The post Free Admission for Military Visitors at the National Corvette Museum This November 2025 appeared first on National Corvette Museum.

Thursday, November 7, 2019 the Museum and NCM Motorsports Park are hosting a special recognition day for veterans and wounded warriors as part of the 11th Annual Vets ‘n Vettes event presented by Mobil 1. Veterans are invited to come to the NCM Motorsports Park at 505 Kimberlee A. Fast Drive (just off Porter Pike) for complimentary rides around the track in Corvettes, offered from 10am – 3pm CT.

Amidst the Corvette laps, a Veterans luncheon, presented by Don Franklin Chevrolet of Somerset, KY, will be available in the track’s garages from 11:30am – 1pm.  The lunch is free to veterans and their spouse or guest. All luncheon guests are asked to RSVP by calling Bryce Burklow at 270-777-4506.

The NCM Kartplex will be open all day for $20/session and those who have served received a $2 discount with ID.

The Museum is located at I-65, exit 28 in Bowling Green, KY and is open daily, 8am-5pm Central Time.

*Immediate family is spouse and children living at home under the age of 18.

The post Military Appreciation Month at the National Corvette Museum appeared first on National Corvette Museum.

November is Military Appreciation Month at the National Corvette Museum and in celebration and recognition of our armed forces, the Museum offers FREE admission to all American military veterans, as well as police and fire fighters, plus their immediate accompanying family during the month of November. Simply show proof of service at the admissions counter to receive complimentary admission.

Thursday, November 8, 2018 the Museum and NCM Motorsports Park are hosting a special recognition day for veterans and wounded warriors as part of the 10^th Annual Vets ‘n Vettes event presented by Mobil 1. Veterans are invited to come to the NCM Motorsports Park at 505 Grimes Road (just off Porter Pike) for complimentary rides around the track in Corvettes, offered from 9am – 3pm CT.

Amidst the Corvette laps, a Veterans luncheon will be available in the track’s garages from 11:30am – 1pm.  The lunch is free to veterans and their spouse or guest. All luncheon guests are asked to RSVP by Friday, November 2 by calling Bryce Burklow at 270-777-4506.

The NCM Kartplex will be open all day for $20/session and those who have served received a $2 discount with ID.

The Museum is located at I-65, exit 28 in Bowling Green, KY and is open daily, 8am-5pm Central Time.

The post November is Military Appreciation Month appeared first on National Corvette Museum.

Wendell Strode, Museum Executive Director, addresses the Veterans attending the Museum’s annual Vets ‘n Vettes event.

Wendell Strode, Museum Executive Director

Normally, when I go into Museum Executive Director Wendell Strode’s office, it’s just to find out how he’s doing or to get a quote from him for an article I’m working on. Today was different though. The familiar grin was still there as he invited me to close the door and sit down, but it was a fragile smile that seemed difficult for him to maintain. What we were about to talk about would be difficult. He was getting ready to take me through some of his memories of Vietnam.

Several weeks earlier, I had shared with him about a friend who had PTSD. He told me a little about his own experience with it, and how it hit him later in life.  When I suggested that an article about it might do someone some good, he agreed without hesitation. What I didn’t know then was what I was really asking him to do.

After I turned on the recorder, he looked down, and would rarely make eye contact with me again until he had finished his story. His smile was gone as his mind took him back to Vietnam.

A shirtless Wendell in February 1969 with his Delta Company brothers. His best friend Jason Wright is on the far right.

He remembers his first day in the field, and how he was transported to his infantry platoon company via helicopter with a man who would become his best friend in Vietnam, Jason Wright.

When they touched down, Wendell got his first look at the horrors of war. A mortar round had landed amidst twenty soldiers not long before he arrived. Four were dead and many more were injured. Wendell remembers vividly how the wounded were loaded for evacuation. The Lieutenant refused to get on until the last man was on board. He died waiting.

Another man, a Native American named Two-Crow, sat up from his gurney as the chopper took off. He gave a “peace” sign. He would end up dying en route.

Wendell would be assigned to the Lieutenant’s foxhole as it was now vacant. He could smell and see the evidence of what had happened all around him, and wouldn’t sleep that night.

Sgt. “Skeeter” Lasa was Platoon Sergeant over the 3rd platoon. Wendell credits his survival to that man and his almost clairvoyant ability to anticipate enemy position. “I have no doubt in my mind that more people made it home because of Sgt. Lasa, than would have without him.”

Wendell recalls how they got shot at every day, and how it wasn’t long before he could tell where the bullets were going by the sound they made—whether they hit a tree, or the ground, or a person. Soldiers would begin to call for a medic before they could even see who was hit by that sound alone.

When word got around that Wendell had graduated from broadcasting school, he was given the job of radio/telephone operator. Along with the extra weight of that equipment, he also carried the responsibility of communicating with the other units. He recalls a time when they were in a heavy firefight, nearly out of ammunition, and he had to call in for support. He passed along the coordinates given to him, knowing that his platoon was close enough that they could suffer casualties as well. “I’ve been told that more men were saved than lost because of that call, but I still think about it often.”

At this point, Wendell pauses the story. I can’t tell if he is stopping to honor those who died, or if he is just trying to push beyond the memory.

He goes on to describe water coming from a mountain stream that was the cleanest most refreshing water he’d ever had, but also remembers having to drink water from the rice patties that was black and filled with leaches. He brings up the villages that had to be burned when they found enemy cache’s hidden in them, and the battles along the way. He recalls in vivid detail engaging the enemy himself and tells me that those memories always play back in slow motion.

On March 8th 1969, the platoons were split up to investigate movement in a particular area. While on route, Wendell received a call on the radio indicating that the other platoon had walked into an ambush and had already suffered fatalities and many more were wounded. The 3rd platoon responded, shedding their backpacks, setting out to give support.

The North Vietnamese had built a sophisticated tunnel system throughout this area, and along the way Wendell saw what looked like an entrance to one. As he approached it, he saw movement. At that moment, a signal was given by the enemy and a full regiment of NVA soldiers, probably 300 men, opened fire on the platoon. “They were close enough to throw grenades,” Wendell says. “We were greatly outnumbered.”

The Lieutenant in charge was killed in that first round of gunfire, so no one was giving direction. Another radio/telephone operator was wounded early in the fight, probably  to cripple communications.

Wendell was targeted as well. He doesn’t remember getting shot. He only realized it when he tried to return fire and his arm wouldn’t work. He reached up and felt his shoulder, wet with blood.

He found what barely passed as cover with another soldier who was returning fire. With his good arm, he got on the radio to communicate with the gunships. Their plan was to spray the area with mini-guns from one helicopter, followed by another round from another, and then use rockets once they identified any strongholds. When the assault began the platoons were ordered to retreat. The plan was passed along the line as bullets and grenades continued to fly.

When the first gunship came in, Wendell turned to fall back with the others but fell flat to the ground instead. He had caught shrapnel from a grenade in his left leg. Unable to get out of the way in time he watched as the chopper came towards him shooting 6,000 rounds a minute. The spray of bullets came within 10 inches of hitting him.

“A guy by the name of Timmerman came back to get me. He was smaller than I was, yet he helped me until he couldn’t go any further.”

Wendell found the strength to keep going from there, and managed to make his way to an armored personnel carrier. From there he was transferred to the medevac chopper that would take him back to base.

Wendell greets a Veteran at a Wounded Warriors banquet sponsored by Mobil 1.

He spent 2 ½ months healing in a hospital in Japan. This gave him some time to begin processing what had happened. Because he could type, they gave him a job in South Korea, working as the clerk typist. This gave him another 7 months to transition mentally from being a Vietnam War Infantryman to a regular soldier. By the time he got out he was able to integrate back into society and focus on his future.

Others were not so fortunate. “One day a supply helicopter would come in, call your name, and you’d be gone. Here a person went from being at war to being home with no adjustment period. He would be turned loose as if nothing had happened to him.”

When veterans did try to get help, often they were accused of trying to “work the system” and were left to find their own way to deal with PTSD, which wasn’t even acknowledged back then as a real problem.

“For some people, like myself, we were able to put it behind us for a while,” Wendell says. “I got along for several years without a major problem. Then a few years ago, I would have flashbacks that put me back in Vietnam—just as real as if it was happening.”

As this continued, Wendell’s wife, Jan, told the family doctor what was happening. He got Wendell to agree to treatment and encouraged him to enroll in the VA Healthcare Program where he received additional help through counseling.

Another good thing for him was meeting up with other veterans. “A few years back, the wife of a 1st platoon veteran saw that he was having PTSD issues, and organized a Delta Company reunion, thinking that it might help him. The level of anxiety that I had was so high when I got there, knowing I’d be with people I’d served with, but it turned out to be so therapeutic for me in the end.”

These reunions happen every other year, and at some point conversation always turns to PTSD. “There are some there who would not admit they are hurting. I understand that. There was a point when I thought, ‘I’m Wendell Strode. I’ve been President of a multi-million dollar bank, and I’m stronger than this.’ But I was no match at all for PTSD on my own. With medication and counseling though, I believe that fellow veterans with PTSD can have a better life. For the most part, I feel like the old Wendell before the flashbacks started. If you or a loved one suffer from PTSD, PLEASE get with the VA in your area and get help. Check with your U.S. Senator and Representative as some have offices set up specifically to help veterans.”

At this point in the interview, he finally looks up at me with as serious an expression as I’ve ever seen come from him. Having made it through another trip through his memories, he’s come out on the other side, ready to make the point that all of this was leading up to.

“I want my fellow veterans to know something. As someone who has been where you were and where you are, I encourage you to pleasekeep trying. Don’t give up.”

Download the complete article from America’s Sports Car Magazine

Wendell drives one of many Corvettes in the Bowling Green Veterans Day Parade.

The post Wendell Strode: Living with PTSD appeared first on National Corvette Museum.

Veterans are invited to come to the NCM Motorsports Park at 505 Grimes Road (just off Porter Pike) in Bowling Green, KY for complimentary rides around the track in Corvettes, offered from 9am – 3pm CT. Corvettes owners who would like to give rides around the track can do so by registering for the Museum’s Vets ‘n Vettes event. Pre-registration recommended and on-site registration will be available.

Amidst the Corvette laps, a Veterans luncheon will be available in the track’s garages from 11:30am – 1pm.  The lunch is free to veterans and their spouse or guest and will feature a buffet meal. All luncheon guests must RSVP by Friday, October 27 by calling Bryce Burklow at 270-777-4506.

The Franklin R. Sousley Detachment 1095, Marine Corps League is a Commemorative Partner with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Program. The organization will be hosting a Commemorative Event in conjunction with the Veteran’s Day at the NCM Motorsports Park on Thursday, November 2nd at 1pm CT. Marine Corps League members will present a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin – to recognize, thank and honor United States military veterans who served during the Vietnam War. All Vietnam Veterans will receive a Lapel Pin.

The NCM Kartplex will be open all day for $20/session and those who have served received a $2 military discount with ID.

In celebration and recognition of our armed forces, the Museum offers FREE admission to all American military veterans, as well as police and fire fighters, plus their immediate accompanying family during the month of November. Simply show proof of service at the admissions counter to receive complimentary admission.

The Museum is located at I-65, exit 28 in Bowling Green, KY and is open daily, 8am-5pm Central Time.

The post November is Military Appreciation Month appeared first on National Corvette Museum.

November is Military Appreciation Month at the National Corvette Museum and on Thursday, November 3 the Museum and NCM Motorsports Park are hosting a special recognition day for veterans and wounded warriors as part of the 8^th Annual Vets ‘n Vettes event presented by Mobil 1. Veterans are invited to come to the NCM Motorsports Park at 505 Grimes Road (just off Porter Pike) between 9:30am and 11:30am for complimentary rides around the track in Corvettes.

Following the Corvette laps, a Veterans luncheon, presented by Don Franklin Chevrolet GMC Buick of Somerset, will be held in the Museum’s Conference Center at 12pm.  The lunch is free to veterans and their spouse or guest and will feature a buffet lunch, presentation of colors, wounded warriors from Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, and special speaker. All luncheon guests must RSVP by Friday, October 30 by calling Bryce Burklow at 270-777-4506.

In celebration and recognition of those who have served, the Museum offers FREE admission to all American military veterans, as well as police and fire fighters, plus their immediate accompanying family during the month of November. Simply show proof of service at the admissions counter to receive complimentary admission. The Museum is located at I-65, exit 28 in Bowling Green, KY and is open daily, 8am-5pm Central Time. Learn more about the Museum at www.corvettemuseum.org.

The post Veterans Invited to Recognition Event at National Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports Park appeared first on National Corvette Museum.

Today through May 31, 2016, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC will expand their military discount programs for all 21 million U.S. military veterans and their spouses, in honor of National Military Appreciation Month.

“These brave men and women have done so much for our country,” said Steve Hill, GM vice president of U.S. sales and service. “Making sure all veterans can take advantage of our military discount to celebrate Military Appreciation Month is one small way we can express our gratitude.”

GM offers the industry’s most comprehensive automotive military discount program. The program is typically available to U.S. military veterans within one year of separation, active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees and their spouses. In honor of May’s National Military Appreciation Month, the program expands to include all veterans – regardless of their separation date – and their spouses.

The discount is available for popular models, including the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Sierra and Buick Encore. Because the discount can be combined with most current incentives, veterans could save thousands of dollars on some vehicles. For details, visit gmmilitarydiscount.com.

“The Military Discount is one of many GM efforts to say thank you to U.S. military families,” said Ken Barrett, GM chief diversity officer and a former U.S. Navy captain. “Through our strong partnerships with Building for America’s Bravest, Hiring Our Heroes and the Achilles Freedom Team, we are committed to hiring and helping veterans.”

GM has supported the U.S. military since 1917, when 90 percent of GM’s truck production was directed towards WWI manufacturing. During WWII, GM converted all its plant facilities in support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call for an “Arsenal of Democracy,” and has produced more U.S. military vehicles than any manufacturer in history.

Today, GM is hiring and helping the latest generation of veterans as they return home. As a national partner of Hiring Our Heroes, GM joined other military-friendly employers to help the campaign find jobs for more than 500,000 veterans since 2012.

In 2016, GM was the only automaker named a “Best for Vets” employer by Military Times and a “Military Spouse Friendly” employer by Military Spouse magazine.

GM Military Discount Vehicle Eligibility

For eligible program participants residing in the United States.

Dealers are not required to participate in the program. Please see the program Rules and Guidelines for complete details.

NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE

Select 2017 GM vehicles available:

Most 2016 and 2015 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles are eligible. See full list below:

https://www.gmmilitarydiscount.com/vehicle-eligibility

The post Chevrolet, Buick and GMC Expand Military Discounts appeared first on National Corvette Museum.

“They have returned from service with physical or mental wounds that happened while they were doing their service,” said Wendell Strode, Museum Executive Director. “These events and activities are our small way to show appreciation to our servicemen and women.”

The day kicked-off at the NCM Motorsports Park, a new track facility owned by the Museum that opened Labor Day weekend 2014. Approximately 100 volunteers (many of whom were also veterans) gave rides to the wounded warriors and veterans in their Corvettes, and the veterans could take as many rides as they liked, swapping cars after each ride to try out different generations and models of Corvette.

“The best thing ever is to see the look on their [wounded warriors’] faces when they get their Corvette ride,” said Katie Frassinelli, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Museum and Motorsports Park. “We host them for Corvette Plant and Museum tours, a nice sit-down lunch with speakers. We also provided them with a goodie bag from Mobil 1 and a gift card to the Corvette Store.”

This year’s luncheon welcomed special guest speaker Gerald York, grandson of Alvin York, one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I.

“It’s a real highlight to my year being able to host our veterans from various wars and conflicts, and being able to invite wounded warriors and having Corvette enthusiasts and owners who drive in from various places to be here,” Strode said. “It’s a joy driving around the Motorsports Park, and a really special feeling for me, personally, to just be able to be with them and honor them this way.”

Strode has eight brothers, and all but one of them served in the military. He says they were raised to always respect people who served.

“My dad never passed up a serviceman who was hitchhiking,” he said. “He would always pick them up and most of the time take them many miles out of his way so they could spend time with their families. We learned not to take for granted freedoms that we have, and be prepared to sacrifice so that our way of life could continue for many years to come.”

Attendance at this years’ event reached record numbers with over 245 area veterans and wounded warriors coming to Thursday’s complimentary luncheon, and a total of 450 guests there to celebrate. “At one point during the luncheon we asked everyone who has served to please stand,” said Karen Renfrow, Museum Events Manager. “I think upwards of 90% of the room stood. It was such a great feeling. We are excited to see the participation grow.”

If you didn’t get the opportunity to participate in this year’s event, we hope you will mark your calendars for November 3-5, 2016 and make plans to join us then!

Photos courtesy of Calvin Cruce

The post Vets ‘n Vettes Event Celebrates Those Who Served appeared first on National Corvette Museum.