Greetings from the frozen wilds of North Bay ON!
Firstly, may I extend a heartfelt thanks for the nomination of President and for the support by our Members. It is truly an honour.
Rockwood, ON 1997
I was that guy...The young buck who had always had a keen interest in all things OD from a young age. It was always a dream to have my very own "army truck". Lucky for me, I met a very dedicated group of individuals who shared such interests, albeit many fellows senior to a guy like myself.
Little did I know the journey that would begin into the depths of military vehicle restoration and collection depravity.
A few members gladly took me under their collective wings, showed me the ropes, made the introductions and set me on course.
The long winded conversations and phone calls late into the night yacking rusty iron. The guys and gals who started, maintained and guided the Club over the years. The guys who took an interest in a young man's enthusiam.
For this I am thankful.
For those of you who know me, little introduction is required. For those of you who don't here goes;
My name is Chris Vickery. I am 43 years old. A supportive spouse, two adult age kids, two dogs and a bunch of green iron outside.
I am a Field Service Technician in the Power Utilities sector.
I have been involved with the hobby for close to 20 years now, having collected, scrapped, restored, repaired, sold and bought many different MVs.
My first kick at the cat was a 1941 Ford 12 cab, then onto various other cmps, universal carriers, halftrack and M-series jeeps and trucks.
I have been in attendance at many of the OMVA shows and have met many enthusiasts from all over the globe in my pursuits.
Many will usually find me peddling some wares at our swap meets.
I am always glad to help in any way I can. Giving back to the community which welcomed me is important.
I served on the Executive of Guelph Rod and Gun club in various positions starting at age 16. Yes thats right. During further years I got into the MV scene, joined Ventures Car Club as a second generation member and served additional terms on the Club Executive in various positions including President, VP and Social Director.
Envisioning many more years of the OMVA in existence, I believe the key to it all is a laid back, no nonsense atmosphere.
A welcoming community of like minded individuals who are willing to help each other and to encourage the next generation of MV enthusiasts.
I don't believe we need to be governed by excessive rules or be obliged to sanction or host large scale events.
Each and every one of us has lives outside of the hobby, do what you can. I encourage local area groups of OMVA members to keep doing what they're doing- getting out together to enjoy the hobby. Educating the public. Honouring our Veterans.
Representing our organization with your hard work and countless dollars invested.
I wish to see our semi-annual swap meet and greets continue. These are by far the best bang for the buck that our group consistently participates in.
Every guy (and gal) I have talked to enjoy getting together a few times a year, swap some stories, tell some lies and buy some more junk we really don't need. Nothing more, nothing less.
If elected as Your President, I am open to ideas and actively encourage your participation, your comments and your suggestions to help preserve the OMVA and maintain it as the group of enthusiasts it was supposed to be.
Thanks once again to all for your support.