Purple Heart vehicle aims to bring awareness

Staff reports
·1 min read
Pictured left to right, Patrick Shoemaker, Tyke Charity, Becky Schilinski, Owen Ross, John Schilinski, Ken Post, Stephanie Post, Shaun Freeman. Not pictured: Ray Ketcham, Scott & Misty Jones, Jake Schilinski, Christie Rauls White of AKU Auto Parts & Recycling, Graphics by Tara.
Pictured left to right, Patrick Shoemaker, Tyke Charity, Becky Schilinski, Owen Ross, John Schilinski, Ken Post, Stephanie Post, Shaun Freeman. Not pictured: Ray Ketcham, Scott & Misty Jones, Jake Schilinski, Christie Rauls White of AKU Auto Parts & Recycling, Graphics by Tara.
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A project is starting up in the Bowie area that aims to raise awareness of the Purple Heart award and recipients of the award.

John Schilinski is a Bowie Vietnam war veteran, a Purple Heart recipient and a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in North Texas. It is his personal mission to raise awareness about the Purple Heart medal and honor Purple Heart recipients.

He has initiated the “Purple Heart 1953 F100 Ford Project.”

The military-themed truck will attend public events, parades and car shows throughout the year to raise awareness about the Purple Heart and give honor to combat-wounded veterans.

Owen Ross of Wichita Falls and his team are doing paint and body work on the vehicle, AKU Auto Parts & Recycling helped with a transmission and Ken Post of Bowie is working on mechanical issues.

If you would like to find out more, check out the Purple Heart 1953 F100 Ford Project group on Facebook or email John at 1953purplehearttruck@gmail.com for support information and donation opportunities.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Purple Heart vehicle aims to bring awareness