Brian Morgan of Mentor is a Marine from the Second Marine Division who is working to keep a promise he made to a buddy. Morgan was badly wounded in Fallujah, Iraq, and his buddy was killed.
Morgan promised he would restore “Jenny,” a 1989 Jeep YJ, to look like a World War II “Willies” Jeep. The Willies was the all-terrain vehicle of WWII. “That is all he talked about while we were there,” Morgan said. “He was a phenomenal Marine and he served because he wanted to.”
The dream of the two men was to drive cross country to California together in the restored Jeep. But that dream shattered the day the two were hit in Iraq.
Morgan recovered and is now working to put the Jeep together and keep the promise to his friend.
The engine and transmission work are done.
Morgan spoke with Jim Bair of Lake Transmission in Wickliffe, and said he intended on making payments until he could pick up the Jeep.
Bair recalled the conversation.
“I talked to him and he told me all that his buddy talked about was taking the Jeep cross country to sit on the beach,” Bair said. “It was an opportunity to help a veteran. I felt we could contribute.”
Morgan was surprised a few days after dropping off “Jenny” at the shop, Bair called him and told him to pick it up, it was ready. But Morgan was not ready for the surprise that awaited him. The Jeep was done and there was no charge.
Morgan plans to have the restoration completed by late summer and drive to Chattanooga to visit with his buddy’s family, then drive to the West Coast to keep the promise he made in Fallujah. Semper Fi Marine.

Legion Riders host fifth annual pig roast
American Legion Riders Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, is getting ready for its fifth annual pig roast, beginning at 2 p.m. July 12 at the post.
Tickets are $15 per person and serving will begin at 3 p.m. There will be a live band, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Legacy Scholarship Foundation, which helps the children of those parents killed while serving our country. Legion riders all across the country have been raising money for this fund since 2001.
For more information, call Tom Tamborski at 440-724-6871.

AMVETS Summer craft and vendor show
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a summer craft and vendor show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at the post home. There will be more than 20 crafters and vendors offering homemade jewelry, gumball machines, Younique, Tastefully Simple, Origami Owl and more. The event also will include a Chinese raffle. For details call Cody Hall, AMVETS Post 40 second vice, at 440-381-2997.

Veterans hospitality dinner at Old South Church
A veterans hospitality dinner will be served beginning at 6 p.m. July 16 at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland. The free dinner will be a summer picnic style meal with barbecue, salads, beans and desserts. This is a free dinner for veterans and their families. Please register at ghostriderfoundation@gmail.com to assure adequate food.

Painesville VFW at Party in the Park
Painesville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595 will host a booth at the Painesville Party in the Park July 18-20.
Information will be available about all of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary programs. A drawing for a free flag set will be part of the fun.
Membership for any active duty eligible service person is free. This year, a second year membership will be free for any eligible veteran or Ladies Auxiliary member joining at Party in the Park. Contact Jill or George Householder at 440-352-9522 for information.

Rummage sale at Willoughby Legion Post
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a rummage sale at the post home from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19. Tables are available for $10 each. The post will serve hot dogs, chips and pop for $5. For details, call the post home at 440-942-7762.

Gathering of Eagles at Lost Nation Airport
Gathering of Eagles XVIII Air Show will be July 19-20 at Lost Nation Airport, 1969 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby. Tickets are $13 per person, $25 for couples, and children ages 4 to 12 years of age will be admitted for $7. Proceeds of the show benefit the restoration of the last known restorable-to-flight B-29 “Doc.” Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary hosts breakfast
The Ladies Auxiliary of Painesville VFW Post 2595 will host a breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. July 20.
The breakfast will be served at the post, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville. All are welcome. For details call the post home at 440-352-9090.

Legion Color Guard garage sale in Painesville
The Color Guard of American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 24-26 at the post home.
Space is available in the pavilion and out doors. For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Classic Car show hosted by Euclid Vets
Euclid Vets Association will host the Second Annual Classic Car show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 27 at Tizzano’s Party Center parking lot, 1361 E. 260th St., just south of Route 2.
All classic cars older than 1989 are welcome. Admission is free but a donation to the Gary Sinese

Foundation for Disabled Vets will be appreciated.
A DJ playing classic music will entertain and concessions will be available. The first 100 cars registered will be given a goody package. For details, call Mike Tucci at 216-375-7223 or email mtooch@ameritech.net.

Willoughby hosts fish fry
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. A full menu is offered. For details, call 440-951-9233 or stop in at the post for a meal.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.