The forty mile convoy planned for Saturday August 24, 2002 was held on that date as planned.  There were a total of ten vehicles that participated.  The vehicles consisted a 1942 Dodge weapons carrier, a M3A1 Scout Car, a Vietnam era 1/4 ton and 2 1/2 ton vehicle and six WWII 1/4 ton vehicles.  

The participants from the Gatesville area included Milburn L (host) along with guests Harold B who drove Milburn's WWII Military Police jeep, John Z Sr. who drove Milburn's other WWII jeep.  John Z Jr. rode with his dad.  Bill B drove the WC-51 along with passengers Rex K, a NAVY WWII veteran, and  Lou B who provided the Browning 1919A6 for the 'entertainment' later that day.

From the Austin area, John S drove his M35A2, Tim W and Jeff McD towed their MB's as did Herb T and his freshly painted GPW.  Glen towed his CJ2A and Danny trailered his M151A2/M416 combo.  Scott attended with Danny and would have had his M38A1 except the night before the brake pedal went to the floor unexpectedly.  

The convoy started promptly at 11:00am with ten vehicles.  In less than two miles, Milburn's newly acquired '42 GPW Military Police jeep developed engine trouble and had to be towed back to the initial starting point.  The convoy had halted en-route and sent Tim's MB back to check on the drop out.  Once the disabled jeep had been towed to a safe area, Tim and Harold rejoined the group.  The convoy continued on it's journey going through Pearl, Texas to Evant and continued to follow the designated 36 +/- mile route.  All the remaining vehicles ran perfectly and completed this adventurous trip.  Fortunately, everyone made it through the dirt and heat and thankfully, most of the convoy route was on pavement.  About three miles however were really dirty and dusty.  We got to experience a little of what the real soldier had to put up with.

The group then proceeded to the bivouac area on Cowhorse Creek.  Noon mess was served under the shade of huge pecan trees that grew next to a low water dam on the creek.  It was a fantastic, relaxing lunch.  After the noon mess, the convoy proceeded to the Double Bar L ranch to a firing area recently cleared for the .30 cal machine gun shoot.  Lou B provided a live fire demonstration and allowed everyone present to fire off a burst or two (ok, three or four in some cases).  After everyone had their turn, Lou finished off the remaining rounds in the belt.  Everyone really enjoyed the shoot.

The next stop was Milburn's vehicle collection in various parts of the ranch.  From WWII vehicles of all sizes to Korean vintage, they were everywhere.  The vehicles and a tour of the hunting cabins were about all everyone could take at this late, hot stage of the day.  Everyone then came to the house to cool off a few minutes before loading out and heading back home.