'Whose the BOSS?' car show highlights Soldiers' rides

FORT SILL, Okla. -- Bright sunshine and blue skies brought out many car enthusiasts for the "Who's the BOSS?" Car Show Oct. 22.

More than 45 entrants brought their cars, trucks and motorcycles to show off their rides and be judged as best in show. The show was sponsored by the Fort Sill BOSS, or Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, program.

Shane Dunlevy, FMWR community recreation officer, explained how the BOSS show came to life. "The idea for the car show came from the 168th Brigade Support Battalion. They brought the idea to the BOSS organization for further development and they showed it to MWR where it really took off."

"The car show is something that they can do and promote a family-friendly event for the Soldiers. There is a growing car culture at Fort Sill, and MWR has been a great supporting force behind this event." said Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Traylor, 168th BSB CSM.

Several hundred spectators came out to the parking lot at the 3-mile track to look at the vehicles and enjoy refreshments sold by BOSS members. The concession sales will help the single Soldiers association raise money for future events.

"I think it's a positive thing for the Soldiers to see that they can do this on our post and share it with the community," said Cpl. Nicole Sharkey, Installation BOSS president. "It gives them a chance to show off their cars and what they have worked so hard to fix up. We hope that with the support of the MWR and the 168th BSB that we can do this on an annual basis. The BOSS committee is the voice for the Soldiers. That's how we came up with this wonderful event today."

Col. Bill Stacey, 6th Air Defense Artillery Brigade commander, brought his 1976 Datsun 280Z to the car show. It looked like any other '70s era Datsun Z until you looked under the hood and saw the 400 cubic inch Chevy V8 engine. With a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, chrome air cleaner and headers, it filled the engine compartment. Stacey and his son, Hunter Barreto, enjoyed spending time together at the show.

"This is a great event," Stacey stated. "There are so many types of cars out here that there's something to appeal to all ages. When I was younger and in the Army it seemed like there were car shows happening all the time. And then they seemed to drop off in popularity. But it's good that Fort Sill and BOSS would put this on. I hope they will continue to have a show for years to come."

In addition to the hot cars, trucks and cycles, there were some vintage Army vehicles and equipment on display. Retired Staff Sgt. Dustin Roderigas, Field Artillery Museum assistant exhibits specialist, brought a World War II Willys MB Jeep and 75mm howitzer that he restored. Retired Sgt. Joe Dutton also brought his 1964 Willys M151 Jeep to display. These vehicles were fascinating to kids and adults.

Dunlevy summed it up. "It's a really great activity and it helps build unity among Soldiers. Not all of the Soldiers out here are from the same unit, but now they are all brothers."