44 members attended the Christmas party/meeting at the home of Bob & Gloria Blakeney. New members attending were Betty Smith and James & Nell Jackson. To encourage a greater MVPA membership, one free years membership will go to any AR MVPA member that joins National for the first time. AR national members will also be encouraged to join the AR MVPA. A new hydraulic hoist was purchased for the Semi Trailer. There is a new MVPA club in AR. T.J. Thibeau is president. Election of officers retained current officers, with Rita Allison elected as Treasurer. 10 Year Milestone awards were given to B.J. & Lacy Smith; Joey & Susan Shackelford; Joe & Rita Allison; Paul & Ev Harless; Andy & Merilyn Anderson and Charles & Darlene Wilson. Honorary Membership was awarded to all of our WWII veterans. The Golden Sparkplug awards went to Michael Penney and Scott Harrison. The Fouled Spark Plug went to B.J. Smith. We all feasted on a delicious dinner. The next meeting will be in March.

26 members and guests attended the meeting at the home of B.J. and Lacy Smith in Marshall. Guests included Anthony & Leslie and baby Garvin Molletti of Conway and Wayne Mullin of Dallas, TX. The club voted against having Karioki at the next rally. Ron Naef and Jerome Casey are working on the generators donated by Bill Barnes to use at the next Petit Jean Rally. Members were encourage to gather spare materials to be used on fixing up the new club semi trailer in the spring. The Secretary and Treasurer positions will be split. AR national members that are not AR MVPA members will be offered a free years membership in the AR MVPA. Sedric Wirt is hosting a convention for the "Chosen Few" (Korean War) during the week of May 17. We will display our vehicles and attend their program on May 20th at the Jacksonville Museum. Our vehicles will also be on display on Saturday May 22 at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History for Heritage Day.

The August meeting was held at the home of Joe & Rita Allison of Center Ridge. The attendance record was broken with 49 in attendance.

The Mountain Harbor meeting was hosted by Bill Barnes. There was a record attendance of 47. Hunter Douglas, Jr. and Denise Denham of Little Rock were guests. Martha Douglas was a 1st time attender. Paul Harless gave an update on the BoD meeting in Kansas City. Jerome discussed the Red Ball Convoy. Rita showed the Garden Stone bought in memory of Bobby Cook and Joe recalled memories of Bobby, who passed away on 04 Apr. Upcoming events were discussed. There were 4 drawings for door prizes. The Pearsons and Al Linquist won fire extinguishers, Steve Smith won an ammo can and Dave Smith won a poster of the evolution of military jeeps. Dinner included lasagne, salad, side dishes and desserts. The meeting was held in the Military Museum.

Bobby Lee Cook, age 72 of Oppelo, passed away Friday 03 April, 2009. He was born on April 14, 1937, in Hattieville, Arkansas to the late John William "Bill" and Athlene Reynolds Cook. Bobby has been a member of the Arkansas Military Vehicle Preservation Association since 2009. Bobby was a member of the Baptist Church and the HCR Hunting Club. He was retired from the Arkansas Kraft and the Oppelo Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by his wife Doris Cook, daughter Leigh Ann Cook, granddaughter Emalee Cook of Oppelo, 4 sisters and 1 brother. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Adam Cook and a brother. The funeral was at 2:00 P.M., 06 April in Morrilton. Attending the service: Ben & Jane Hunt; Floyd, Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Joe & Rita Allison; and Paul & Ev Harless.

Doug & Kathy Green hosted the meeting. 37 members present tied the old record of attendance. Andy & Janet Rossi, Wendy Kitkoski and Jenny Jones were first time attenders. Jerome Casey gave an update on the Red Ball Convoy. There was a discussion of the internal problems of the MVPA Board of Directors. Paul Harless, Joe Allison and Jerome Casey will be attending the winter board meeting to propose MVPA Bylaw changes for more equal representation across the USA. Dues can be paid $40 for 3 years or $15 for 1 year. Allen Lindquist's Military Armament Group is changing from German to British reenactment.

Lester Ludolf Williams passed away on 01 Jan 09. A military memorial service was held for Red Williams at the Petit Jean Overlook on Petit Jean Mt. on Sunday at 10:30 A.M. The Color Guard from LA presented taps and the flag ceremony. It was a cold drizzly morning, but was well attended,with an impressive ceremony. Red's ashes were scattered at the overlook. Red was a WWII veteran.

The Christmas Party/Meeting was held at the home of Bob & Gloria Blakeney. 32members attended: Sedric & Phyllis Wirt; Joe & Rita Allison; Gus Jones; Steve Smith & Lisa Fox; Doug & Kathy Green; Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Mike & Tammi Rossi; David, Nick & Tom Hopkins; Joe Tyler, David Vaught; Ron Naef and Lynda Freeman; Jerome & Marsha Casey; Gerald Hoyt; Ben & Jane Hunt; Baylor House; Lewis & Molly Anderson; Paul & Ev Harless. A new line has been installed at the Harlesses; The quonset hut cover is in; The storage trailer has been purchased; Jerome Casey is the new vice president; other officers remain the same; Jerome is repairing the field kitchen. The tentative 09 schedule was discussed. Best Hat awards were presented. Joe was presented for his birthday (Dec 06). J.W. Taylor will be 85 on the 9th. Jeff Stinson's address was handed out for cards to be sent to Iraq. Bobby Cook is in the Perryville Nursing Home.

The October meeting was held at the home of B.J. & Lacy Smith of Marshall. 27 members attended: Jerome & Marsha Casey; Jerome Casey's mom; Lewis & Molly Anderson; Dan & Cathy Cathey; Lynda Freeman & Ron Naef; Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Joe & Rita Allison; David, Lenna, Nick & Tom Hopkins; Floyd, Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Sedric & Phyllis Wirt; Kevin Sweeten; Paul & Ev Harless and B.J. & Lacy Smith. Old Business included a discussion of the 08 P.J. Rally and the Calendar of Events. New Business included: discussion of the nomination of '09 officers (to be sent to Rita Allison); Signing a 51st Anniversary card for the Cooks (Bobby is now bedfast); the purchase of 4 flag stands; and the MVPA Transcontinental Motor Convoy in June-July. (Dan Sharon, Jerry Gardner and Bill Barnes plan to participate) The Board met to discuss the quonset hut canopy.

Two new events discussed: a Nov 15 display at the ORV park honoring wounded veterans and a May display of vehicles at the Jacksonville Museum. The Allisons reported by phone about the Portland Convention; a thank you card from Billie Hughes for a card sent in remembrance of Homer Hughes. A photo book of Congratulations to Marcia & Jerome Casey on their 02 Aug marriage; the web site has been renewed for two years - discussion about adding cable internet to the web.

The Greenland dinner/meeting was hosted by Jerome Casey and Marsha Jones at the Ford Baptist (Community) Church. 28 were present: Joe & Rita Allison; Thelma Griggs & Marty London; Marsha Jones & Jerome Casey; BJ and Lacy Smith; David Hopkins; Dan Sharon; Lewis & Molly Anderson; Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Marvin & Juliann Green; JW Taylor; Ben & Jane Hunt; Floyd Blakeney; Ron Naef & Lynda Freeman; Lisa Fox; Paul & Ev Harless; and Guests - Ervin & Doris Hutchins and Mathew Roberts. Business included: a report on the CCP class; the calendar of events; scheduling and food for the Petit Jean Rally; the number of club meetings will be reduced in 2009 (due to high gas prices); and appreciation plaques were presented to Marsha Jones and Jerome Casey for outstanding organization of the successful Red Ball Convoy.

Sedric & Phyllis Wirt hosted the June dinner and meeting. 26 were in attendance: Wayne Major (guest); Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Ben, Jane and Faith Hunt; Jerome Casey & Marsha Jones; Lewis & Molly Anderson; Joe & Rita Allison; Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Floyd Blakeney; David Vaught; Joe Tyler; Paul & Ev Harless; and Sedric & Phyllis Wirt. The meeting included: a report on the club booth at the Petit Jean Swap Meet; the calendar of events; discussion of Petit Jean Rally (the Gospel Sounds will plan to perform); four members had been under doctor care this past month - Ben Hunt, BJ Smith, Bob Blakeney and Lewis Anderson; the CAMS club saves magazines for the Veterans at Ft. Root Hospital. After the meeting we visited Sedric's antique auto building.

Thirty seven were present for the fish fry/meeting at the Rossi's home: Bob & Bloria Blakeney; David Vaught; Clayton & Linda Jones; Andy Lattier (new member); Rick, Vicki, James, Katie and Andrea Libby; Lewis & Molly Anderson; Marvin & Juliann Green; J.W. Taylor (new honorary member; Joe & Rita Allison; Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Michael & Tammi Rossi; Floyd Blakeney; Donald & Cathy Pearson; David, Lenna, Tom & Nick Hopkins; Paul & Ev Harless and guests Kenneth & Mary Norwood, Marilyn Swope, Danielle and Brooklyn Willis. Reports were given on Red Ball Convoy, The Ft. Smith Air Show and the Mayflower School program. The Calendar of Events were reviewed. Honorary membership was presented to J.W. Taylor. J.W. spoke of his WWII experiences.

Mountain Harbor Resort is an honorary associate member of the AR MVPA. Information on this picturesque resort can be found at www.mountainharborresort.com .

The April meeting was hosted by Bill Barnes at the Mountain Harbor Military Museum. There were 37 members and guests present, including 4 new members and 4 guests: Allen Lindquist; Rich Kitkoski; David Vaught and Joe Tyler; (guests) Bryan, Lana and Sydney Wann; Jacob Titsworth. Business discussed: The Red Ball Convoy route had to be changed, due to recent flooding. The new route will go South to Winslow, take Devils Den Rd. and then head North to Prairie Grove Battle Field and back to Fayetteville. A $100 donation toward a grant to the Museum of Autos of Petit Jean Mt. was approved. Arabelle Wade is donating Richard's WC (that the club has been restoring) and "Putter" (the yard tractor used to tow the mini jeeps) to the club. A CCP class will be held for members interested. Mountain Harbor Resort was voted in as an honorary associate member of the AR MVPA. The upcoming calendar of events was discussed.

The March meeting was held at the home of Doug and Kathy Green in Bismarck. Fourteen members attended: Joe Allison; Lewis & Molly Anderson; Bill Barnes; Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Floyd Blakeney; Doug & Kathy Green; Paul & Ev Harless; David Hopkins; and James & Lora Ingram. The Red Ball Convoy was the main topic of discussion. Ev Harless won the the Red Ball tee design. Calendar events were discussed. Doug Green will hold a class for obtaining a concealed weapoons permit if enough members are interested. Our meeting was in his classroom.

The February meeting was held at Mather Lodge Restaurant. In spite of the drizzly, foggy day 26 people were present for the meeting/dinner. Attending were: Marvin & Juliann Green; Dave & Erma Smith; Bob Blakeney; Joe & Rita Allison; Jeff & Beverly Ellison; Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Phyllis & Sedric Wirt; Lewis Anderson; David, Nick & Tom Hopkins; Paul & Ev Harless; Hunter Douglas; Vickie, Rick, Katie, James & Audrea Libby; and Steve Smith. T.J. Alvarado worked that day as cook and Lisa Fox as a server. Details of the Red Ball Express were discussed as well as upcoming events. Club insurance will be paid. Plans were made to set up a club booth at the June Petit Jean swap meet. Board members present (Joe Allison, Lewis Anderson, Paul Harless and V.P. David Hopkins) met to discuss financial matters.

The 1st 206th Field Artillery 39th Brigade was deployed to Iraq for a second time. The City of Morrilton, with the coordination of Karen Hoffard, provided a program known as "Feed the Troops". Various civic organizations, churches and clubs provided a daily afternoon meal for the troops. 20 October 2007 the AR MVPA (Arkansas Military Vehicle Preservation Association) provided a meal of Turkey and Dressing, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Drinks, Salads and Desserts. Joe & Rita Allison, Bob & Gloria Blakendy, Floyd Blakeney, Graydon & JoAnn Bushart, Doris Cook and LeighAnn Moss, Paul & Ev Harless,Ben & Jane Hunt, Mike Rossi, Pete & Jeanette Rossi and Arabelle Wade helped prepare and serve the meal.

19 were present for the October meeting/dinner hosted by B.J. & Lacy Smith: Mike & Tammi Rossi; Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Floyd Blakeney; Joe & Rita Allison; Bruce & Helen Robus; David & Lenna, Tom and Nick Hopkins; and Paul & Ev Harless. Old Business-Discussion of: Red Ball Convoy; food for the Petit Jean Rally; the December meeting and events of the last few months. New Business: A motion was made and passed to establishe a "Board of Directors"; the club received the check from HQ for the Little Rock Convention; the expenditure for "Feed The Troops" in Morrilton was approved; discussion for the need to improve the electric at the Rally.

38 attended the meeting/dinner hosted by Joe & Rita Allison: Jim Ingram, Marvin & Juliann Green; Jeff & Bev Ellison; Mike & Tami, Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Bob & Gloria, Floyd Blakeney; Sedric & Phyllis Wirt; Ben & Jane Hunt; Lewis & Molly Anderson; David Hopkins & family; Rick Libby & Family; Jim Starbird; Andra Seachris & Arabelle lWade; Bruce Robus; Paul & Ev Harless; Doug & Kathie Green and Jim Vandenberg. Old Business: Discussion of Old Soldier's Parade; Red Ball Convoy; Petit Jean Rally. New Business: Members need to vote in the MVPA election of board members; Nomination for 08 AR MVPA officers should be turned in to Rita Allison; Joe nominated David Hopkins for VP; Rita Allison volunteered to do the hospitality cards; $100 donation was sent to the Adona VFD in honor of Bill Greene (Auctioneer for 07 Convention); Plans to set up AR MVPA Board of Directors; invitation to Ft. Smith Air Show & Perry County Fair.

The July 15 meeting was hosted by Jerome Casey and Marsha Jones at Airways Freight (Associate Member) in Fayetteville. 21 were present for the meeting: Paul. Debi and Cody Hunt (Guests); Ben & Jane Hunt; Timothy & Robyn Neumeier; Dan Sharon; Paul Dolle (1st time attender); Joe & Rita Allison; Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Marvin & Juliann Green; Lewis & Molly Anderson; Jerome Casey; Ruth Casey; Marsha Jones; and Paul & Ev Harless. Members told about recent events: MO Convoy; CAMS display at Ft. Roots Hospital in Little Rock; and the July 4 event in Bentonville. The Little Rock Convention followup: Fri. night auction was a record breaker; special Convention newsletter will be published. Seven military vehicle awards went to AR MVPA members. Financial results will be available in August. Plans are being made for an annual convoy "Red Ballin' Thru the Ozarks". Dave & Lilly Huff were made honorary members.

June 3 was a workday in preparation for the 2007 Little Rock Convention. Final details of the convention were discussed in a meeting as members munched on snacks. Members signed up or were assigned positions and jobs at the convention. Convention ettiquette was discussed. Members than began various tasks: folding the Kilroy place cards for the banquet; ;making Convention pins; painting decorations etc.

The April meeting was hosted by Bill & Debi Barnes at the Harbor House. 31 were present: B.J. & Lacy Smith and Charlyn; Don & Cathy Pearson; Robert & Pat Goodeaux; Jeff & Bev Ellison; Jim Vandenberg; Dave Smith; Bob & Gloria Blakeney; Rick & Vicki Libby, James, Andrea and Katie; Floyd Blakeney; Joe & Rita Allison; Pete & Jeanette Rossi; Mike & Tammi Rossi; Jim & Lora Ingram; Bill & Debi Barnes, Paul & Ev Harless. Discussion centered around the Convention: need to pre register; sign up vehicles; worker list and job list; convoy; etc. Richard Wade passed away in March. He will be missed. June 3rd will be a work day on Petit Jean Mt. The July 15 meeting will be in Fayetteville at AirwaysFreight. Buddy Hoelzeman sent a letter of thanks for the donation to the Museum of Autos grant. Orders were taken for red tees and caps for workers.