Car enthusiasts revved their engines and made their way to the Elks Lodge for a Summertime Car Show sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County. The show took the place of the 10th annual Father’s Day Car Show, which was pushed into the summer due to the pandemic shutdown.
Proceeds support the veterans’ assistance and housing programs provided by the Vietnam Veterans of IRC, a subset of the Veterans Council of IRC.
“We’ve got about 38 beds now where we’re able to house veterans,” said event organizer Craig Waskow, a Vietnam veteran and Elks Lodge member. Recently, he said, they have concentrated on providing those homes with furnishings, kitchen necessities and “creature comforts.”
The group also assists veterans to readjust to civilian life and support themselves by connecting them with needed services and benefits.
“People need housing and assistance with jobs so they can get on their feet. It’s our mission to get them under a roof. If we can help them get benefits from the government, it helps to defray their housing costs,” explained Waskow.
In February, VVIRC members conducted Operation Stand Down, venturing into the woods in search of homeless veterans, providing the homeless with sleeping bags, tents and food, and bringing them to the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach for a hot meal and clean clothes.
“We’re what we call ‘boots on the ground.’ It’s a payback for their service,” said Waskow. “We all survived with small maladies. We just want to be out there to offer a helping hand, a kind thought and to see what we can do to help people.”
A wide range of more than 110 cars lined the street and filled the Elks Lodge parking lot, each with a story of its own, which gearheads were happy to share.
Youngsters were drawn to a 2018 Dodge Charger, the baby of the bunch, while a 1928 Chevy Woody drew the attention of the more mature crowd. Sweet rides like a candy apple-red 1970 Buick Skylark convertible held its own alongside a 1951 Studebaker, and a 1968 El Camino stirred a debate over its age-old question, “Is it a car or is it a truck?”
Meetings are held at 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at the Vietnam Veterans of IRC office, 696 8th Court. For more information, visit vvirc.org.
Photos by: Brenda Ahearn
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- Pat Hughes polishes up the 1968 Chevy El Camino that she and her husband Kerry brought to the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach. As of the start of the show there were 110 registered cars. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- From left are event founder Craig Waskow, Tim Nightingale, Michael Bodnar, Vic Diaz, and Frank Alber. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Scene from the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach. As of the start of the show there were 110 registered cars. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Terry and Lester Kyle with their 1932 Ford at the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Interior of a 1964 GMC Pick Up Truck that belongs to Robert Tirrell of Port St. Lucie. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Fred Kiesel with his 1956 Thunderbird at the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Mike Klaben of M & R Customs revs the engine of the car he built in 2004. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Mike Klaben of M & R Customs with his daughter Lili Klaben at the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Ron Fashion with his 1926 Model T Ford. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Scene from the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach. As of the start of the show there were 110 registered cars. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Mel and Leah Singer strolling through the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach. As of the start of the show there were 110 registered cars. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Linda Dorough at the booth for the Indian River Woodcarvers who make eagle-head canes to give to Purple Heart recipients. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Bill Timberlake and his son Sean, with his service dog Judy, were there to greet car owners as they arrive at the 10th Annual Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County Classic Car Show on Saturday, August 22, at the Elks Lodge in Vero Beach. As of the start of the show there were 110 registered cars. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Detail from the hood of a 1929 Ford Model A which belongs to Clark Ballard. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Interior of a 1957 Chevy which belongs to Bill Dennison. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
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- Hood ornament with custom paint detailing 2004 Chevy SSR which belongs to Abe Davis. Photo: Brenda Ahearn
