Vehicle show set

It’s hard to tell what might show up at Jay County Fairgrounds until it arrives. But for anyone interested in military history, Jim Waechter promises there will be plenty to see.
The fairgrounds will play host for the third time Friday and Saturday to the Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association Rally and Swap Meet. The event, which is paired with Museum of the Soldier’s annual open house, runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Among the variety of military vehicles at the rally will be a World War II 1941 Ford prototype that was used in the effort to create a utility vehicle for combat. There will also be a variety of World War II-era Jeeps.
“I think we’re going to have a wide range of vehicles,” said Waechter. “I know we’ve got a lot of interest from around Findlay and Versailles, Ohio. There’s a lot of them coming from those places. It’s just a nice array.”
The vehicle selection will also include some vintage cars Saturday, with a regional Model T group bringing about a dozen of the Fords to be displayed. The Academy of Model Aeronautics, which is based in Muncie, will have a display as well.
But in addition to the vehicles, full-size and model, the rally is also about veterans. Among them will be Gary Bussel, Muncie, who was a member of the only National Guard infantry unit to be deployed during the Vietnam War.
“It brings a lot of guys who are very well-versed in military history together, a lot of veterans,” said Waechter. “There’ll be a number of Korea and Vietnam guys there who have vehicles.”
Indiana National Guard recruiters are also expected to be on hand.
The event, for which admission is $5 for individuals or $10 for a carload, will begin with reveille and flag raising at 9 a.m. each day. Jay County 4-H will provide a GI breakfast.
Museum of the Soldier, 510 E. Arch St., Portland, will also be open Friday and Saturday.