We met for line-up at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Thirty-five vehicles were divided into 4 squadrons. Steve Smith led the convoy and Jerry Gardner was the tail in. He carried the Convoy Follows sign. The convoy pulled out of Lake Dardanelle at 9:00 sharp.

The first leg of the convoy took us from Lake Dardanelle State Park, along Marina Road and Hwy 64 to Clarksville (a total of 22 miles). Due to the heat several vehicles had minor problems. Paul & Ev began experiencing a miss as their M38 climbed up some of the hills. About 8 miles from Clarksville it chugged to a stop. Floyd Blakeney and Joe Allison and a member of the Clarksville Antique Auto Club stopped to assist. Joe towed Paul in to Clarksville, where the jeep stayed until after the Convoy. Paul & Ev caught a ride with Floyd and Sandra. The American Legion provided donuts, milk, juice and coffee. Some of the autos from the Antique Car Club of Clarksville met us at the American legion and joined in at the end of our convoy for the next leg of the trip.

The second leg of the convoy took a variety of roads, some paved and some gravel. We traveled 32 miles, making one roadside "stop and stretch" halfway through this segment. We crossed the longest bridge in Arkansas about 8 miles South of Clarksville. It was along this stretch that the Dingo developed problems and returned to Russellville. By the time we reached Cove Lake Park several jeeps had developed problems (probably due to the heat), but were able to make it to the park. Steve had to be towed long enough for the Command Car to get started (due to vapor lock)

Everyone provided their own picnic lunch. We gathered at the pavillion to eat. Before lunch their was a moment of silence in memory of Gary Cross, after which Hunter Douglas, Sr. played TAPS on his bugle. After lunch and relaxation we travelled 9 miles to Subiaco.

After our picnic lunch we headed down Hwy. 309 to Greasy Valley Road. Subiaco Abbey was just 9 miles away. Father Hugh Assenmacher invited us in to the air conditioned church (a great relief from the hot outside 90+ temperatures) where he gave us a brief history of the Abbey from its early beginnings (as a German community) to the present day operations. He then led us on a tour of the cathedral and the grounds. From Subiaco the convoy traveled 13 miles to New Blaine.

The Jacksonville Museum of Military History sponsored a day of recognition for Vietnam Veterans. A "Welcome Home" parade was held for the Vietnam veterans. The AR MVPA provided 12 military vehicles to help transport veterans.

This years "Salute To Freedom Ceremony" honored women veterans of all wars and civilian women in the military & defense industry. Each women received a beautiful challenge coin crafted to honor these women. The Welcome was given by Jamie Sorrells - Master of Ceremonies; Presentation of Colors was by the ROTC of AR Tech University under the command of LTC Vixen James. Opening prayer was by Tom Walker. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Debbie Moody. The ATU Men's Choir sang "The Star Spangled Banner". Community Leaders & Military Officials were introduced as well as the Civilian Grand Marshall, Polly Carpenter and Veteran Grand Marshall, LTC Brenda Cluck. Feature Music by members of the AR Tech University Symphonic Band under the diretion of Christopher Anderson. Col. Patricia Anslow was the Keynote Speaker. 169 yellow balloon were released in remembrance of fallen women veterans. The Rogers-Rye Post #2283 gave a 21 Gun Salute. Taps was played by Zac Taylor of the AR Tech University Band.

The Russellville Parade is the largest Veterans' Day parade in Arkansas. The AR MVPA provided 4 military vehicles to help transport parade marshalls and veterans. Members participating in the parade were Paul (Retired AF) & Ev Harless with their GPW; Betty Smith - WWII Veteran; Jane Condley; Richard (Retired Navy) & April Jones; James Olds with his M38; Steve Smith with his WWII deuce and half; and Clayton & Linda Jones with their Cab and Long Bed trailer.

Morrilton VFW, Post 4453, initiated the Walk of Flags. Each flag honors a veteran. The Walk is located in front of the St. Vincent Hospital. On 11/11/11 at 11 a.m. they presented a program with special recognition to WWII veteran Ardith Polk. Ms Wilson brought busloads of children from the elementary school to walk through the flags. She also brought a group of students to sing during the program. Commander Mallock introduced the various guest speakers. Paul Harless provided a military vehicle to drive Ardith to the spot where his flag #91 waved in the breeze among the other 532 flags. His large extended family surrounded the M38 for group photos. This was a moving ceremony.

Phyllis Wirt provided chili hot dogs and sides, cakes and cookies for those that unloaded trailers at her house. Her son Danny, daughter Cindy and friend Wayne Major helped with grilling and set up. Rita Allison baked Ev Harless a birthday cake. Jim Jackson, Joe and Alex Madison; Joe & Rita Allison; Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Floyd Blakeney & Sandy Barker; Steve Smith, Paul & Ev Harless unloaded their trailers and convoyed with Dan Wirt and Nathan House to the parade line-up. The M38 Dan was driving had a break down on the way to line-up. David Hopkins had a break down at line-up so his family rode in other vehicles. Hunter Douglas met us at line-up. In all we had 8 vehicles in the parade. Joe's vehicle held the parade marshall, the mayor of Sherwood, and two WW2 veterans. After the parade we met back at Phyllis's to load up the vehicles. As Paul was getting ready to pull out the axle on his trailer broke. He

The Clarksville parade and ceremony was held on 05 Nov. Four AR MVPA vehicles participated: Gil Jeane's deuce-n-half was newly restored, just in time for the parade; Paul Harless brought his GPW - his passenger was a Viet Nam veteran (WIA); Beryl (WWII veteran) and Esther Wolfson drove their newly acquired GPW; Steve Smith, carried the WWII parade marshal, in his Command Car. Following the parade their was a brief ceremony. Dan Dunson read an account by John McCain of his POW experiences. The cub scouts inducted new members. This was followed by a chili dinner at the American Legion hut.

Photos are by Steve Smith - Another fantastic Ft. Smith Air Show is behind us. Members Lewis Anderson, Marsha and Jerome Casey, Krista and Tom Creason, Joe Allison, and Steve Smith, brought vehicles. We had a couple 2-1/2 ton trucks, an M-880, a couple trailers, Staff Car, MB Jeep, and Lewis's scale Halftrack that once again stole the show. We had large crowds touring our display both days and the bulk of the people were always around Lewis's Halftrack. One of the most interesting people we met was the pilot of a military Bell helicopter that was on display right behind our area. He lives in Black Rock and is very interested in our group. We might have a chopper on display at Petit Jean next year!

Rick & Vicky Libby won the award for Best Display. Pip Squeek, the half size jeep, and Lazarus, the third size halftrack participated in their second Petit Jean Rally. They were set up as a "Mini Supply Depot" display, but also enjoyed the attention they got while riding around the Rally grounds. Little Lazarus was lifted high in the air by Clayton Jones's humongous wrecker

Thursday's trail ride convoyed to the Petit Jean Overlook. This overlooks the Arkansas River and Ada Valley. Friday's trail ride traveled the Red Bluff Drive. This gave opportunity for a photo opt of all the vehicles and their riders.

The USO Show was arranged by Molly Anderson and Doug Green. Clayton Jones provided the Flat Bed Trailer for the Stage. Miss Cabot, Crystal Gray opened the program with the Star Spangled Banner. Everette Doyle told several humorous tales. Andy Quick read a Flag Poem in Braile. A WWII Veteran told a war story. Crystal Gray sang several songs, accompanied by her guitar. Molly & Lewis Anderson's songs were accompanied by David Hopkins, Vic Quick and Doug Green. Doug & Kathy Green, Lewis Anderson, Jerome & Marsha Casey and Denise Quick presented a humorous skit. Afterwards Paul Harless and Jerome Casey clowned around with the props.

The Quonset Hut was set up on Wednesday. Thursday continued as a set up day. The Field Kitchen top was repaired and installed. The long bed of Clayton's trailer was prepared for the USO show. The FoxHole opened for registration and the fellows repaired the roof of the Field Kitchen. Marsha Casey and Dave Huff prepared lunch and Rita brought supper.

AR MVPA displayed 4 military vehicles at the Blytheville "Cars and Cycles Against Cancer" Money raised at this event was in memory of those lost to cancer and those struggling with cancer today. Over $22,000 was raised at this event to go to the Cancer foundation.

The AR MVPA set up a display of military vehicles for the Heritage Day program. Our May meeting was held at the museum.

This is the site of a Civil War Battle. The roads were too muddy, after this weeks flooding and rains, to drive our MVs on.

This is a great roadside park with room for all of the military vehicles, if double lined.

Home made muffins and donuts were served with milk, coffee and juice. This was our first stop.