Road warrior for wounded warriors

Signed Shelby Mustang tour stops in Jefferson City; proceeds will benefit Tyler Huffman

Col. John Folsom, left, visits with Cpl. Tyler Huffman of Operation Tyler who will be the beneficiary of some of the funds raised by the Wouned Warriors Family Support organization during Folsom's stop in Jefferson City.
Col. John Folsom, left, visits with Cpl. Tyler Huffman of Operation Tyler who will be the beneficiary of some of the funds raised by the Wouned Warriors Family Support organization during Folsom's stop in Jefferson City.

A 2012 Shelby Mustang GT-500 unlike any other was in Jefferson City for a brief visit on Tuesday.

The Shelby Mustang, a fundraising and awareness project for Wounded Warriors Support for Families, is decorated with the stars and stripes down the sides and a large Purple Heart on the hood.

By the time the High Five Tour is completed, the Mustang will have been to 48 states and their capital cities. Jefferson City was the second stop on this year's circuit.

Col. John Folsom, president and founder of Wounded Warriors Support For Families, said he started the group in 2003, while still serving in the Marines in Germany. Wounded Warriors Support for Families provides assistance in many forms to the families of service members wounded, injured or killed in combat.

A similar Mustang brought nearly $1 million when it was auctioned last year after its 48-state road trip. That amount does not reflect the donations given to the organizers at the stops, where members of the public can make a donation or simply sign their well wishes on the car.

Tom Stegeman, general manager of Joe Machens in Jefferson City, said he signed the car when it stopped at the dealership last year, and did the same this year.

His message was the same as many.

"I say thank you for your sacrifice," Stegeman noted.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.