Remembering Our Heroes Pickup Signature Tour visits Wright-Patt

The Remembering Our Heroes Chevy Pickup Signature Tour visited Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Aug. 12 outside the base Exchange.

Seven years ago, retired Air Force Master Sgt. Rick Breech purchased the 1957 Chevy 3200 truck, which was in dire need of restoration, and transformed the vehicle into a rolling tribute to the nation’s veterans and fallen heroes from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 65-year-old Breech, his wife, Arlene, and their two dogs, drive throughout the country in a pick-up truck, pulling an enclosed, unmarked trailer containing the Chevy pickup.

Their tour began June 12 and will end Aug. 28 in Tampa, Florida. They will visit approximately 25 military bases and installations, gathering signatures from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans along the way.

The vehicle’s exterior is painted blue and the interior sports the nation’s patriotic red, white and blue. The exterior also has many details to symbolize the sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes. One can’t fail to notice the bald eagles that are displayed atop the hood, blended with the U.S. flag.

The 1957 Chevy hood also contains two military members fist bumping, an array of different military aircraft and silhouettes of military members holding riffles.

Veterans were encouraged to sign the side of the truck that represented the conflicts they were a part of. The driver’s side represents Operation Iraqi Freedom and the passenger side, Operation Enduring Freedom.

On each truck door is a banner identifying each conflict along with a medallion with the inscription, “A Fallen Hero Remembered.” These areas were reserved to be signed by family members whose loved ones died during those conflicts.

The dashboard is dedicated for Medal of Honor recipients from all U.S. conflicts to sign.

Thus far on the tour the couple has driven more than seven thousand miles and Breech hopes the vehicle will be placed in a museum one day for all to see.

For information go to Breech’s Facebook page “Remembering our Heroes Tour” or Instagram @remembering_our_heroes_tour.

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