A piece of history was unveiled at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial with the help of students from the Perryville Area Career and Technology Center.
The students handed the keys over to MNVM Executive Directive Rae Lynn Munoz to a fully restored 1954 M38A1 Willys Jeep on a special ceremony Friday.
“To say we are excited to receive the finalized Jeep is an understatement, the students and staff have worked so very hard, and all their efforts are truly invaluable,” Munoz said. “As we know, today’s youth are our leaders and more importantly our Veterans of tomorrow. This project helps further our mission of educating all our visitors about the history of service members and to give a glimpse of the equipment used by our nation’s heroes.”
Instructor Carl Burr and students in the automotive collision repair technology program at the Career Center began the restoration of the Jeep, previously owned by Kyle Gremaud, more than two years ago. The initial plan was for the students to make some dent repairs and repaint the donated Jeep so it could join the other displays at the national memorial. Once the students in the 3-hour block classes started the work, it became apparent that the vehicle needed more extensive repairs, Burr said. “The jeep actually had a lot of rusted out panels, including a frame rail that had to be manufactured,” he said. “All this additional damage meant reassessment, consultation, and a new process of repair timeline.” The process entailed removal of all the exterior and interior body paint, cutting out rust, manufacturing and welding in patch panels, manufacturing a frame rail, sealing the repaired panels, and extensive painting,”
“After reassembly, we were able to add the decals, stars, designation insignia, etc.” Burr said he and his students hated to see the Jeep leave the shop after the final wipe downBurr said.“But we stood proud knowing we had accomplished a worthy task which brought us all a sense of unparalleled satisfaction,” he said.
Burr said during the ceremony that the whole project was centered around giving back.
“The goal from day one was to give back to our veterans,” Burr said. “Not only did our students learn about auto repair, but also time management, and above all about dedication and commitment. That’s something that our veterans represent. I want to thank our veterans for their service. They are what projects like this jeep are all about.”
