My Hero, Once a Marine, Always a Marine!

On March 24, 2005, Jared, Lonny's youngest brother, was serving with the Marines in Iraq. It was hot, they didn't sleep well, and he was part of a squad on a special mission that he couldn't discuss even with his family. He had only been there 6 weeks when a 50 caliber round entered through his lower spine and exited out his abdominal cavity, pretty much leaving him a hole in the middle of his body. (The 50 caliber bullet is the one on the far left below- HUGE!) The family got word when 2 Military Officers showed up letting us know he had been in an severe accident, they didn't have any details for us, whether he was alive or dead, or the extent of his injuries. So the waiting game began and we rallied together as a family. We soon learned he had been taken to Germany and if he stabled enough they would fly him to Bethesda, MD, to the National Naval Medical Center. This is where we were first able to see him.

His wounds were such, that he will have a permanent disability for the rest of his life. He does have the ability to stand and walk, however it will not be an easy journey. Corporal Foster has been undergoing many surgeries and intense rehabilitation for almost two years now. (He has undergone over 40 surgeries!!) Since his return, he has been honored in many ways. From newspaper articles (such as below), Grand Marshall in the Phoenix Veteran's Day Parade, and many spotlights on different news stations.

We, as a family have supported him, more specifically his mother, Sue, and father, Joe, have been there for him 100%, from helping him fill out the millions of forms to making sure his needs were being met by the Military. We have gradually watched him get stronger, both mentally and physically. Here's some fun Jared photos....

Christmas 2005

The Foster Family, 2005

Lonny and Jared, 2005

Last year he bought what can best be described as nothing more than the shell of a 1968 Camaro coupe. His hope was to build a nice car for himself, but the effects of his injuries make it difficult for him to do "those car tasks" that require good physical agility. His wounds won't keep this good man down. He's been trying to do as much as he can on his project---sand-blasting, wire brushing parts, clean-up, etc. But it's some of the other aspects of working on a car that are a problem, such as leaning, crawling underneath, working under the dash, etc. He is also realizing that he has taken on a major project, one that may be more daunting than he realized at first.

Jared recently approached John Bauler, President of the First Generation Camaro Club here in Phoenix, in search of parts for his Camaro. Upon getting acquainted with Jared and examining the car, it was found to need a great deal of parts, as the car did not have an engine, adequate running gear, interior, body trim, wiring, etc. It was also discovered that this car needs much of its sheet-metal replaced.
Upon getting more acquainted with Corporal Foster, John Bauler quickly realized that Jared would probably not be able to complete this car anytime soon, due in part to his physical disability and his need of someone who understood how to assemble these cars. It was then that John decided to approach the club and ask them if they were willing to assist in taking on this project, as a way of thanking this young veteran.
The club was more than willing to accept this challenge and word has quickly spread through the metro-Phoenix auto-hobbyist circles. This resulted in a group of people from the First Generation Camaros of Arizona, the Cactus GTO Club, and a few Chevelle club members coming together to assist in any way possible on this project. As a token of thanks to the Corporal, everyone has been very eager to assist, by providing parts, labor and financial support as needed.

Last Sunday, a "sting" was set up. Jared was picked up by the Marine Corp and told a high ranked Military official was going to be meeting with him since he was going to be retiring from the Military soon. When he arrived at Falcon Field Airport he was escorted by a Marine on each side and thousands of people. He had no idea why there were so many people in the wing of the airport. He soon learned he would not be meeting with any Military Officials, and that his car, which he thought had gotten a bad paint job and was being stripped down and repainted, was in fact..... well see how it all played out........

As many people lined up on the left side, there were that many lined up on the right side as well. We had alot of friends and family show up, but we had no idea who all these people were, but it made all the more exciting!!

Jared learning he is not there to meet with the Military. Has no idea what is about to happen!

He said he figured it was something big because of all the news camera's in his face- literally!

This is his first look at the car!

Bad to the Bone was playing when he turned the car on for the first time- he loved it!

These are some of the people who worked on the car and helped assemble it.

Jared and his mom- his biggest fan!

His brothers and cousins can't wait to drive this thing!

At one point he just sat down in a chair right in front of the car and just sat there and stared at it!

I couldn't believe my mom got in the car!

So, then I had to as well!

My kids were so great! We had a real fun day looking at all the planes and cars out at Falcon Field! This was at the very end, and I think they were getting a little tired??!!

The Finished Project- she's a beauty!

Fox 10 News: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5922919&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Channel 5 News: http://mfile.akamai.com/25580/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2008/0303/15472316.200k.asx