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A drive with a Hero

Discussion in 'Mid-Atlantic Region - USA (PA, DE, MD, DC, VA)' started by 355dreamer, Sep 18, 2007.

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  1. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    Apr 3, 2006
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    #1 355dreamer, Sep 18, 2007
    This past weekend at the Flemmings dinner, I had the opportunity to meet an American hero. As I was enjoying the cars before dinner, I noticed a familiar face from about fifty yards away. Perhaps it was the carat of Diamonds in his prosthetic eye, or the guide dog that gave it away. I immediately knew this was the injured US Marine I had just seen on the HBO special, Alive Day, earlier that week. I immediately interrupted the conversation I was in and walked over and introduced myself to Ret. US Marine Cpl. Michael L. Jernigan.
    Michael, I had learned from the documentary, had been injured in Iraq by an IED and after over 30 surgeries; he was left with an injured arm and no sight. After his injury, his fiancé left him. He asked the optometrist at Bethesda Naval to place the diamonds from her ring into his prosthetic eye.
    After my introduction, it was quite apparent just how passionate Michael is about Ferraris. He informed me that before the incident, he looked into buying a 328. He took in every word as I explained what cars were at the event and each color. It was quite touching when he noted that he had never seen an Enzo and how much he wanted to be around one.
    Our conversation parted and after I said my good by, I realized I lived very close to him and should offer a ride in my car. I walked back over and mentioned the idea to him and he really lit up! We all know that with the sounds, smell and feel of a Ferrari sight is only secondary to the experience. I got his contact number and promised I'd be in touch.
    The reason that I am writing this is that I plan to live up to my promise by giving Cpl. Jernigan a ride. What could be better than offering him a ride in not only my 355, but also one in the many others we have in the area.
    If anyone would like to join me in this great opportunity to share what we are blessed with, please post here or send me a pm privately. Additionally, the HBO special, Alive Day, can be seen on Comcast on demand.
     
  2. THE BEAST 360

    THE BEAST 360 Formula Junior

    Jul 17, 2005
    646
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    Nathan K
    #2 THE BEAST 360, Sep 18, 2007
    Count me in! He is a Hero!
     
  3. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #3 4REphotographer, Sep 18, 2007
    was that the special james gandolfini did?
     
  4. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    #4 355dreamer, Sep 18, 2007
    That's the one... Nate, I'll be in touch with some dates.
     
  5. kvisser

    kvisser Formula 3

    Dec 11, 2004
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    #5 kvisser, Sep 19, 2007
    That was a heartbreaking special done by HBO. It was quite brutal at times giving you a small glimpse into the harsh reality of war. I feel for anyone that is putting it all on the line like our men and women in harms way.

    It pretty neat that you had the opportunity to meet this guy. Its even cooler that you can bring some joy to his life.

    good luck with this and thanks for making the effort to help.

    ken
     
  6. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 285ferrari, Sep 19, 2007
    I'd be in also----Just give us a heads up for the date---my schedule blows now with the work transfer..

    **Hopefully my remote battery doesn't die on me while I am up there...
     
  7. wetpet

    wetpet F1 World Champ
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    May 3, 2006
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    #7 wetpet, Sep 19, 2007
    i would keep an extra in the glove box, just in case.
     
  8. onboost

    onboost Formula Junior

    Apr 13, 2004
    758
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    #8 onboost, Sep 19, 2007
    Hmmmmmmm...

    I wonder if..
     
  9. Jsuit

    Jsuit Formula 3

    Jul 12, 2005
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    #9 Jsuit, Sep 19, 2007
    I'm in, V12 + Capristo makes a really nice sound....

    John
     
  10. whatsupofficer

    whatsupofficer Formula Junior

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    #10 whatsupofficer, Sep 19, 2007
    I'm in if he wants to check out an automatic 456 sound. Good for you to take the initiative. Sometimes people never ask when if they did everyone would step up. i'm more than happy to step up. I live at the very end of River Rd.
     
  11. keithblackwell

    keithblackwell Karting

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    #11 keithblackwell, Sep 19, 2007
    I just KNEW that my tool kit would come in handy one day.....
    =)
     
  12. keithblackwell

    keithblackwell Karting

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    #12 keithblackwell, Sep 19, 2007
    wow....that is amazing you had the chance to meet this gentleman! I wish I had the Enzo for him!
     
  13. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    #13 355dreamer, Sep 19, 2007
    Thanks for all of the responses. I really think that this will be a lot of fun for all those involved. So far, we have a 355, 2 360s a 550 and a 456. We might even have a suprise in store. Michael lives in Alexandria, and before I contact him, I wanted to run some dates by everyone here. The AYC event is the 22nd, the Baltimore event is the 23rd and the Masond Dixon Drive is on the 6th. That leaves us with 29th or 30th of September. Those who have responded, please let me know if that weekend would work for you. After I have an idea of how many people will be involved, I'll call Michael and suprise him with the news.
    I am not sure yet if we will meet at his residence or at a public location. I'll let him decide. Stay tuned!
    Luke
     
  14. E60 M5

    E60 M5 Moderator
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    #14 E60 M5, Sep 19, 2007
    Luke,
    There is also the FOW track event day in October at Summit Point. It will be the weekend of 13th and 14th, I am able to take passengers along for rides. I am sure we might be able to get him in one of the F430 challenge cars if we ask Redding and maybe that other surprise as well.


    Robert
     
  15. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    #15 355dreamer, Sep 19, 2007
    Great idea Robert! I would like to do the local drive first, and if he is interested and would like to come down to Summit Point, I am sure it would be a blast! Does the 29th or 30th work for you locally?
     
  16. CornersWell

    CornersWell F1 Rookie

    Nov 24, 2004
    4,896
    #16 CornersWell, Sep 19, 2007
    Semper Fi!

    I have had a couple of discussions with FoW about bringing injured vets up to the track events and giving rides. To date, to the best of my knowledge, this idea has never crystallized. Why, I can't say, but I, for one, thought it would be a great idea. Highly therapeutic, IMO. Anyway, I certainly hope Cpl. Jernigan enjoys the experience. I will refer my Alexandria friends to this thread, and I suspect there will be a few more offers on the way.

    Regards,

    CW
     
  17. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #17 4REphotographer, Sep 19, 2007
    does everyone go to summit point both days? i can only go up on saturday because we have tickets to the skins game on sunday, am i going to miss anything sunday?
     
  18. wfo900

    wfo900 Formula Junior

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    #18 wfo900, Sep 19, 2007
    Its a freakin AFC team they are playing - Blow it off and go to the Point
     
  19. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #19 285ferrari, Sep 19, 2007
    Good idea Ed, maybe I will remember that for the future...
     
  20. curtisc63

    curtisc63 Formula 3
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    #20 curtisc63, Sep 19, 2007
    Luke,

    It is awesome that you have stepped up to do this. I recall seeing the gentleman at the dinner Saturday night but did not of his story. Truly heartbreaking. I will offer up the TR as well if schedules work out. Unfortunately the 29th and 30th are no good for me. I will watch the thread for updates. Proud of you man.

    CC
     
  21. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    #21 SGM, Sep 19, 2007
    Where in Alexandria? He might be really close to me. And count me in!
     
  22. open roads

    open roads F1 Rookie

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    #22 open roads, Sep 19, 2007
    I checked the FoW site. It has the track day as October 20th and 21st.
     
  23. michael bayer

    michael bayer Formula 3

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    #23 michael bayer, Sep 20, 2007
    About 2 years ago the FCA set up a terrific Saturday gathering of Ferraris at Walter Reed. Lots of wounded warriors had a chance to see some terrific cars up close, I brought the Secretary of the Army in one of mine, the Air Force Secretary brought his 360, guys even brought models of their cars to give soldiers who were most attracted to their cars, it was a great event on what would have been for them just another very slow day in a hospital ward. I am in Walter Reed every day and there are more young banged up men and women there now than when we did that dive in. M
     
  24. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #24 toggie, Sep 20, 2007
    I have a 430 and would like to participate, if possible.
    Doing something for our wounded vets is a great idea.
    I'll keep watching this thread for more details regarding time and place.

    What would be really exciting is to find a large, empty mall parking lot and let Michael Jernigan drive the car himself for short bursts at a time.
     
  25. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    #25 355dreamer, Sep 20, 2007
    Great idea Toogie! Truely "scent of a woman". I'll keep you posted.
     
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