Hot!A selection of built models

Hello All,
It was suggested by another member I post a few pictures of some models I've built for Veterans.  I have an ongoing project of building models for Veterans free of charge.  I'll build anything from ships,tanks to planes.  This is my way of saying thank you to Veterans of all eras and conflicts for their service to our country.  While I hold ALL past service members in the highest regard, I must be honest and say airmen are my biggest heros.  To get into an aircraft, fly a few miles above the Earth, battle the cold, flak and fighters, pray to survive, return to base and thank heaven you survived just to repeat the process again and again is nothing short of awe inspiring.  You guys ARE heros!  Anyway, here's some photos.
 


 

  This is Mr Pete Morici, ground crewman of the 367th FS.  This is "his" plane that he allowed 'some pilot' to use.  This is from February on his 90th birthday.

 

  This is Mark Talbot, CH-47 door gunner, Vietnam, 1968.  Shot down 3 times!!

  This is Barny Rust who with the 318th FG flew a 'Jug' off the USS Manilla Bay in order to get it to the air field on Saipan.


 


  Floyd LaLone asked for a model of the Jug that saved his bacon when it strafed and eliminated a group of Wehrmacht soldiers who had him and his BAR man pinned down.

  This was built for the Chelsea (Michigan) Retirement Home for a Veterans Day tribute to the WW2 Veterans who reside there.

  Chelsea Retirement Home as well.

 
I don't want to monopolize the forum, but if you'd like me to post more pictures, let me know, I'm more then happy to share!
 

Wow! I wish I were only 1/3 as good as you are modeling WWII aircraft.  What a wonderful way to pay tribute to our veterans.  If I get half as good as you, I might try that!  God bless you sir.

Thanks Mr Coyle!  I would encourage anyone who builds models to build and give one to a Veterans.  The expression on their face when they hold 'their plane' is something you'll never forget!  I've done it nearly a hundred times and it never gets dull!

What a wonderful model maker you are and what dedication to veterans!  Well done, sir.
 
Bob

Sean, Welcome aboard (belatedly) and OUTSTANDING modeling!  Do you have any of B-24s you could post?

Sean,
Very well done and a great tribute to our Veterans.
 
Post more photos!
 

WillowRun

Sean, Welcome aboard (belatedly) and OUTSTANDING modeling!  Do you have any of B-24s you could post?

Hi Steven!  Thanks for the kind words and in fact, I have a couple of Lib models and you, being a fellow Michigander, will see someone very familiar:

First, this is Linda Dewey, President of the Kassel Mission Historical Society.  This is her Dad's plane.  I strongly urge anyone even remotely interested to check out their website, a fantastic air battle!  This model now resides in Eisenache, Germany at the society's museum.  I hate making women cry!

 

This is Sonny Elliot,Detroit TV and Radio personality who on his 16th mission over Gotha, Germany, was shot down by a pair of FW 190s.  That's my wife who made his birthday cake and one of the WWJ-950 AM news anchor Jayne Bower.  This is in my top 3 proudest model building moments.  When Sonny walked into the room and after everyone shouted SURPRISE!, he saw the model and all he kept saying was; "That's my plane, that's my plane!"
Awesome moment!
 

Sean,  Thanks for the pix in posts # 6 and 7!!! I now remember having seen the ones with Linda on the Kassel Mission WebSite.  I had the pleasure of meetin Linda several years ago along with her morther at a Kassel Mission Symposium.  As for Sonny Elliot, I've not met him personally, but am well aware of his WW II AAF exploits both thru the Yankee Air Museum and the December 2009 "Greatest Generation" Presentation at the Fox Theatre. Your work is exceptional second only to your devotion to our VETS!  Kudos to you and your work! Also, I'll PM you in reference to a display project I'm considering for YAM if you are interested.

Sean,
Your USAAF aircraft replicas are beyond marvelous with outstanding presentation on plaques for the veterans. This is a truly remarkable tribute to these and all WW II veterans. I hesitate to post this here as its non-AAF related, but your replica of the Sherman M4A1 struck a chord with me. My Dad was a tank commander with the 8^th Armored Division. An individual with talents near yours presented him with a replica of his Sherman with its name “King Kong” on the side.
 
Also, what is remarkable about your Sherman replica; is the packages lashed to the top of the engine compartment. My Dads replica had a large wicker basket lashed in the same location filled with cognac recently liberated from a German castle. My Dad treasured this gift immensely and it sat on his desk as long as I can remember.
 
Thank you for your dedication to our veterans, I guarantee it has a larger impact on them than you may know!
 
Your Sherman replica attached below for reference.
 
Respectfully,
Scott         

Your Dad was the TC of KING KONG!!???  Holy Cow!  You know how many times I've seen that picture?  PM on it's way!
And thank you guys for the comments!

Absolutely outstanding models! And awesome that you did them for veterans!!!!!

I agree with B17modeler, your work is awesome and it's great that you do it for the veterans! I bet they will be very surprised! It's definitely better than getting them hampers for delivery christmas! It's more special than just food or another ordinary present. I think everybody would agree with me on that point. yeah?

Thank you guys!  That means alot.  I've decided to join the 21st century and have made a simple blog so those getting a model can keep up with progress related to the project.  You'll notice the header of my page.  That was designed by Lee Cunningham!!!  He also made me a very cool shirt with a logo.  If anyone needs work like that done, contact Lee!!!
The blog IS NOT one of those blogs where I announce when I'm going to the bathroom or what colored socks I wore to the gym or what the wife made me eat for dinner.  It's just about the Project.
 
http://theveteransproject...-the-veterans-project/