Veteran's Day - with Rick Kopec

[camp upshur]

Stuck on the rock (Okinawa) in the USMC, wanted to go to SAAC-9 Anaheim so bad. Only FPO mail, no phones, computers, no nothing. Totally AFU. Kopec (who I had never met) somehow got wind, totally set me up. Even got me the #2 spot on the '65 line next to Don Day in 003. I thought 'Wow'.
He never even mentioned that he was a vet!
Wasn't until years later I learned of his tremendous combat record.

~SA
A/1/9

[TA Coupe]

More about Rick:
https://www.motortrend.com/features/1503-meet-rick-kopec-co-founder-of-the-shelby-american-automobile-club-saac/

     Roy

[daltondavid]

I admired Rick's fight to save SAAC from the takeover bid of Carroll and his lawyers. Now I better understand.

That was when I got to know Rick up close and personal. thats how this forum was born. Rick Kopec is in my list of top ten humans I have ever known!

[SCJSTU]

Wow had no idea......the Viet Nam vets are heroes.That you for your service and all the other veterans here.

PS my uncle fly helicopters with one of the intelligence units about the same time

Stuart

[Rodster-500]

Amazing story, amazing person.  I'm sure this video only scratched the surface of what went on in Vietnam.
Thank you Rick.

[shelbymann1970]

Unfortunately I just saw this topic so a belated "thank you for your service" to all our Vets. I'll watch the video when I get a little time today. My Nephew/Godson is a Major in the Air Force(career) running cyber security schools right now. I couldn't be prouder of him.

[Tini]

Incredible thread – reading these stories really puts things into perspective. Rick Kopec's dedication, both on the battlefield and here at SAAC, is nothing short of inspiring. It's amazing how his quiet heroism helped save this community and touched so many lives. Thanks for your service, Rick, and thank you to all the vets who've paved the way <3