Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
To commemorate Military Appreciation Month, the Security Hill Top 3 Association at Lackland is scheduled to host a Classic Car Show and Blood Drive in honor of the veterans wounded in the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The May 19 event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cowboys Dance Hall at 3030 I-410.
The Top 3 is working hand-in-hand with Brooke Army Medical Center's and Wilford Hall Medical Center's leadership to ensure the comfort and safety for the wounded warriors and their families.
These warriors and their families will be special guests at the car show.
"The main purpose of this event is to show our gratitude to these servicemembers," said Master Sgt. Greg Polizzi, car show coordinator. "It will also be a unique opportunity for the San Antonio and surrounding communities to spend the day with some true American heroes."
The show is open to 32 classes of cars ranging from antiques, '60s-'70s muscle cars, sports cars, hotrods and trucks. For participants, the show registration is 8 a.m. to noon. Entry fee is $25 and vendor fee is $35. Judging begins at 1 p.m. The show is free to spectators.
"Judging will be light-spirited and trophies will be awarded for the first, second and third places in each class, as well as a 'Warrior's Choice,'" said Sergeant Polizzi.
Proceeds will benefit the Fisher House organization, which provides a home away from home to the families of hospitalized troops in the San Antonio military hospitals and Top 3's commitments to enhance the quality of life for its junior servicemembers.
Rita Verreos from "Survivor: Fiji" will also be spending the day with the honored guests and signing autographs for the public.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase. There will be a variety of vendors. There will be a variety of door prizes.
Texas Blood and Tissue Center will be accepting whole blood donations from qualified donors at the event.
This is the second year the car community has come together to honor wounded Soldiers, said Sergeant Polizzi. Last year, a few San Antonio car clubs got together and hosted a private show with 125 cars for the wounded warriors.
It was a small, but successful event overall, according to the sergeant. This year, the Security Hill Top 3 Association has stepped up and taken the reins, expanding its size and opening it to the public.
Several local area car clubs have signed on to help promote this event, including the San Antonio Mustang Club, United Stangs and San Antonio Impala Lovers.
"The Alamo Area Council of Car Clubs has provided invaluable help in getting the word out to local San Antonio auto enthusiasts," said Master Sgt. Mary Accomando, car show sponsor coordinator.
Many local dealerships and several local small businesses contributed to the support of the event and many of these local businesses will be at Cowboys Dance Hall the day of the event to show their support publicly for our national heroes, but the event itself would not be possible without their bighearted support behind the scenes, said Sergeant Polizzi.
For more information about entering the show contact Sergeant Polizzi at 595-1913 or activities @samustang.com, or Darr Keirn at 210-265-9653 or e-mail to gagante @earthlink.net.