GART for Vets & Willys M38 Jeep Auction

July 24th Press Release — Download a copy here.

New York, NY, July 24, 2023 — GartForVets.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, is thrilled to announce an extraordinary event that took place in Times Square on Friday, July 26th, 2023, at 10am. Veteran Captain Scott Montefusco, nearing the finale of his epic "Great American Road Trip," met with the iconic Times Square performer, The Naked Cowboy. This momentous occasion celebrated Captain Montefusco's inspiring journey and the extraordinary efforts of part-time volunteers and the sponsorship of Kaiser Willys Auto Supply that helped make it possible.

The "Great American Road Trip" is a daring and heartwarming cross-country expedition undertaken by Captain Montefusco in a 1952 Willys M38 Jeep known as Little Glory. His journey covered thousands of miles from San Francisco to New York to raise awareness and funds for veterans in need. The retired Marine and FBI agent touched the hearts of people across the nation, raising upwards of $3,000 — a number that continues to rise with every new donation to Tunnel to Towers. GartForVets.org wants to remind all that the online auction for his historic 1952 Willys M38 Jeep closed on July 29th at 11pm EST, as Captain Scott reached his hometown of Long Island, NY.

Little Glory blazed across the USA after a full mechanical restoration, first crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in May 2023 and arriving in New York City on July 26, 2023. This 1952 Willys M38 was driven by Marine Corps Veteran Captain Scott Montefusco, who personally restored the Jeep.

Proceeds from the auction were donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization that provides support and assistance to first responders, military personnel, and their families.

"Kemmerer is the first city I spent in Wyoming on this journey. When I rolled into Kemmerer, they just came out to meet me. There's this bar owner — he's also a Marine. He came out and was like, 'Semper Fi, Marine.' People were coming out of the woodwork to meet me and see the Jeep." — Captain Scott, Cowboy State Daily

Kaiser Willys Auto Supply's generous support played a significant role in making this remarkable journey possible, showcasing their commitment to veterans and their families alongside other contributors and sponsors: TRIFECTA, ACTION TARGET, LION ENERGY, MARQALL, COLONIAL FLAG, API SPEED, RAMCO, and QUEEN OF WRAPS.

GART Itinerary (real-time updates)

For more information on the event and the auction, please visit GartForVets.org.

About Captain Scott Montefusco:

Captain Scott Montefusco, a retired Marine Corps Captain and former FBI Agent, is a passionate advocate for our military, first responders, and veterans. Through his Great American Road Trip for Veterans, he aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting the families of fallen heroes and providing homes for wounded veterans. Captain Montefusco's lifelong commitment to service and his love for American history drove his remarkable journey and efforts to inspire future generations.

About GartForVets.org:

GartForVets.org is a non-profit organization committed to providing support, resources, and assistance to veterans and their families, aiming to uplift and honor those who have served our nation selflessly.

The Great American Road Trip for Veterans is a 14-month (May 2022 – July 2023) nationwide fundraising event organized to support foundations dedicated to charitable giving to our military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Many corporate sponsors, non-profit foundations, celebrities, military leaders, and citizens from every walk of life participated in the campaign alongside Captain Scott Montefusco. The goal was to unite Americans across the nation in support of those who have served.

About Tunnel to Towers:

On September 11, 2001, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others when America was attacked. For over 20 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored Stephen's legacy by supporting the heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty. The Foundation has committed to delivering mortgage-free homes to our nation's heroes and their families.

Recent Press:

• Capt. Scott Montefusco drives his 1952 Willys Jeep (Cowboy State Daily)
• Man Driving Across Country for Veterans (Powell Tribune)
• Retired U.S. Marine captain finishes cross-country trip in Setauket (TBR NewsMedia)
• NewsMax Feature with Scott Montefusco
• Cap. Montefusco returns to Sidney (Sidney Telegraph)
• One man's mission to raise awareness and funds for Veterans and First Responders (EINPresswire)
• Veteran traveling cross-country in vintage Jeep raising money for charity (Idaho State Journal)
• Utah veteran plans cross-country trip with vintage Jeep (KSL.com)
• Ret. Marine Captain drives cross-country in a 1952 Jeep (Livingston County)
• Marine Veteran embarks on cross-country trip (Fox News)
• Great American Road Trip for Veterans and First Responders (Tunnel to Towers)