less front seats
Safeshield Glass Company - front and rear glass pending - side glass at a discount
Discount Tire - tires (for sure) rims (pending) Thanks to Moe Ferrat manager
Edelbrock #2106 manifold - donated by Edelbrock
Grant Steering Wheels called us and said to go on to their website and choose whatever steering wheel we wanted !!!
THM 400 trans and driveline - club member Terrance Huffman
400 bare block and new HEI dist. donated by fellow Boeing co-worker of Lance Baker
New, rechromed bumpers - Tory DiBlasi from New York !!!!
$$$$$$ from so many others that has been so beneficial in allowing us to acquire those other parts we need.
Lastly, the many used parts that so many of you have donated and your labor for this project.

To see the current Parts wanted and acquired list, click here. Adobe.pdf

LANCE BAKER 480-229-5691
JOHN BAULER 480-632-6214
JACK RILEY 480-497-0857

[jackr]

This project we are working has been discovered by some soldiers serving in Iraq. Evidently they were just surfing the net and came across the team camaro post.
We have received several e-mails and cash donations from soldiers serving there right now. They all say more or less the same message. Here is one soldiers mail;

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Mr. Lance Baker,

My name is 1st Lieutenant Priya Rednam and I am a Medical Service
Officer currently deployed to Camp Victory within Baghdad in support of
the Operation Iraqi Freedom medical mission. I had the pleasure of
working with Staff Sergeant Stephen Tolson for a majority of my 15
months in theater and so I heard about your incredible Project Iraqi
Veteran. I have not been in the Army long, just a couple years now, but
more than anything I have developed such a deep gratitude for
individuals such as you. I cannot tell you how much what you are doing
for this Soldier means to me and every Soldier. I have unfortunately
lost friends in this fight and myself have had challenges along the way,
and so the fact that such an amazing group of people is looking out for
a Soldier in this exciting way, means so much. Knowing that we are
remembered and appreciated makes everything seem so worthwhile. I would
really like to donate some towards the project but could you please
instruct me how to use the PayPal system? Alright well thank you so very
much again. As I finish my last month here in Iraq, this will be such a
motivator to me. If you could, I'd love to hear about the unveiling when
it occurs. Take care Sir and have a wonderful day!!

Respectfully,

Priya

S. Priya Rednam

1LT, MS

Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Task Force 62 Medical

Camp Victory, Iraq