| Event: | 2007 MVPA National Convention |
| Date: | 27th through 30th June 2007 |
| Location: | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Description: |
This annual MVPA event was put on this year by the Arkansas Traveler chapter, who did a great job. The venue was large and well lighted with ample room for the vendors and the vehicle display. The vehicles on display were very impressive, with everything from well used motor pool vehicles to frame-off restorations, with the most extreme example being an immaculate HUMVEE that looked like it was assembled entirely from new parts. Size ranged from motorcycles to a 5-ton dump truck. In addition to members’ vehicles, on display were an LMTV cargo truck and a Stryker armoured vehicle belonging to the AR National Guard. The fun part about those was it was okay to crawl all over/in them! With their computerized engines and transmissions, they made an interesting technological contrast with the older, simpler vehicles. I wonder which is better in the long run? This show was reportedly smaller than some in recent years, and there were not as many vehicles as expected. However, there were something like 90 vendors in attendance, including individuals, small businesses and large merchants. If you couldn’t find something you had to buy for your MV or uniform, you just weren’t trying! Some of us left with a carload of stuff. One very impressive display was a member’s collection of US NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) warfare gear from WW1 to the present. There were dozens of different gas masks and numerous protective suits, including one that looked like a space suit with its transparent dome helmet. Marine Gunny R. Lee Ermy, of Full Metal Jacket and Mailcall fame, was there signing copies of his book and other items. He turned out to be a really pleasant and friendly guy, and entertaining to talk to. There were numerous business and some workshop meetings to attend. The General Membership meeting on Saturday was interesting, though a tad more confrontational than expected. LSMVPA members in attendance included Danny K, Toby C, Fred H, Claude V, John SS, John K, Jeff M, Glen V, Madison H, Robert W, and Rory C. John K and Toby C had their jeeps entered for judging. |
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