Vintage military vehicles will converge on Peachtree City September 15-16 for the annual Georgia Military Vehicle Preservation Association (GMVPA) Southeastern Fall Rally and Swap Meet. The event, to be held at Falcon Field, will be the largest public gathering of privately owned military vehicles in the Atlanta area in 2006 and will feature motorcycles, jeeps, trucks, armored cars and other vehicles dating from World War II to Desert Storm.

“We are extremely excited about holding our rally in Peachtree City this year,” said Coy Short, president of the GMVPA. “The rally provides us with the opportunity to share our passion for preserving history with the local community and, hopefully, help pass on to youngsters some idea of how of our veterans defended our country.” This year marks the first time the GMVPA Southeastern Fall Rally and Swap Meet will be held in Fayette County. The rally will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and is open to the public free of charge.

The MVPA, headquartered in Independence, Missouri, is a not-for profit founded in 1976. The organization is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, preservation, safe operation and public education of historic military transport. With over 10,000 members worldwide, MVPA chapters can be found in the United States and Canada, as well as Belgium, France, Italy Japan, New Zealand and Norway.

“Many of our vehicles are museum quality restorations that will be traveling from neighboring states,” continued Short. “There is a good chance that the public will see them at venues throughout the weekend.”

In addition to dozens of unique vehicles and military equipment displays, the event will feature vendors selling souvenirs and military collectibles. Scott Sargeant and Charlie Filkins of Car Guys TV and High Octane Radio will conduct a remote radio broadcast and add their special touch of comedy, while Peachtree City Boy Scout Troop 175 will be on hand to sell food and refreshments. The Georgia Defense Force will assist with parking.

The Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing will participate in the GMVPA Rally by displaying its collection of vintage aircraft, including its newly restored LT-6 Mosquito, an aircraft used to provide forward air control for United Nations forces during the Korean War. The aircraft will be one of only a handful of LT-6 Mosquitoes in existence. The CAF Dixie Wing now hangars seven operational aircraft at the Historical Airpower Facility. An additional three aircraft are under restoration.

“The MVPA and CAF Dixie Wing share a common vision,” said Jake Tryon, CAF Dixie Wing leader. “To help preserve the memory of America’s veterans for future generations.”

The GMVPA Southeastern Fall Rally and Swap Meet will be held rain or shine. Parking will be along Victor Road. For more information contact Coy Short at 770-428-0002 or coyshort@bellsouth.net. Visit www.mvpa.org to learn more about the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.

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