Military Jeep

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“Salute Our Troops” Jeep Tour

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Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

This 1952 Willys M38A1 toured the southeast from Memorial Day to Labor Day for a good cause, helping raise awareness and money for military groups. Led by Kangaroo Express, this unique tour gave local military heros a chance to take a ride in the Jeep, while also giving residents a chance to give video salutes to the military. Over 1400 video clips honoring soldiers were recorded during this venture. Salute Our Troops has raised more than $1.35 million collectively for the Wounded Warrior Project, USO and National Guard.

Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project make it their goal to facilitate a community of successful, well-adjusted soldiers who have been wounded in the making of our nation’s history. The Wounded Warrior project in particular works to raise awareness and enlist public aid for the needs of injured service members. They encourage service members to aid and assist each other. Unique and direct programs are provided to meet the needs of each injured service member.

The vintage Willys shown above logged more than 10,000 miles and visited 75 Kangaroo gas stations where local heroes were given special recognition. Many veterans have checked out the Jeep and could recall riding in them during the Vietnam and Korean Wars. The Kangaroo store patrons and employees have been the major contributors to the organization, giving over ninety percent of total donations. Through the efforts of very fired up employees of Kangaroo the goal of $1 million dollars was met and exceeded. Over 850 stores are located within 25 miles of a military base. A survey was done and showed that over 1/3 of employees had a connection to someone serving in the military.

To help support or donate to this cause please visit this Website.

If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We ‘d love to meet your Jeep.

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If you are looking for Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!

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Categories : Willys Jeep Life

Tags : military jeep, willys community

Marcus Ellis’ 1942 Willys MB

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Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

This jeep is dedicated to my 86 year old Uncle, who served in the China-Burma-India Theater during WWII: He had a Jeep in Kunming, China, and this one is restored to “as remembered.” As an example, he remembers that his Jeep had a green plastic-type seat cover (not canvas); he remembers that his Jeep had large taillights so that the Jeep could be seen on the flight line at night, and he remembers that his Jeep did NOT have windshield wipers. So, although it is NOT period correct, I could easily make it so…I also have the original switch system to start and operate the vehicle – I made it a key-start to discourage people from playing with it when parked and displayed.
The markings on the Jeep are as follows: The Serial Number on the hood is NOT the Jeep serial number: it is actually the RA number for my Uncle; the RF bumper marking is the day he entered the US Army Air Force (also depicted on the hood); the LF bumper marking is the day he was honorably discharged; the RR bumper marking is his unit of assignment (1340th ATU – or Air Transport Unit) and the LR bumper marking is his name and rank: TSGT Estes.

This Jeep was originally sold as US Army Surplus in Vicksburg, Mississippi in May of 1953, to a friend of our family. He used it for several years as a farm vehicle, and sold it to a member of our family in 1960, who used it extensively as a hunting and fishing vehicle, and pretty well beat it up. It was given to me in 1996 in a non-operational status, and since has had a frame-off. During the frame-off, I discovered that the MWO to make it into a radio Jeep had been applied sometime during its military career: the center hole for the V-Belt to drive the radio generators is present, as is the proper covering. The pulley for the generator drive was present on the transmission, but I have since given that to another individual who is restoring an original Navy Radio Jeep.

I found the trailer on EBay – located in Abingdon, VA…the trailer had been used and abused for a number of years – and it also has received a frame-off; however, I did NOT totally straighten the tub, as I wanted to leave some of the dents and dings…I think it adds character! All other aspects of the trailer are as built.

I have the documentation on this Jeep since its sale as surplus. It is regularly driven, and consistently shown in parades and shows.
I am currently doing a frame-off on a 1949 4×4 Willys Utility Wagon, with the sedan delivery-type rear door…this vehicle was originally used as a “Paddy Wagon” by the local Sheriff’s Department – I rescued it from the crusher – and it will be returned to a “Paddy Wagon” configuration…complete with Sheriff Department markings, lights, etc. I plan to place two mannequins, in proper prison attire for the period, in the rear, handcuffed to the (added) center rail.

Thanks for your interest, and thanks for the wonderful Kaiser Willys store – you have bailed me out a number of times!

Warm Regards, Marcus

Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Marcus Ellis

If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We ‘d love to meet your Jeep.

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Looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place! Don’t forget to check out our sister site, LiveOffroad, an online site dedicated to offering the lowest prices on parts and accessories for 1976+Up CJ & Wrangler! Live Well. Offroad Better.

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Categories : Willys Jeep Life

Tags : kaiser willys customer photos, military jeep, willys stories

Willys Jeep Clubs: Spotlight on the MVPA

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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Top Willys Jeep Clubs:

Spotlight on the MVPA

The Military Vehicle Preservation Association provides an international organization for enthusiasts, historians, preservationists, and collectors of military vehicles. Members can enjoy trail rides, parades, veteran’s events, campouts and more.

The Association holds annual conferences and rallies where military jeeps and other military vehicles are judged and admired. Multiple publications have been produced by the club with thousands of member vehicles, advertisements, and valuable historic information. The association holds regular convoys where members can experience riding in a military convoy, enjoying the terrain, talking to locals, and learning more about the hobby. The MVPA also has the Historical Archives to collect, catalog, restore, preserve, and display historical military items.

A few of the member benefits include: A voice in Washington to help prevent legislation to keep people from owning military vehicles, pre-registration to the Annual Convention, swap meet and vehicle display. Technical Support for vehicle restorations, help finding a military vehicle that fits all budgets, the camaraderie of over 9500 other hobbyists, and access to the members only section of the MVPA website.

If you are interested in completing (or have already completed) a military Willys Jeep restoration, or if you simply appreciate all things military, then you might want to consider becoming a member – let’s help support the Willys Jeep community!

If you are looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys replacement parts, Willys body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place! Don’t forget to check out our sister site, LiveOffroad, an online site dedicated to offering the lowest prices on parts and accessories for 1976+Up CJ & Wrangler! Live Well. Offroad Better.