There’s no denying that Jeep owners that, while subject to plenty of American driving stereotypes, can make a big impact when working together for a cause.
A perfect example was July 4 atop the hill of the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, where dozens of “jeepers” honored the country’s living and passed veterans with the 2nd annual 4th of July Jeep Parade for Veterans.
Ronda Thompson, the event’s organizer and a CNA at the veterans home, is a major advocate for veterans. Inspired by the actions of veterans, including her own husband Michael, she thought it necessary to celebrate the group that gave all Americans freedom. “Why not bring the parade to them since they can’t get out to one?” she said.
The use of exclusive jeeps for the parade could not get much more American, and it has the benefit of strengthening an already tightly knit driving community, parade participant Jim Nelson said.
“I think it’s great,” he said, having participated in last year’s parade as well. “It gets new people together. I see other people out on Jeep runs and stuff that I’ve met through these circles. Great chance to meet new people and support military.”
The first parade last year had around 30 Jeeps. That number increased to at least 50, and Thompson reported having at least 152 people marked as interested or going on the event page. It was to the point that the parking lot of the nearby Bi-Mart was quickly filling up in the late morning hours. There, jeep drivers and families congregated to decorate, using window writing, U.S. and POW/MIA flags, blow-ups and just about anything resembling patriotism.
It’s a worthy cause, said 17-year-old Sterling Mydske, who added the event’s importance is “so that the veterans feel included and that everyone in the community is here for them and that everyone gets together and has fun.”
Veterans had the chance to visit with drivers and see the multitude of jeeps. “I want to go out and look at every single one of them,” said David Turley, an Army and National Guard veteran with a combined 26 years of service. “At the time that I broke my back, I had three all-wheel drive vehicles, none of them Jeeps. This gets me up close with them.”
He added the event “absolutely” made him and other vets feel appreciated.
Vietnam Army vet Art Ward agreed. “It’s nice to know that people still remember,” he said. “It helps us a lot more than I think they realize.”
Even before this year’s parade, Thompson shared that she plans to continue the event and solidify it as another Port Orchard 4th of July tradition. “Since they (VFW) have seen it, it’s going to get bigger,” she promised.
A panoramic view of the packed-in jeeps at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard.
