The M151A2/HMMWV/Gama Goat issue is much more serious than your flippant
message acknowledges. I'd be happy to explain why the MVPA Board of
Directors -- reluctantly -- took this step for the protection of the
membership. Please E-mail me your telephone number and a good time for
me to call so I can explain this fully.
Thanks!
-- Jerry Cleveland, SUPPLY LINE Editor Military Vehicle Preservation Association www.mvpa.org----------------------------------------------- Dear Jerry,
February 28, 1997
First of all, my remark was not "Flippant" and was not intended to be. As a long time member of the MVPA and before that, the MVCC, I think that it is an outrage that a select 'few' determines what vehicles will be judged or not. Being a 151, MB, M38A1, British Bike and other so called military vehicles owner, having spent thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours restoring same, How dare the board deny the owner of a 151/HUMMWV/Gama Goat the opportunity to show off their skills and 'pleasure' of their vehicle.
I found out last night that 2 members of the board have already resigned. The core of the MVPA membership rests with the MVPA to have enough back bone stand up for issues. David Ahl printed a letter from the FBI about searches and seizures and the FBI clearly stated that "They are not looking for these vehicles." The MVPA ruling was made for "The protection of the members"? That doesn't make any sense, since many members own 151's, and it will probably cause alot of members to become upset with the MVPA. That's not preserving the membership and that's not best for the MVPA.
We all have a "Passion" for our vehicles. The ruling needs to be changed. WE, the MVPA, cannot exclude any vehicle of military origin, otherwise we should call ourselves "The Military Vehicles Preservation Association Except for 151/HUMMWV/Gama Goats"
What's next to be excluded?
Here in Georgia, at our 1st show, we even entered a "Military Lawnmower" into the competition, complete with OD paint, grenades on the handles and blackout lights mounted on the cover.
Cal Williams said last night that the Georgia Chapter will be drafting a formal letter to the MVPA requesting that the MVPA declaration of expelling these vehicles needs to be changed. I'm sure that the MVPA will be receiving many such letters and emails about this issue in the future.
I've always considered you a friend and still do. You do a great job with "Supply Line." If you want to call me, please do, my number is 404-634-6181 (9am - 6pm). In my opinion the MVPA has made a great many members very upset.
Jim Leonard
Keep'm rolling! and allow ALL the vehicles to do the same!