WAITSBURG-Waitsburg can be accurately characterized as an All-American town, but the display of patriotism planned for April 13 will be hard to match. Waitsburg American Legion Post 35 will sponsor the kickoff of the "Love America Tour" with Vietnam veteran Sgt. Bob Brock, his locally-famous Patriot Jeep, and the new one-of-a-kind America's Patriot Jet Fighter from 11a.m. – 3 p.m. on Waitsburg's Main Street.

Main Street will be blocked off for the program that will take place in front of Town Hall. Brock will be joined by a variety of patriotic custom vehicles and motorcycles from around the area. To top off the exhibition of patriotic spirit, Waitsburg's patriotic songbird, Makenna Barron, plans to stand on the wing of the jet fighter as she belts out the National Anthem.

Brock, who plans to perch on the opposing wing, said he is honored to have Makenna participate. When Brock's daughter, Sgt. Corrie Brock, heard of Barron's performance, she sent Barron a uniform and boots to wear.

"She sent her fatigues, which cover all branches of the military," Brock said. "The thing that is really special to me are the boots. She sent her a pair of her own boots that have walked all across the country in Afghanistan," Brock said.

Brock's "Love America Tour" is all about symbolism and using it to stir the patriotic spirit and sense of appreciation and gratitude in the hearts of Americans.

"The jeep and the jet are both extensions of the glorious American flag and beautiful national anthem and they are dedicated to the veterans, police, fire fighters, first responders and all who have a love of America in their hearts," Brock said.

Brock's dream started after 9/11 and Benghazi, when he felt frustration at not being able to reach out and thank the people that go through, and help others through, those types of experiences. With the help of Karl Christianson of Airhead Graphics in College Place, Brock transformed his white 1997 Jeep Wrangler into the Patriot Jeep and toured the country, to ultimately drive before the White House in the National Memorial Day Parade.

Following his return, Brock shared many of the heartfelt and touching moments he experienced along the way, at a presentation in Preston Park. Brock was shared at the meaningful interactions he had, especially with veterans, and vowed that "the journey is not over."

And so it wasn't.

Driving home from D.C., a static display of a jet fighter caught Brock's attention, to the point that he swung off at the next exit, returned to the display and parked the Patriot Jeep under the wing of the airplane.

"That plane brought back a memory of Vietnam. When you're hunkered in a bunker at 2 a.m. in the morning and you've got incoming rounds hitting all around you, there is nothing you can do. You look down at the 15-20 guys that are in there with you and you've got your flak jackets and helmets on, and you're holding your M-16s, but there's nothing you can do, and you don't know where they're coming from.

"We're all sitting there waiting, and pretty soon you hear the sweet sound of a jet, and we would know the Calvary had arrived!" Brock said.

Brock said he began searching for a plane fuselage and eventually found the 1955 British Folland Gnat fighter jet at a museum in Denver, Colo. He brought it home and worked with Christianson to transform it into a symbolism of patriotism.

"His ability to capture my thoughts and bring them to life are simply amazing! Karl will tell you this project is pure patriotic love," Brock said.

Brock said he had plenty of help with the project. Craig Johnson designed the wing lifts that allow the jet to travel down the highway on the trailer, Skyline Hydraulics in Dayton put the drive system together and veterans Mike Ralston and Mike Webber provided ongoing help.

Brock said a trailer, designed to pull both the Patriot Jeep and the jet fighter, is on its way from Texas. He plans to give the kick-off program in Waitsburg in April, then return for the Waitsburg Celebration Days parade. He will leave the parade and head directly to Spokane where he will bring up the tail in the Lilac Veteran's Torchlight Parade.

"We're the last float in the parade. We'll be flying cover for everybody," he said.

Brock said he never travels alone and carries a list of the names of 27 men from his hometown of Placerville, Calif., who died in the Vietnam War.

"I knew all of them. I know what they would say, and I bring them to life in my program," Brock said.

On Brock's "Love America Tour," he intends to accept invitations from the western states to share his program and patriotic vehicles at events and parades.

Courtesy Photo

Brock said it has been a rare occasion to get the jet outside with the wet weather.

"My message is to look for the light. When it comes to successes and failures, I've had them all. I want people to live, enjoy and embrace America and the history of our country. It's all about freedom. Our country is not without tough times in its history, but we need to embrace that and improve that and make it better. It's all about freedom," Brock said. "Our military is the strong fabric that keeps our country together."