Proceeds from military tribute truck to help injured veterans

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

The creative mind is a wondrous thing. A case in point is Rick Beech, who from an abandoned truck created a magnificent celebration of America’s heroes, one that also will raise funds to help military families.

After retiring from the Air Force and subsequently spending more than a quarter of a century in diplomatic missions, Beech wanted to honor the memory of fallen soldiers he had met while working as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan. The idea of a moving tribute in the shape of a truck took shape.

In 2007, Beech found a 1957 Chevy truck rusting away at a North Carolina goat farm. He purchased and trailered it home to his Satellite Beach garage, where work began.

“We completely restored it,” said Beech, who was helped in the multiyear project by his son.

Like an ugly duckling transforming into a beautiful swan, the old truck shed the rust and dirt of years, emerging resplendent with a custom paint job, red-white-and-blue re-upholstered seats and medallions representing branches of the Armed Forces. The hood enjoyed a metamorphosis with the patriotic artwork of a Palm Bay airbrush artist.

“Everything was done locally, because I also wanted to honor the many members of the military we have in the county,” Beech said.

Restoring the truck was preparation for a two-month, 10,000-mile tour of 38 military installations where, one by one, soldiers from the Korean War to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom signed the blue vehicle with alternating lines of red and white oil-based markers. A special glazing will safeguard the signatures, also enhancing them with a 3-D effect. On the bed of the truck are now 7,030 miniature flags, each one representing a hero. Coins minted locally at the Highland Mint honor soldiers who, like Lt. Todd Weaver, gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country while fighting in Afghanistan.

“Thanks to Rick, the fallen will not be forgotten,” Todd’s father, Donn Weaver, said.

The old truck was reborn to tell the story of heroes and, like the soldier it honors, has served admirably as it raised awareness at the many special events Beech trailered it to.

“Every time in every venue his display enthralls all who attend,” Weaver said.

There is no more room for signatures, signaling the completion of the project. The Chevy continues doing the circuit of special events until next year, when it will be auctioned, with proceeds helping the Travis Mills Foundation, which assists post911 veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to the nations. Retired Staff Sgt. Mills is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive.

The unique project reflects the dedication of the man who created it.

“Having known Rick’s passion and seen the project expand and improve over seven years, his patriotism and honor are topped by few in our county,” Weaver said. SL