On November 5th, three brave veterans and Circle City Club members took off for Bowling Green under partly cloudy skies. That didn’t last long as when we hit Louisville the sky opened up with heavy downpours the rest of the journey. Thursday morning we went to registration and checked in receiving our goody bags. Already set up and on display were the North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Helicopter Association and they brought a Huey Slick, Huey Gunship and two Observation Choppers. The Kentucky National Guard was also there with their equipment including a truck mounted rocket launcher. Come to find out Fort Campbell had decided to send a full bus of warriors and Fort Knox at the last minute also sent a full bus. We caravanned to NCM Motorsports park and waited for the buses. After arriving, instead of assigning a soldier, they let them choose which car they wanted for the lap runs. Then on the second time they could choose another car and so on. They guided 20 cars at a time onto the track with apace car leading the way. He soon peeled off and it was open to as fast as you wanted depending on the car in front of you. Fred Whicker and Bob Wilkinson got up to 115 mph on the third time out, although Bob Graves was restricted to 85 because of the car in front of him. After the track, we went back to NCM for lunch when Wendell Strode came in and announced we had a special guest touring the museum and viewing the sinkhole. Wendell said he asked the guest if he would join us for lunch and he came in. Much to our surprise it was singer/songwriter and four time Grammy winner country music star Steve Wariner. After he sang a couple of songs, he went around the tables talking to all veterans. How Cool.  

Thursday afternoon we went to the assembly plant and watched the 2015’s being made. Then back to NCM for a meet and greet.  Friday we arrived at NCM, we had a group photo (Corvette owners) on the logo circle and also had individual photo’s of our Corvette’s in front of the Vietnam era Helicopters. We then went on about a 45 minute drive through the country to Scottsville, Ky for lunch at Earl G’s Dumplins. Great drive and great meal. Back to NCM for a lecture from Wes Wong, Senior FBI agent in charge NYC. He was in the World Trade Center North Tower on 9/11. What a story!!!!!  Then, Wil Cooksey, Plant Manager Corvette Assembly 1993-2008 gave a lecture on his life. Another great story. Shortly after was the Banquet and Wendell Strode was the guest speaker. Vietnam vet (Army) and two time purple heart recipient. Add another great story. Saturday morning was preparation for the Veterans Day parade in downtown Bowling Green. About 60 cars from the museum. After the parade it was on to the VFW for a great lunch and then return back to Indy.  It has proven to get better every year and this year was the best yet. Hope many more club members will try to make it next year.

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All previous years can be found in the Archives Section