A second annual Operation VetsHaven Car Show Benefit was held on Saturday, May 9, in Herndon. Photo by Ryan Dunn.
Despite overcast weather, Operation VetsHaven and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. hosted a second annual Operation VetsHaven Car Show Benefit in Herndon on Saturday, May 9.
Proceeds from the event benefit Operation VetsHaven, a Virginia-based nonprofit that provides free therapy for veterans suffering from post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The event featured an array of cars including vintage, exotic and tuner models.
Operation VetsHaven is a non-profit that provides the bridge needed during the period of waiting for therapeutic assistance and connects veterans with a predictable and steadfast partner on their road to health and recovery. Operation VetsHaven's services are offered at no charge to those who have served and need assistance.
When Operation VetsHaven is contacted, the caller speaks with a trained advocate who will help prioritize needs and arrange for the caller to promptly receive the assistance needed. The advocate will stay in contact with the caller through every step of the journey for feedback and assistance.
The executive director of Operation VetsHaven is Chuck Clopton. He served in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corps from 1978 to 1997 in a variety of billets, both at sea and ashore. After retiring from the Navy in the rank of Commander, he spent nearly nine years as General Counsel to a major independent government relations firm.
Hosting the event was Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “When my family and I moved over here from Germany into Chuck's neighborhood, he saw my vintage 911 in my garage,” said Thomas Meuser, General Manager, Fleet Sales & Used Car Operations, Volkswagen Group of America.
“He stopped by and welcomed me as a fellow Porsche owner even though his fabulous 356 was a class of its own. We chatted a bit and he told me about this new charity organization and if I had an idea on how to support it. The car show idea was born... We not only care about our classic cars but also about others and this is part of our corporate culture."
Volunteering for the event were BSA Troop 55 and Venture Crew 364. “This is our second year supporting this event,” said Scoutmaster Gary Pan.
Also attending was U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Liam Dwyer, a pro racer and amputee. Dwyer joined the Marines in October 2000. He lost the lower portion of his left leg when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan in May of 2011. After 50+ surgeries, and being told he would never drive a manual transmission car, Dwyer never gave up.
Dwyer’s path toward a professional driving career began in November 2011, when a friend bought him a ticket to an amateur vintage-car race at Virginia International Raceway. In February 2012, Dwyer met members of sports car team Freedom Autosports. They suggested Dwyer race with them.
Later Dwyer connected with Mazda racing's executive and public relations staff. From there, Dwyer won a race at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and took an opportunity to race in the National Auto Sport Association’s Spec Z class. To race, Dwyer uses a prosthetic leg specifically tailored to attach and detach from the clutch pedal. For more info on Operation VetsHaven visit www.OperationVetsHaven.org.