This past Saturday, March 13th, I had the opportunity of attending Keystone Automotive’s Big Show in Dallas Texas at the Gaylord Resort. This event attracted Keystone customers from across the US, Canada, and Mexico. It gave vendors such as Superior Axle and Gear the opportunity to meet some of our customers who purchase product through Keystone Distribution.
In the process of setting up the show, I found myself drawn to the drag cars featured at the front of the show.  These drag cars were painted a camouflage green and upon closer inspection listed names of fallen soldiers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and US Police Officers. I was touched when I realized that these performance vehicles were designed, and raced in tribute of the many heroes of the United States. These fine automobiles listed name after name of heroes that have died in defense of their country on the vehicle body.
I was fortunate to meet Mr. Kevyn Major Howard founder of “Fueled by the Fallen” and his chief mechanic and driver Chuck. Kevyn noticed me looking closely at the vehicles and called me over. After introductions I learned that Chuck insisted that all of the vehicles run Superior Axle shafts. He explained that he had used much more expensive axle shafts in the past but continued to break them but had found Superior shafts outperformed any other brand axle he had used.
He went on to mention that in a recent trip to the track, he broke a heavy-duty spool but not the Superior shafts. He graciously complimented  Superior and thanked us for making quality parts that they could rely on. That stunned me as Kevyn and Chuck are the guys I should be thanking for their efforts in reminding us of the blessings we have received from hero after hero who have fallen to protect us and our way of life.
They shared some stories about the Memorial Car Honor Tour. These vehicles are on tour across the US and have been featured on multiple newscasts, will be featured on segments of Fox News, and will be shown to President Obama in Washington.
I got a little misty when Chuck told me about how they take these vehicles to tracks across the nation and that people flock to the cars reading names. He said it was common to see family and friends of the fallen searching out the names on the vehicles and upon finding the name of their hero, seeing them quietly shed tears.
During the show on Saturday an additional name was added to one of the vehicles for a Marine that had fallen in Iraq. His parents were there and left a photo of their son attached to the window of the drag car. This was poignant experience for me that I won’t easily forget.
I have written a lot about enthusiasts and aficionados in this blog and I can’t think of a greater example of enthusiasts than Kevyn and Chuck.
 The name Kevyn Major Howard may sound familiar to you; Kevyn is an accomplished actor, professional photographer and philanthropist. He has stared in Full Metal Jacket as “Rafterman” directed by Stanley Kubrick and in a list of movies and television shows to long to list. As he put it, “We have been blessed in our lives and careers and wanted to do something to pay it forward.” He went on to say “In the age of YouTube, and Video Games, it is important to teach our children about the sacrifices American heroes have made for them”.
Thank You Kevyn and Chuck for your altruistic efforts. God bless you, your organization and your families. For information on how to support this great cause please visit www.FueledByTheFallen.com
Jeff
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