by John Reid

On Saturday in Haymarket, the Willing Warriors program hosted their 5th annual ‘Vettes for Vets’ event. Fresh off of opening their third housing facility, the PenFed Grand Lodge, many came out in support. Showing off not only their flashy vehicles, but in support of the vision to help veterans receive the necessary care.

Whether it was a classic 57 Chevy, or a modern Corvette, more than 200 vehicles were on fully display. A beautiful scenery for young and old aficionados alike, taking photos and establishing rapport with one another. There even was an ambulance representing the M*A*S*H Unit 4077, reminiscent of the famed television show which spanned generations.

Despite the rainy conditions, it was a packed scene as it was a celebratory time. When it came time for the awards presentation, among those in attendance was NBC 4’s meteorologist Chuck Bell, a Corvette owner himself. He, along with organizer Chuck Berg, and Founders John and Shirley Dominick, congratulated the winners for the best in show. Afterwards, the Dominick’s spoke with the PW Perspective’s John Reid about what it meant to host the event.

“Every time we have a car show,” said Shirley Dominick, “I think it reminds me of how we started. For me personally, I thought it was a nice thing to do.”

She told the incredible story of how the event came to be.

“Believe it or not, one of our staff members went out to Lake Tahoe and ran into Chuck Berg at another car show, not knowing Chuck lived right down the street. That started this whole thing where this was right in his backyard. When we look back, God has a plan to bring Chuck all the way from California to here.”

“Now,” she continued, “being in our fifth years, and having over 200 cars, it’s about having the community together. The primary reason is about taking care of our Willing Warriors and their families. It brings me to tears just thinking about it.”

John Dominick talked about how it is a continuation of the vision established several years ago.

“I remember when we did fundraising,” he said, “we did 5K’s, yard sales, turkey trots, and now over the years I just look back at how it’s grown as someone brings another idea for fundraisers, and what you see today. Starting with our core members at our church, the energy everyone had taking care of our warriors, it’s beautiful to see.”

“The best part is when we meet these wonderful people, it’s so rewarding.”

As they are seeing the Willing Warriors plan bringing fruit, they are most proud of how it has become a community-led effort.

“This would be our teenager years,” John continued, “and to see that everyone is still feeding that baby and taking whatever piece they can, and call it their own, they do it well.”

“Everyone here, is a willing warrior. They’re willing to help, willing to serve. For those who fought for our freedom, deserves to live the American way of life.”

Their next event will be the Warrior Bike Ride on September 7th. To find out more about helping a Willing Warrior, please visit their website.