RED BALL
CONVOY
RED BALL
CONVOY
Date: 01 MAY 10
Convoy is based on the “Red Ball Express of WWII
Updated: 09
Mar 10Fame
the
best of m
| Room Reservations (Please mention “Red Ballin Thru the Ozarks Convoy” when making your reservation): The Clarion Inn 479-521-1166 Remaining rooms are in the main building at $74.00 + tax.; Red Roof Inn (on opposite side of the interstate next to Best Western) 479.442.3041 Rooms are $49.99+ tax Line-up for the convoy will be in the parking lot of the Clarion. Other hotels are listed under "General Information" below . . . |
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UPDATES FROM JEROME: 03/09/10 I thought I’d send out a brief update prior to our (ARMVPA) meeting this weekend. For those of you curious to know the following is a list of those ‘officially’ registered. A number of folks have advised theirs are in the mail and I’ll be picking up quite a few at the meeting.
1. Steve Smith- ½ ton Command Car 2. Jerry Gardner- GPW 3. Larry Steed- M38 4. Mike Eckert- M35A2 5. Rick Ellison- GPW 6. Dave Smith- GPW 7. Ken Smith- M38 8. Dave Hopkins- MB 9. Mike Gamble- M3A1 Scout Car 10. Paul Harless- M38 11. James Wilson- GPW 12. Jim Sanders- WC54 13. Mike Gilbert- WC56 14. Tom Essary- GPW 15. Dan Sharon- M38 16. Lewis Anderson- WC55 17. Molly Anderson- M35A2 18. Marty London- M211 19. Jerome Casey- M35A2 20. Ron Naef- M151
I thought some of you might be interested in seeing what vehicles are due in. After our meeting Saturday I’ll send out another email with a revised list. 03/05-/10 Registrations began in a trickle and remain trickle. However, hotel reservations lead registrations and our block of 34 rooms at the Red Ball rate has sold out. As another reminder, the Clarion has rooms at the $74.00 (+tax) rate as well as the Red Roof Inn at $49.99 (+tax). The Red Roof’s Tel# is 479-442-3041. We had previously requested registrations be mailed by 14 April- however, as I will be taking an international trip in April it would be helpful if those who have not yet done so could mail their registrations to be received by the 1st or 2nd of April. As we have in excess of 36 rooms accounted for but have received fewer than 15 registrations I suspect we are due some. Receiving the registrations allows us to complete convoy planning and the myriad of details required to have this event go smoothly. It would be very helpful if you can get your registration to us as soon as is feasible. I appreciate your assistance in this. I would estimate at this time we’re well on our way to having a convoy of forty vehicles (perhaps more) from ¼ ton rating to 5 ton rating and from WW II era to current issue. 002/25/10 Our room block is sold out and a few have made reservations in the main building so at last count we had 36 rooms accounted for.Last I checked the Red Roof Inn across the interstate had plenty of rooms at 49.99 + tax. At last count we had 9 registrations received but they always lag behind the hotel reservations. In any case, counting what we have plus those I feel confident will be coming I didn't have too much trouble getting to 40 vehicles 02/23/10 Our room block is filling at the host hotel. The Clarion has plenty of rooms available but only a few at our $45.00 (+tax rate). Additional rooms are available at $74.00 (+tax). I have checked with the Red Roof Inn on the other side of the interstate- they have plenty of rooms available at this time at a rate of $49.99 (+tax). The Red Roof’s number is: 479-442-3041. There are other hotels near the host hotel listed on the web site- go to www.armvpa.com and click on the Red Ball Convoy tab. Our lunch stop this year will be at the Lake Ft. Smith Park. For those of you who may bring animals please note the park requires them to be on a leash.On another note: I would like to let you know we will have a number of World War II Vets on the convoy. This is the foundation of our convoy- we have a great lot of fun and enjoy everyone’s company but our convoy is also in honor of Veterans- ALL Veterans. But as the convoy replicates and is named after the Red Ball Convoy of WW2, these Vets warrant special mention. 02/16/10 Here’s the latest update on the convoy: The “Convoy Board” has made their final dry run of the route and all looks good. As we are in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, there are some points you need to be aware of:1. There are a few relatively steep descents- check your brakes! Remember to use lower gears. 2. What goes down must go up- there are some good uphill pulls- when approaching uphill grades allow enough space between you and the vehicle in front. Try not to stop on the hill. If someone is stopped on a hill stay far enough behind them to allow for any roll back that may occur. It’s better to stop at the base of a grade if you have to stop. Be aware those in larger vehicles will likely try to build some momentum. Be aware of this if you have a larger vehicle behind you. 3. We do have an unpaved section on the route. This is very scenic and we’ll be moving quite slowly on this section- I would say 10-15 mph. However, if you want to avoid this section we have an easy bypass for you. Contact me if you have any concerns. 4. We will have a driver’s meeting the evening before the convoy. It is important that drivers (others welcome but drivers at a minimum) attend this meeting as we’ll go over route particulars and other information we want you to know. Hotel room reminder- make sure you mention the Red Ball Convoy when making your reservation. Also, we have 34 rooms blocked at the $45.00 (+tax) rate. Once these fill up there are other rooms available at the Clarion but the rate is higher. For other area hotels check the web site (www.armvpa.com) and click on the Red Ball tab. All the usual reminders: * Check your brakes, tires, ALL fluids, lights, etc. We will be travelling slightly over 100 miles up and down hills on public roads. Please make sure your vehicle is ready to go prior to the morning of departure. Try to bring some spares with you if possible- a quart or two of oil, brake fluid, coolant. It’s better to have it and not need it than visa versa. We have plans for break downs but we’d like to avoid them if possible. Also, it would be a good idea to have a small first aid kit in your vehicle. You never know when you might need a band aide. *Hope for good weather but plan for poor weather. Bring rain gear in case it’s necessary. Check your wipers and perhaps pick up a few disposable ponchos. *Bring a camera and plenty of film/cards. We’ll have some good photo ops.
02/01/10 The other day I thought "we've got four months to the convoy". Then I thought "we've got ONLY four months to the convoy!" For those of you not aware, updated information has been posted to the web site (http://www.armvpa.com/red_ballin.htm) as well as registration forms. The convoy planning group is working on a few final details but I believe we're ahead of the curve. This year's route will be unrestricted, that is, 5 tons will be able to participate as we don't have any clearance or weight restrictions. One point of clarification: by 5 tons (mentioned below) I'm referring to the 5 ton military designation- not to 5 tons of actual weight. Essentially, we should have no restrictions on weight- unless someone comes up with a HEMTT or something in the full-tracked armored category! If so, please call me- I want a ride. In the mean time, for those of you in the current lousy weather zone- keep safe and warm and start planning your convoy experience. Everyone else can be checking out their vehicles (if you're fortunate to have a warm, inside place to work on your vehicles). Just a quick note to advise you of one thing you may address with your email. Some email programs will consider incoming email to be junk or spam if it is broadcast to a large number of email addresses. Since I've added a number of email addresses to my broadcast I'm getting "delayed delivery" messages. As I'm now sending this to approximately 60 email addresses your email program may consider this to be spam. For purposed of this particular email I've broken it down to multiple emails. To insure you receive emails from me on the Red Ball Convoy add the following email address to your approved senders list so your spam filter won't reject them: Please take a moment to view the information posted. Some things have changed so I would advise reading it through when you have a few moments. If you know of someone who needs to be added to the email distribution please let me know. If you have any questions after reviewing the posted information, feel free to drop me a note. I'll be sending out periodic updates as things progress. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the convoy again and meeting some new participants. Thanks and Keep 'em Rollin' Jerome
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01 MAY 10:
Several new vehicles
(from East Texas Piney Woods MVPA)
plan to participate in the 3rd
Annual Red Ball Convoy . . .
Photos 1 & 2 - Les Branson is going to come with Rick Ellison and bring his M38A1C2 award winning jeep with a 106 recoilless rifle. Photo 3 - Mike Gilbert in his Command Car Photo 4 Mike Eckert's M35
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25 APR 09: Overview photos from 2nd Annual Red Ball Convoy: 1 Visit to the Veterans' Home 2 On display at the square in Huntsville 3. Road side state park 4. Convoy leader 5. Lunch stop at War Eagle Mill 6. Crossing the War Eagle Bridge7-8 Along the Route
Additional Photos of the 2nd Annual Red Ball Convoy are available in the Photo Gallery
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02 May 08: Overview photos from 1st Annual Red Ball Convoy:
1. Military vehicles at the Clarion Inn 2. Lineup at Lake Wedington
3. Stop at a Civil War Battle Grounds 4. Fuel stop at Hogeye Mall
5. Water Fall at Devil's Den Park 6. Participants pose for a picture on
the swinging bridge at Devil's Den State Park. 7. Check 'er out, Fix 'er up and
Keep 'em Rollin! 8. Saturday night BBQ at Airways Freight
Additional Photos of the 1st Annual Red Ball Convoy are available in the Photo Gallery. |
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Red Ballin’ Thru the Ozarks Convoy- important information *Please read all- there is new information below Planning for the 2010 Red Ballin’ Thru the Ozarks Convoy is well underway. The majority of the route has been determined and will be finalized soon. At this point we fully expect to be able to include any military vehicle up to and including a 5-ton. If you have anything larger than that, or an unusually large 5 ton, please contact us. The date for the convoy has been finalized for 1 May 2010. We will have some additional activities on 30 April. In the past we have taken a contingent of ¼ - ¾ ton vehicles to the local Veteran’s Home and we plan to continue this. The size of the vehicles for this activity is determined by the facility’s parking deck and approach ramp. Indications are the 2010 Convoy will have even more participants than last year. As with all of our events, SAFETY is of paramount importance. Please read all the information pertaining to the convoy. Please keep in mind the following points:
v We will be travelling on public roads and therefore need to be mindful of civilian driver’s on the road- some of whom may have never seen a military convoy before and therefore we all need to be looking out for them. v Our convoy is growing in both size and scope. v The variety of vehicles we have in our convoy is impressive, however, this requires more attention to detail and even more emphasis on SAFETY. v In this day and age of cell phone communication, texting, IPod ear phones, etc. it is imperative you drive defensively. v Please check and prepare your vehicle ahead of time. Check fuel levels, coolant, brakes, lights, tires, safety equipment and general condition of your vehicle in advance of the convoy. Oh yes, and windshield wipers just in case!! v A driver/co-driver’s meeting will be held the evening before the convoy. Both attendance and your complete attention during this meeting are requested. I ask that you please give us your full attention during this time. v Bring some water or snacks with you to hold you over between stops along with a receptacle to put any trash in while you’re on the road. v You are encouraged to bring along veterans who may enjoy such an event. v You are also encouraged to bring along riders of younger generations. These are the folks we need to expose to this history. v This is a family-oriented event. v Live weapons are not to be carried. If you have a live weapon mounted please either disable its function (i.e. remove the bolt, firing pin, etc) or remove it. v PLEASE make every effort to have your registration in as early as possible. v Make checks payable to: AR MVPA v Mail registration to: Marsha Jones-Casey/Convoy Registrar 11091 Royal Oaks Prairie Grove, AR 72753 v Did I mention SAFETY? v Pray for good weather but be prepared for poor weather. Conditions can change quickly as well. We suggest you be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain. v There are some very picturesque spots along the way so be sure and bring your camera. v Bring any era military vehicle- there will be some steep grades- the route is fully paved v Uniform is not required, but would be appreciated for the era of your vehicle v There are planned stops at points of interest and to visit v Evening Dinner after the convoy
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General Information (but still important): We will depart the Clarion Inn on 1 May at 0800 hrs. Please have your vehicle checked out and ready to roll. We will begin lining up between 0700 and 0730. Line up needs to be completed by 0745 in order to allow for an on-time departure. It is imperative that by 0745 you are at or very near your vehicle. Host Hotel Information: Clarion Inn 1255 S. Shiloh Drive Fayetteville, AR 479-521-1166 Please mention “Red Ballin Thru the Ozarks Convoy” when making your reservation. We have a block of rooms reserved at the rate of $45.00/night (+ tax). If you do not receive this rate please re-iterate this with the hotel personnel. The front desk manager is Kate Moll and she is aware of our convoy. If you still have any issues please contact Jerome at: sarge@dicksonstreet.com. Other hotels are in the immediate area in case you need to inquire:
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Schedule (tentative): 30 April: early arrivals may want to participate in a visit to the Local Vet’s Home. Figure roughly 1500-1530 hours as we try to include as many as possible but folks are still arriving. 1800 hrs: Ops briefing with squad leaders and other ops personnel. 1900 hrs: Pre-Convoy Meeting (time may fluctuate due to other activities, check the board at the registration desk and listen for announcements). 1 May: 0700-0730 hrs: line-up, safety check 0745 hrs: be in or very near your vehicle! 0800 hrs: Convoy departs Mid-day: Chow! (Lunch is provided and will be of the sandwich variety) 1700-1800: Convoy wind down at hotel 1800 hrs: Supper/Dinner (BBQ) 1930 hrs: Closing Sunday, 2 May: For those of you who would like to attend Church services you are very welcome to come to Baptist Ford Community Church. This is where the convoy dinner is the night before and is a non-denominational service. Services begin at 1100. All are welcome. *Registration: Please check in with the registration desk located in the central part of the hotel. We need to know you’re here and give you some important information. Tentative times for the desk are: 1900-2030 on Friday and 0630-0715 on Saturday. We will close the desk promptly at 0715 on Saturday to allow for convoy assembly.
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************************************************************************************************************************** RED BALL TEES **T-shirts: remember to let Ev Harless know if your ordering convoy shirts (how many/sizes) so she can get them ordered. Ev’s email: plheh@cyberback.com. Pre-order your 2010 Red Ball tee – Send the sizes you want (and that will guarantee you the size you need) to Ev Harless. Payment can be made when you pick up your tee at the convoy. Youth sizes (XS – L $10.00; XL youth - $12.00). Adult sizes S-XL $12.00, S-XL w/pocket $13.00; 2XL & 3XL $14.00, with pocket $15.00). The tee design will be different from the previous 2 years. As soon as the design is determined it will be posted. Ev Harless: plheh@cyberback.com or call in your order 501.727.5530 ************************************************************************************************************************** |
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Important Miscellaneous Information Vending or selling of items and equipment: There is no practical location for this activity. However, if you have something in or on your convoy or tow vehicle for sale you’re welcome to make it known. Uniforms: None are required. You are welcome to wear any uniform you desire as long as it is in a respectful manor regardless of what nationality it may be. Dress Code: None, however, common sense is the rule. Many of you will be travelling in open vehicles. Plan for changes in weather as it is spring in the Ozarks and the weather can change. Dress in layers as it will likely be cool in the morning and can be considerably warmer in the afternoon. You may want to wear eye protection in the form of glasses/goggles. Bring a poncho or rain gear in case. Weapons: De-milled weapons are welcome. Functional weapons and firearms are not necessary. Do not bring functional weapons on the convoy. Dummy weapons and ammo are fine. Personal weapons, knives, bayonets and similar items can cause problems so please leave them behind. Fueling: Be sure your convoy vehicle is fueled prior to the event. Plan on having a range of at least 125 miles. If you have a jerry can it would be a good idea to have some petrol in it just in case and for those that didn’t read this. All vehicles, with the exception of a motorcycle should have adequate range to make the entire route without making a fuel stop. There will be opportunities to refuel along the way if we do find it necessary. Safety: Is of utmost concern. You know your vehicle better than anyone. Keep adequate distance between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for safe stops. Wear safety glasses or goggles if necessary. Stray gravel, road debris and foreign objects on the route are always possible. We suggest you have water for drinking in your vehicle. Snacks or any medications you may require should be available in your vehicle as well. Vehicles: All vehicles must be military. They can be from any military from any nation of any era but they must be military. Vehicles should be equipped with a functional fire extinguisher that has been recently checked. Remember, dry chemical fire extinguishers have a tendency to settle over time. Make sure they will function if called upon. If you have chocks for your vehicle, particularly larger vehicles- bring them. All the usual reminders: check oil, lights, brakes, tires, etc and fuel up prior to the convoy’s departure. Keep items secure in your vehicle as well as any empty water bottles, candy wrappers, etc. We don’t want anything blowing out of your vehicle for the vehicle behind you to run over or get hit with. The only evidence of our passing should be good memories and photographs. Weight: This year's route will be unrestricted, that is, 5 tons will be able to participate as we don't have any clearance or weight restrictions Passengers: In the event you are hitching a ride in someone else’s vehicle please be mindful of their vehicle. Take care to enter and exit the vehicle carefully and not have any pens, pencils or other items in your pockets or on your person that may scratch paint, puncture seats or do other damage. Assembly: Convoy participants (drivers in particular) must be in the assembly area no later than 0700 on 1 May. Vehicle line up will begin will begin at 0730. Drivers should be in or next to their vehicles no later than 0715. Please do no line up until directed to do so or drive around the assembly area. This will assist in an orderly and safe departure. Communications: Designated convoy vehicles will have vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Keep in mind, we’re in the hills and radios don’t always work well. Stay alert and keep an eye on the vehicle ahead and behind. Convoy Order: the convoy order is pre-planned as much as possible. Squad leaders will direct you. You will have a designated position in the convoy. We try to accommodate everyone as much as possible. Please try to maintain this order throughout the convoy. Convoy Speed: will vary but maximum should be about 40 mph. Please be aware of the vehicle ahead and behind you. Don’t follow too close and do try to allow enough space behind you particularly when approaching uphill grades to allow large vehicles to retain a little momentum. Avoid stopping on uphill grades if at all possible. If you see a vehicle stopping it is better to stop at the base of a hill rather than on it. Remember: you are responsible for three vehicles, yours, the one in front and the one behind you. If you see the vehicle ahead or behind you pulling over, pull over with them. Spacing and road manners: on sections of the route on two-lane roads leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you for civilian vehicles to safely pass. On four lane roads close up spacing and keep to the right. The only time we will travel in the left lane of four lane roads will be when approaching a left hand turn to another road. Try to maintain your speed as consistently as possible to avoid vehicles having to constantly adjust their speed. Some of this is unavoidable but if we can keep this to a minimum it will be helpful. Vehicle licenses and insurance: All vehicles must be properly licensed and insured for travel on public roads. Please have these documents on your person or in your vehicle at all times during the convoy. Breakdowns: we aren’t planning on having any!! However, please stay with your vehicle until help arrives and arrangements have been made. Make sure your vehicle is off the roadway if possible. If it is impossible to move the vehicle off the roadway dismount the vehicle and wait in a safe area. In order to avoid as many mechanical issues as possible please check fuel, oil & coolant levels and tire pressure as well as general function of the vehicle as thoroughly as possible before the convoy assembles. Security: Sad to say but I must also mention that you should have some means of securing your goods as well as your trailer while parked at the hotel. Items like fuel cans, pioneer tools, the trailer itself, etc. If you do not have a trailer lock I would suggest obtaining one or at least a length of chain and a padlock. I know some of you have made provisions for your vehicle to be secure as it was likely designed to be started without keys. For those of you who have not please take that into consideration in how/where you park and perhaps bring a chain and lock for your vehicle itself. Weather: We’re in the Ozark Mountains here so be prepared for any type of weather. It very well could be quite cool in the early hours. Be prepared for rain and hope for sunshine. I’m working as closely as I can with the weatherman but I can’t make any guarantees. Stops: We have a number of stops scheduled where you can grab a drink or a snack but if you want munchies along the way you may want to have those on hand prior to departure. Photography: Bring a camera! There will be some good photos opportunities. We will email or post further details as they become availab
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Red Ballin’ Contacts: Jerome Casey: 479-444-8990 sarge@dicksonstreet.com Dan Sharon: 479-855-7499 camera_dan@hotmail.com Lewis Anderson: 479-474-6311 lewander82@yahoo.com Paul Harless: 501-727-5530 plheh@cyberback.com If you have specific questions, concerns or suggestions please feel free to communicate them to me. If there’s something I’ve not touched on please let us know. If you want to receive my periodic emails (I try to keep them to a minimum) please send me a note to this email address and I’ll add you to my list: sarge@dicksontreet.com. I’m looking forward to our event as well as the reunion of prior participants and meeting this year’s new participants. Please keep in mind that although you get these communications from me there are others involved. Lewis & Molly Anderson, Dan Sharon, Ron Naef, Marty London, my wife Marsha and others have been very helpful and supportive of this event and I very much appreciate their assistance. This wouldn’t come together the way it does without them. Jerome Keep ‘em Rollin’
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The Red Ballin’ Thru the Ozarks Convoy is based on the “Red Ball Express of WWII Fame To the best of my knowledge the letters on the patch stand for: Transportation Corps Motor Transport Service Facts About the WWII Red Ball Express:
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