Daniel Lowry brought his 1989 AM General Humvee and 1941 Ford GPW to National Vietnam War Veterans Day Friday in Manteca.
Both military vehicles were on display during this special gathering hosted by American Legion Post 249 at McFall-Grisham Post 249.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is recognized on March 29 – the date was chosen given that the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam coupled with the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived home on U.S. soil.
Those at American Legion Post 249 paid tribute to the millions of Americans who served their country during this time with lunch and fellowship.
A 1989 graduate of Manteca High, Lowry is a Marine Corp veteran and former combat chopper pilot.
He was with the Stockton Police Department for 26 years while also going to pilot school – Lowry flew Black Hawk helicopters and piloted several missions in Iraq.
In addition, he was with the first aviation unit for the Stockton police known as Falcon One-Zero, flying high above in the helicopter while patrolling a wide area of the city.
As for the military vehicles, Lowry, who is still with the National Guard, had the jeep passed on through three generations in his family. His grandfather acquired years ago and restored it, and his father, Dan, had it, too.
Daniel Lowry, who lives in French Camp, acquired the Humvee at a military auction. He spent time restoring it and adding a replica Browning 50 Cal machine gun.
“I now have more time to show both (military vehicles) at special events since I no longer hold down two jobs,” he said, referring to Stockton police and the army.
American Legion Post 249 also used this occasion to recruit new members.
In recent years, Past Commander John Aguilar and Jack White recently said that Post 249 saw a significant drop-off of members.
Both were pleased with the strong turnout at the National Vietnam War Veterans Day event.
American Legion Post 249 had “nearly 200” members in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, call 209.823.4123.
