Veteran’s Day Luncheon

By Ken Bounds

On November 9, thirty-nine NIRG members and family gathered at Sam’s of Arlington for a luncheon to honor members who have served our country in the armed forces.  Once again we thank Earl Heintz for making arrangements with the restaurant.  This was the largest turnout since we started this event in 2006 as well as the most Early V-8s in the parking lot.

On a sunny autumn day with the temperature near 60 a few members were able bring out their Early V-8s one more time.  One “new” car seen in the parking lot was the mild custom ’51 Ford Tudor driven by Paul & Cara Lunecki.  We were happy to have them join our group as new members while at the luncheon.  Before lunch was served there was plenty of time to chat and renew friendships.  It was nice to see several of our members who have not been to an event in a while or who have been under the weather.  It was great to see Sue Dopke with Ron.  Lois Wall brought Alan who seems to be getting around much better with his new hip.  It is always nice to see Corinne driving grandpa Norm Collins in his ’41 Mercury.

At our National Meet kickoff meeting in June, Terry Freihage had suggested we design a wine bottle stopper using a meet gearshift knob.  Ken & Carolyn Bounds brought along a prototype and passed it around.  Everyone seemed to think it was a neat idea and should make a great collectible from the meet.

After a delicious lunch, Ken asked all veterans to stand; they were warmly saluted by the group.  Ken introduced new members Paul & Cara and gave a short update on the 2014 National Meet.  President Scott Gilday thanked everyone for coming and talked about upcoming Club events.

Enjoying a large helping of V-8 camaraderie were:  Ron & Arlene Blum, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Tom & Judy Buscaglia, Norm Collins & Granddaughter Corinne, Joe & Marie Dispensa, Ron & Sue Dopke, John & Robin Emmering, Terry & Kitty Freihage, Scott Gilday, Earl & Gene Heintz, John Judge, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Paul & Cara Lunecki, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell, John Scheve, John Slobodnik & Son John, Stan & JoAnne Stack, Ron & Colleen Steck, Len & Irene Vinyard, and Alan & Lois Wall.

Vintage Vehicles in the parking lot were brought by:  Ken & Carolyn Bounds - 1950 Ford Convertible, Tom & Judy Buscaglia - 1951 Ford Tudor; Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell – 1940 Mercury; Paul & Cara Lunecki – 1951 Ford Tudor; Norm Collins – 1941 Mercury; John Slobodnik – 1954 Ford Fordor.

Thank you to our veterans and to all who participated and made this a fun event.