Thoughts from the International (now home)

[Chris_Dresbach]

I just thought I'd share some of my thoughts now that I'm back home from the International. First of all, I want to congratulate the Ozark trails chapter for hosting such an incredible meet! I hadn't been to an Internation since '07 here in South Bend, and I was very well impressed by this one in Springfield. The cars were great, the weather was nice, and I was close to everything the whole time because I camped at the fairgrounds. (1951 2R-11 pulling a 1961 Yellowstone camper. Sweet ride. ) I also lived the saying in the SDC that we "join because of the cars, but stay because of the people". I found that this is so true. I rode down there with Tom Molnar (Capt. Hook) and I think that if it wasn't for him and Ed Reynolds, I couldn't have gone. I also saw living proof of how we have great people in the club... The hard luck award went to a guy with a Hawk that lost its rear windshield. Ed Reynolds found him a new one at the swap meet. I also enjoyed hanging out with some new and old friends, like Matt Burnette, John Graham, officer Dave, and several other forum members. The SDC has some great folks!! I was also awarded a plaque for "best young author in a chapter newsletter". I feel very honored to recieve this. Heck, I didn't even know the award existed!! I would also like to thank and congratulate Mimi Halgren for her two years as president. I think she did a great job and I'm sure that our new president, Tom Curtis, will do just as good if not better.

Think of this what you want, this is what I had to think about on the 15 hour ride from Springfield to South Bend...

[Studedude]

Well said, young Chris.

It was our honor to have enjoyed the pleasure of your company.

Those that made your attendance possible did so for good reason, and you, in turn, did them proud... just as they knew you would.

There is no future without our youth getting involved.

You, Matt, and others like you are more important to the club than you... and, perhaps, some others... likely realize.

And... it's fun watching kids grow up, right before my eyes! <G>

[okc63avanti]

Well said, young Chris.

It was our honor to have enjoyed the pleasure of your company.

Ditto for me Dave .... I'm thinking maybe our SDC chapters all across the country should think about using some of their excess funds (or raise some funds if no excess) as kind of a scholarship program to send one new and upcoming young man or woman to the Nationals each year from their chapter. Is there a procedure for me to make this a formal motion for the new SDC officers to consider at their first board meeting.

Folks we have got to start recruiting the next generation of SDC's as Officer Dave said several times to me at the meet ... "there sure is a lot of gray hair around here" and in some cases .... little or no hair

[Dads Baby]

in some cases .... little or no hair

Hey! I represent that! Mine is somewhat self inflicted though.

I think the more we can do for the younger members now, is a huge investment in our future. We need to figure out how to get more younger people to join before we can think about sending them to an International Meet. Great idea though.

Is there a way to get any of the small banners to display at cruises or shows. I know the chapter has one, but can we get extras? We always talk to a lot of people when we are out and about. It would be nice to promote the club better.

[mbstude]

After something like 17 hours on the road, I'm back in Georgia. Was really great to see you again Chris.

[jlmccuan]

Glad you made it back, Matt. I was up all night worrying, NOT. (read the other thread)

[4961Studebaker]

Well said, and thanks for sharing your thoughts Chris.
I saw you hard at it, manning the SI vendor area, and from what I saw you earned your keep.

[50starlite]

Chris,

Arlene and I were setup next to you and Tom and the pleasure was all ours. Have a great summer!

Dick

[garyash]

It was great to finally meet you, Chris. Your hard work and accomplishments were recognized by the SDC and by all of the rest of us.

For those of you who didn't get to meet Chris, here he is:

[Chris_Dresbach]

It was great to finally meet you, Chris. Your hard work and accomplishments were recognized by the SDC and by all of the rest of us.

For those of you who didn't get to meet Chris, here he is:

It was nice finally meeting you too, Gary! It was quite an honor to recieve the best young author award. I write A LOT, but I always did it just for fun and to spread the word about Studebaker history. I didn't know the award even existed or my work was judged, but hey, I'm proud!!!

That picture though, you should have got one from fun night when I showed up in my original Studebaker assembly line uniform...

[8E45E]

I would have loved to attended the SDC International Meet in Springfield, but it was a toss-up between it and the ATHS meet in South Bend as time off work doesn't allow me to do both. I thought I would show my support in South Bend as it was a no-brainer as to what the featured marque was this year amongst all the Peterbilts, Kenworths, International's, et al. And next year is the SDC International in South Bend so I will be back! I finally did get to meet Chris with his '40 Champion while I was there, though.



Craig

[garyash]

Chris:
Is this the outfit to which you referred? You and Ted Jensen made a great pair. Note Ed Reynolds in the background.

[Chris_Dresbach]

Yup! That's it.