PACTC to present refurbished Jeep to Veterans Memorial
Students from Perryville Area Career and Technology Center will officially present the keys next week to a restored military Jeep that will be on permanent display at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville.
The event is set for 1 pm Friday, Dec. 8 at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial. The community is invited to attend the presentation.
Instructor Carl Burr and students in the automotive collision repair technology program at PACTC began the restoration of the Korean War-era Jeep more than two years ago. The initial plan was for the students to make some dent repairs and repaint the donated Jeep so it could join the other displays at the memorial. Once the students in the 3-hour block classes started the work, it became apparent that the vehicle needed more extensive repairs, Burr said.
“The jeep actually had a lot of rusted out panels, including a frame rail that had to be manufactured,” he said. “All this additional damage meant reassessment, consultation, and a new process of repair timeline.”
The process entailed removal of all the exterior and interior body paint, cutting out rust, manufacturing and welding in patch panels, manufacturing a frame rail, sealing the repaired panels, and extensive painting,” Burr said. “After reassembly, we were able to add the decals, stars, designation insignia, etc.”
Burr said he and his students hated to see the Jeep leave the shop after the final wipedown. “But we stood proud knowing we had accomplished a worthy task which brought us all a sense of unparalleled satisfaction,” he said. The fully-restored Jeep made its first public appearance at the Perry County School District 32 Veterans Day Ceremony before being moved to Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial.
“To say we are excited to receive the finalized Jeep is an understatement,” said Rae Lynn Munoz, Executive Director of Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial. “The students and staff have worked so very hard, and all their efforts are truly invaluable.As we know, today's youth are our leaders and more importantly our Veterans of tomorrow. This project helps further our mission of educating all our visitors about the history of service members and to give a glimpse of the equipment used by our nation’s heroes. I look forward to the presentation by the students and to share this moment with the MNVM Board members, staff, volunteers, and mostly all my fellow Veterans.”
For additional information, please contact PACTC Director Dan Hecht at 573-547-7500 Ext. 1342 or dhecht@pcsd32.com.