RUSTBUSTERS GAZETTE Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association

February 2011

PRESIDENT’S NOTE By Don Hartzell

Recently, I downloaded some photos that would make any lover of MVs drool. The pictures showed U.S. Army

storage yards on Okinawa in 1949. Depicted were neatly ordered rows of jeeps, jeep trailers, weapons carriers, deuce and

a half trucks, generators, and other types of vehicles and equipment. Much of this equipment ended up being shipped to

occupied Japan and run through auto factories there to be refurbished and returned to service. As would be discovered

after June 1950, with North Korea’s invasion of South Korea, these WWII retreads would be critical in saving the

Republic of South Korea.

The importance of vehicles in modern warfare has been well established, and that fact makes them all the more

fascinating to those of us in the hobby. Such venerable objects are worth saving, and honoring. As 2011 opens, and

another season comes upon us before we know it, let’s all do our parts to “keep those MVs rollin’”!

INDIANA MVPA OFFICERS - 2011

PRESIDENT: Don Hartzell

765-643-7059 /

tractorman7 @ hotmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT/ Mike Lusty

PRESIDENT-ELECT 765-664-3380 /

mlusty @ indy.rr.com

SECRETARY: Lani Ropkey

765-794-0238 /

ropkey @ hughes.net

TREASURER: Deb Rood-Woodward

317-758-4215 /

lil.deb @ hotmail.com

NEWSLETTER TEAM: Mike Lusty & Lani Ropkey

WEBMASTER: Mike Lusty

NEXT MEETING: 12 March 2011 – 10 AM,

Lindsay Clark’s Shop, 2029 W 96th St., Indy.

$25 Door prize to be awarded

Minutes from last meeting – January 8, 2011

The January 8, 2011 meeting of the Indiana MVPA was called to order at 10:25 a.m. by President Don Hartzell. The

meeting was held at Ricky Miller’s in Kokomo, IN. There were 21 people attending the meeting. The Pledge of

Allegiance was recited and since there were several new people there Don asked that everyone introduce themselves to

all.

Don asked for the Secretary’s report and Lani stated that the minutes of the November 13, 2010 meeting were on the IN

MVPA website. There was a motion to accept the minutes as they were and that motion was seconded. Don asked for the

Treasurer’s report and Deb told us that as of January 8, 2011, there was $9,502.33 in our checking account. There was a

motion to accept the report and that motion was seconded.

Old Business

Leonard Grummell, a member from South Bend, asked to take the floor. He said that at the rally he thought someone had

taken (stolen) a periscope from his vehicle. He had posted this accusation on the Steel Soldiers website as well as had told

several other members of the club. It turns out that he was mistaken, the previous owner of the vehicle told him that the

periscope had not been on the vehicle when he had purchased it. So, he stood before our group and apologized for

wrongfully accusing someone in the club of stealing it. He also said he had posted an apology on the Steel Soldiers

website as well.

There was no other Old Business.

New Business

Doug Gilliam asked to speak. He expressed a desire to have a convoy of military vehicles run a road rally to exercise the

vehicles. He also indicated that perhaps we could turn it in to a poker run to raise money for a group called the Wounded

Warriors. This is a group that supports severely injured veterans as they transition from military life to civilian life. Len

Grummell indicated that he was very familiar with the WW and that when you make a donation you receive a card you

can carry in your wallet. He said that this is a very worthwhile organization to assist. Ted P. spoke and said perhaps we

could combine this with run with another event. Fred R. said that perhaps the convoy could precede the rally in

September and end up at the Ropkey Armor Museum. He also said that he was sorry the club was unable to take any road

runs at the last rally. Paul G. wondered if there was a possibility the convoy could visit nursing homes with veterans

living there or of visiting veteran’s homes or hospitals. Don H. said that perhaps we could add this event to the rally.

Larry D. said that he thought that would be too hard to coordinate that event with the rally and all of the other activities

that take place during the rally. Don H. suggested that Doug form a committee to start planning a convoy. He then asked

if anyone was interested in helping Doug and Roger W. said he was. So, the committee will consist of Doug G., Roger

W. and Don H. Deb W. suggested perhaps dividing it up in to regional convoys which might be easier for everyone.

Don then asked about plans for the rally in September, 2011. Larry D. spoke that he and Ton Zehr had already been

working on the ads for the rally and showed us the flier for the new rally. There will be a $20.00 charge for vendors this

year. This will be for unlimited space. The flier also indicates that there will be no gun dealers allowed to sell weapons at

the rally. General admission will be $5.00 per day or $10.00 per carload. He also stated that the ad will run in Military

Vehicles and Supply Line between March and September. Gary H. suggested that we put the ad on the IN MVPA

website, G503 website, Steel Soldiers website as well as the MVPA website.

Upcoming Events

Jefferson Barracks in Missouri, April 15 - 17, 2011. It is a WW II weekend with both military vehicles and re-enactors.

Air Show at Mt. Comfort is May 14 - 15. The Blue Angels will be appearing and that is why the show is early this year.

It was an open date for the Blue Angels. Ted P. suggested that someone from the IN MVPA should try to reserve a space

for the club. It was indicated that Guy Eoff is the person to contact and Don asked Ted to make that call.

Iola, WI Vintage Military Show is August 13-14, 2011.

The IN MVPA Rally is September 16 -17, 2011 at The Ropkey Armor Museum in Crawfordsville, IN.

The MVPA International Convention in Dayton, OH, August 4 - 6, 2011.

Victory Days at Grissom AFB is September 30 - October 2, 2011. Don said that he has been asked to be the Air Corp

Commander at this event. There will be a large contingent of Air Corp re-enactors at this event.

The River City Veteran’s Parade in Evansville, IN is November 12, 2011. Gary H. invited anyone who was interested to

bring their vehicle(s) to the parade. Last year, 2010, was the first parade and they had 20 entries.

In Other New Business, Ted P. brought up the fact that at the meeting in November, Lani R. had suggested holding the

Indiana Rally at different locations every few years just for a change, like they do the International MVPA Rally, which

does it every year. Len G. mentioned the St. Joe County Airport in South Bend as a possible site. Scott W. suggested

Grissom AFB.

Fred R. mentioned that at the rally in September he hopes to have some vehicles from the museum out and running.

Roger W. asked when we would have the fliers ready for distributing and Larry D. stated that we would have them at the

next meeting which is in March. Gary H. said that sometimes County Visitor’s Bureaus sometimes have funds that they

can allocate to help defray the printing costs.

Mike L. gave the group updates on the IN MVPA website: 51 people have visited the website since January 1, 2011. 414

people visited the website on one day last September. We average 174 visits to the website each month. We have had

2,099 visits in one year to the website. Mike also asked for members to contribute pictures, articles, stories and/or events

to put on the website. He also encouraged members to use the website which is www.indianamvpa.com.

Once again, Ted P. asked for someone to volunteer to be a reporter for the newsletter and website; someone who would be

willing to interview club members about their collections and vehicles. Don H. offered to consider this after his term as

President expires.

The drawing for the $25.00 gas card was held and Bob Sheppard Jr. won the drawing.

The next meeting will be held March 12, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at either Lindsay Clark’s shop or Roger and Deb

Woodward’s shop.

The January meeting was adjourned at 11:35.

Respectfully submitted,

Lani Ropkey

(Photos from the 8 January meeting are posted on the website.)

WELCOME new IMVPA MEMBERs: Robert & Paula Gibbs, Tipton; Tim Crist, Indianapolis; and Dennis

MacGruder, Coatesville.

Eugene the “jeep” By Rick Miller For those of us who own Jeeps, many may or may not know the original beginning of the “Jeep” trademark. Some say

“Jeep” came from the term GPW, a contraction of the General Purpose Wheeled vehicle designation. Historians will

down play this as not being the true fact.

Eugene the “Jeep” was a cartoon character from the Popeye comic strip in the 1930s. In pre-war Army slang, a jeep was a

new recruit or an unproven motor vehicle. In early days the term jeep was applied to the 1940 VC-1 Dodge Command

cars prior to the ¼ tons coming into general use.

In February 1941 an incident occurred on the steps of the Capitol. Willys-Overland drove a Willys Quad up the steps as a

promotional stunt. Red Housman, the driver was asked, “What is this thing?” His reply, “It’s a Jeep.” Spectators at the

event didn’t forget the term “Jeep.”

Willys-Overland applied for a trademark from the FTC for the “Jeep” name in February 1943 and it was granted in June

1950.

Club News (Keep current at www.indianamvpa.com) MVPA Call for Nominations. There is a call out for nominations for the 2011 election to the MVPA Board of Directors.

Elected members would take office in 2012. Nominations must be in to the MPVA by 21 May 2011. See the flyer on our

website for details and contact information.

Historic Vehicle Association. The MVPA has recently partnered with the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA). The

HVA is an organization devoted to all types of vintage vehicles in the United States and Canada. For more information

on the HVA, please check out www.historicvehicle.org. Take a look at the ongoing E15 fuel debate and the ethanol

effects on our hobby.

Next IMVPA Meeting. Our next meeting will be at Lindsay Clark’s shop. When: 12 March, 10AM. Where: 2029 W

96th St., Indy, IN. See the website for a map link.

Dues. 1 January is the date for annual dues to be received, payable to Indiana MVPA. If you haven’t sent in your dues

yet, please send them in ASAP. This may be your last Rustbuster Gazette issue.

Tech Tip: Torque Wrenches From PS Magazine, Issue 30, 1955

Upcoming Events (Watch for updates on www.indianamvpa.com)

March 12, 2011 Indianapolis, IN Indiana MVPA Meeting

Lindsay Clark’s Shop, 2029 W 96th

St., Indy, IN

April 15-17, 2011 St Louis, MO WWII Weekend (www.2ndrangers.org)

Jefferson Barracks 2nd

Rangers Infantry Battalion of St. Louis; Contact

Dan Dexter: d.dex@sbcglobal.net

May 12-14, 2011 Aberdeen, MD 38th Annual East Coast Military Vehicle Rally

Ripken Stadium. 8AM-5PM Daily, Free Admission.

May 13-15, 2011 Indianapolis, IN 15th Annual Indianapolis Air Show

Mt Comfort Airport

May 20-22, 2011 Findlay, OH 24th Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration

Hancock County Fairgrounds

August 4-6, 2011 Dayton, OH 36th Annual MVPA Convention - It's back!

Nutter Center, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy. Look for details in the February/March Supply Line.

August 12-14, 2011 Butler, PA Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

In Town & Butler County Fairgrounds Parade on Friday.

August 13-14, 2011 Iola, WI Iola Vintage Military Show

September 16-17, 2011 Crawfordsville, IN Indiana MVPA Rally and Swap Meet

Ropkey Armor Museum See flyer on the website.

September 30-October 2, 2011 Grissom ARB, IN Victory Days

November 12, 2011 Evansville, IN Veteran’s Day Parade

Contact River City Thunderbolt Club for details.

Legalities & Other Considerations of Wearing Military Uniforms By Mike Lusty

We are approaching another parade season and the re-enactors are dusting off their gear. Our vehicles, painstakingly

prepared for serviceability and authenticity, should be accompanied by an operator/owner equally prepared with a

serviceable and authentic outfit or uniform. But before we put on that outfit from the surplus store, let’s look at a couple

considerations. This article discusses some legalities of wearing military uniforms in light of current legislation.

Wearing any military uniform is governed by United States Code (10 USC, Sections 771 and 772) which, to paraphrase,

allow military veterans to wear a uniform during special occasions (parades, static displays, etc.) either of the type they

wore in service or of current wear with equivalent insignia. It also goes on to say a non-veteran is prohibited from

wearing military uniforms or distinctive military items. Examples of “distinctive military items” are explained in Army

AR-670-1. Other services probably have regulations written in similar verbiage. So, if you were walking down the street,

you could wear a M1965 field jacket if it doesn’t have the US Army tape, rank, or a unit patch on it (which only leaves a

name tape) without breaking any laws. Sounds pretty restrictive and it was meant to be. But wait, what if you aren’t a

veteran or ever served with the military? Well, also stated in the code under paragraph “(f) While portraying a member of

the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, an actor in a theatrical or motion-picture production may wear the uniform

of that armed force if the portrayal does not tend to discredit that armed force.” A federal court in 1970 debated the US

Code laws. The type of events (re-enactments, parades, and static displays ) our vehicles participate in would be

considered educational in nature (which would be construed as an actor in a theatrical setting as described above and legal

in this context) and we certainly are not intending to bring discredit to the service represented. As a side note, the military

can not arrest nor prosecute a private citizen for violation of their regulation. However, the FBI and/or local agencies

may, especially under the next piece of legislation.

The Stolen Valor Act (signed into law in 2006) brought in new legislation aimed at stopping “posers” from claiming

military service and glory. You’ve heard of the guys at the bar trying to impress someone by claiming to be a medal

winner or combat hero and yet never saw the inside of a barracks. Those are the targets of the legislation. Jail time and

fines wait those making these claims and for wearing unearned insignia. Basically, this law just put teeth into already

existing laws cited above, added a few more restrictions, and made it easier to enforce and prosecute. Recently, the Act

has been challenged in court and as of this writing it is still ruled as valid law.

We have two pieces of legislation that we have to work within. We want to represent an appropriate appearance but don’t

want to cross the line by wearing an outfit or presenting ourselves in a manner inconsistent with the event or violating the

Stolen Valor Act. We know we can start out with the basic clothing items without violating either: trousers, T-shirt, belt,

coat, boots, head gear. Veterans could not go wrong by wearing the same insignia they wore when they left service,

regardless of the era of the uniform worn. Non-veterans need to balance between accuracy and the law. A conservative

approach here would most likely be the best course. Within the context of the event, basic insignia would be required for

any proper uniform. Here I will focus on Army-specific insignia on a fatigue or non-dress uniform. For a dress uniform,

substitute the US Army tape with collar brass and the name tape with a name plate. The US Army tape, rank, name tape,

and a unit patch are the minimum required items that are displayed on the utility/duty uniform. (A different article on

uniform composition by era will hopefully appear in a later issue.) The only variations on the Army and name tapes are

which style to wear, if worn, in accordance with the uniform era. Rank and the unit patch will vary based on the uniform

portrayed and hopefully the patch will match the truck markings. Keep in mind, Captains through Generals don’t usually

drive themselves around, so if you are driving your HMV don’t wear your General Patton outfit. A Private or Sergeant

would probably be more appropriate here. A re-enactor needs to go with what the unit requires. But if you keep it to the

minimum four items, you are not likely to cross the line with any observers and law enforcement agencies. You aren’t

doing anyone service by looking like Joe Ragbag that just got up for reveille before parading down Main Street in your

vehicle. So make sure you have a good looking (serviceable), properly fitted uniform and wear it in a respectable manner.

Insignia I recommend to stay away from are generally the combat awards and special skill badges. Unless you have

actually earned them, many veterans tend to be a little touchy about non-combat types wearing these. So, it may be better

not to wear Combat Infantry Badges (CIBs), combat patches (unit patches worn on the right shoulder), jump wings,

Ranger or SF tabs. These were the most difficult for the veteran to earn and often have the most emotional memories

associated with them. Also, be careful as these additional insignia may put you in the focus of the Stolen Valor Act. To

date there have been no challenges or cases that have established as to which statute (US Code vs. Stolen Valor Act) has

legal precedence.

Finally, two points are worth mentioning. The first, if you are a service veteran, you are entitled to wear an equivalent

uniform to what you wore when you left service (as long as you don’t add to it in the way of awards/decorations). So, I

would recommend this avenue for those qualified. The second, if you aren’t a veteran, as long as you aren’t acting

inappropriately to the context of the event (and aren’t overboard on your costume), you are not likely to get in any trouble.

Dress appropriately, look sharp, and act the part. Oh yeah, did I mention the attitude that goes with the uniform? Maybe

some other time.

Additional resources: US Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” US Code 10

Sections 771 & 772.

Got something to say? Send it! We are always looking for articles for the Rustbusters Gazette. Send in your

articles, tech tips, bios, information about your vehicle, or anything you would like to share with us by sending it to Mike

Lusty via email. Photos are welcome!

Visit www.indianamvpa.com for more club updates, events, ads, and the latest news.

NEXT MEETING: 12 March 2011 – 10:00 AM, Lindsay Clark’s Shop, 2029 W 96th St., Indy. $25 Door prize.

For Sale / Wanted (Also posted at www.indianamvpa.com)

For Sale: Submit your ads by sending to Mike Lusty via email or the website “Contact Us” page.

1. WWII era Willys and Ford Jeep parts. About 50 different parts including fuel pump, oil pump, hand rails, Ford

pistons, Ford bolts, and many more - too many to list here. Some F marked, some not. All usable and original stock.

Worth $2700 in value, $2000 for all. Call for complete list.

2. Bendix Aircraft Radio Set. 1942 dated, marked with US Navy and RAF markings. Complete set-includes

transmitter, receiver, shock mounts, cabling, and antenna assembly. Inner workings in clean condition, outside could use

some work from handling and storage. $400.

3. U.S.S. Hornet Kapok Life Preserver. Very rare item; marked U.S.S. Hornet and has the original 1942 dated label.

This vest was on board the Hornet during the Doolittle Raid and used when the ship sank in 1942. Brought home by the

sailor. Sought after by the USS Hornet Museum and by the USAF Museum for their displays. Call for more information.

4. Norden Bombsight. US Navy marked, complete in original wooden case. Logbook intact, excellent condition. $1500

5. Autographs from WWII Air Aces. American, British, and German combat fighter Aces’ autographs. Call for

selection.

Contact Larry Wells - 219.996.5607

1958 M56 Contact Maintenance Truck. Complete with heavy duty 3/4 ton chassis & box, good NDT tires, winch &

cable, and generator/arc welder set up. VN era OD paint scheme with Signal Depot (39th SIG BN) markings. 3000

miles, good title, will meet requirements for IN BMV permanent Military Vehicle registration. Will include ¾” drive

socket set and a case of oil. $9000 - Located in Indianapolis,

Contact Jeff Niese - 317.244.3630 after 6PM.

1954 M38A1 Jeep. Very good body tub, with little rust on rockers and tool box floor. Mostly complete except for seat

frames, tool box lid, one 16in wheel, generator, regulator, and battery lid. Most of the straps, reflectors, some extra gauges

and lights are included. Has windshield for a "C" series recoilless rifle jeep. Engine stuck. Came from Crane Naval

Base in mid-70s; stored inside since 1977. Illinois title. $2000 – Located in Mt Carmel, IL.

Contact Ed Jamison - 618.262.6443 or 262.5472

Wanted:

1965-1982 M35A2. Looking for basic diesel deuce, good running condition, without troop seats and without cargo cover.

Prefer less than 50K miles, for Waterloo, IN area. Contact Dave Gagnon – davgagnon @ hotmail.com.

Cushman Scooter. Looking for fully restored Cushman Model 53 Airborne or any other model of military Cushman.

Contact Dick Lavanture at 574.903.8222

VN era M35A2. Looking for VN era M35A2, in good shape. Contact Randy Harnish at 260.824.4887

INDIANA MILITARY VEHICLE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME PHONE ( )

ADDRESS EMAIL

CITY STATE ZIP

TODAY’S DATE NEW / RENEWAL MPVA MEMBER? , MVPA # Dues per year: Single $10, Family $12. (circle one) YOUR MILITARY VEHICLES (Military Vehicle not required to belong.)

1. 3.

2. 4.

Benefits: Access to information on Indiana Military Shows and events. Connect with individuals that are versed in military vehicles and can help with your problems and fixes. Enjoy the support of local members and events. Help protect your rights to own and operate vintage military vehicles. Receive quarterly newsletter with free classified ads.

Send completed application and dues to: Lani Ropkey, 5649 E. 150 North, Crawfordsville, IN 47933-8089 Make checks payable to IN MVPA. Memberships are for one calendar year. Please do not send cash.

Indiana MVPA

The Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association

714 High St.

Anderson, IN 46012

www.indianamvpa.com

[Member Mailing Address Here]

NEXT MEETING: 12 March 2011 – 10:00 AM, Lindsay Clark’s Shop, 2029 W 96th St., Indy, IN $25 door prize