Old Sarge

“Old Sarge”

When I was stationed at then Pope Air Force Base at the tail end of Desert Storm the 23^rd Tactical Air Wing moved into our little C-130 air base. They brought A-10 warthogs, F-16’s and with them the legend of the Flying Tigers. Under Brig. Gen. Floyd the Air Base immediately went under renovation placing the Tiger Growl on C-130 cargo aircraft, base vehicles and basically; anything that moved. During this time, I also served as part of the Air Force Honor Guard and Rifle Drill Team on behalf of the 23^rd TAW. As their representative I wore their patch proudly as I served.

After owning 6 Mustang GT Convertibles I decided to switch things up with a fastback, adding another car to our www.mustangmissions.com program. When looking for something nicer than the factory grille I came across the teeth… and the lightbulb came on. I knew this could be the piece I needed to tie together a “Flying Tigers” tribute build. I sketched out the graphics and sent them to my buddy who cut them out. Something so simple can make such a big difference. The tail numbers and side buzz designation are accurate to the period from late WW2 through the mid- 90’s. Just before transferring to Germany in the mid 90’s, I was exposed to a toxic cocktail of agents that left my nervous system deteriorating, landing me in a wheelchair. Over the many years I have regained some mobility; but still need a cane, walker, or wheelchair to get around. My car and my project work help keep focus on the bigger picture, rather than my disability. I like it that way. I didn’t get injured by saving the world, just supporting those who did. If my car, or my wheelchair cause you think of their sacrifices; mission accomplished.