It was an early Christmas in November for Operation Comfort elves, Janis Roznowski and CPL Andrew Powers who attended the 2006 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (SEMA) show. This show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to one location, the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show features the latest in automotive restoration tools, show cars, custom paint jobs, as well as some of the most beautifully restored vehicles of the rich and famous.
Janis wasted no time talking to as many vendors as would listen, spreading the word about Operation Comfort’s Automotivation Program. CPL Andrew Powers interfaced with the vendors and translated the auto lingo for Janis. Since the initial 2006 visit, the Automotivation Program and participating Wounded Warriors have been in attendance every year as guests of SEMA, Hot Rod Air Inc. and Painless Wiring.
The generosity of a few supporting vendors and friends has resulted in the donation of several pieces of shop equipment, tools and auto parts that include, but is not limited to:
* 2 Professional Grade, BendPak, Hydraulic Vehicle Lifts
* 1 Professional Grade, BendPak, Hydraulic Pipe Bender
* 1 Professional Grade, Ranger, Spray Wash Cabinet
* 2 Rolling Mechanics Work chairs and 2 Rolling Creepers by 4Tek
* 2 Battery Chargers by Battery Tender
* 1 Professional Grade, Paint Booth
Rousseau Metal Inc., www.rousseau-automotive.com has been kind enough to donate tool boxes and work stations to our program.
We are also fortunate to have the support of Summit Racing, who has provided our program with the furnishings in our breakroom. This room gives service members a comfortable place to take a break and relax while they work on projects.
Please see our Automotivation Sponsors Page for a complete list of donated tools, equipment and parts.
Current Goal:
Our goal for this year is to combine a 1984 Bronco & an old army weapons carrier. We’re trying to get it ready for the 2009 SEMA show. The Bronco has been an on going project, but we wanted to do more to it then just turn it back into a Bronco, so we thought we would try an original idea. The body will still carry the army stile, but with the beefed up engine & suspension it will have the new age muscle. With the military men & women working on this project, we hope to accomplish our goal in time along with teaching them some new skills.
Automotivation 2
Automotivation 3