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thedrifter
04-07-07, 11:45 AM
Camp Shelby Cruise-In coming April 14
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Apr 7, 2007 6:44:55 EDT

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — It’s not always just tanks and Humvees cruising around Camp Shelby.

The National Guard base near Hattiesburg will host its third annual “Camp Shelby Cruise-In’’ on April 14. Dozens of classic cars, hotrods, motorcycles and other vehicles turned out for the event last year. Sponsors are hoping for an even bigger turn out this year.

“Last year was a success. We had approximately 100 vehicles that entered in this event,’’ said Chief Warrant Officer Larry Huff, one of the show’s coordinators. “This year, we are expecting more.’’

The event provides a breather for troops on the base and a way for the community to connect with its citizen soldiers.

Camp Shelby is a 136,000-acre facility and has been one of the Army’s primary training centers for soldiers headed to Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 40,000 troops have trained there since 2004.

The Cruise-In is similar to a car show, featuring fancy rides from across the southeast. The owner of each vehicle that participates in the event will receive a certificate of appreciation.

“Just like last year, the soldiers will vote on their favorite vehicles, and the top 15 will receive trophies,’’ Huff said.

Hattiesburg’s Cool Cruisers, a car club, will provide the music and communication equipment for the event.

The event also includes bus tours of the post, displays of military weapons and vehicles, a rock-climbing wall and a laser-gun trailer.

Visitors also can check out the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum and its 17,000 artifacts, including an exhibit that honors Mississippi’s 26 Medal of Honor recipients and the 44 Medal of Honor recipients that served or trained at Camp Shelby.

Ellie