Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Viola and Peggy Viola.
The SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show was established in 2015 in honor of Staff Sergeant Alex Viola, a member of the US Army Special Forces who lost his life to an IED while serving his country. Alex was a very smart and determined person. His love of country and the military was unwavering. His other passion was cars. In an effort to keep Alex’s memory alive, we decided to host a car show in Alex’s name and raise money to help military support organizations. This not only proved to be therapeutic but it has also been very gratifying to help those which served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice.
The annual SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show is dedicated to all of our US military members with a special tribute to our fallen warriors. Each year the show draws 350 plus vehicles and over 2000 spectators. In addition to the spectacular vehicles, other highlights of the show include flyovers from restored military aircraft as well as active F16’s. The event judges are Green Berets who either served with Alex or personally knew him. Our awards are a Green Beret statue in Alex’s image proudly named The Warrior. A special moment during each show is the recognition of selected WWII veterans who are recognized and presented the Warrior award.
All proceeds from the annual event are donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation which support the families of wounded and fallen heroes. The SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show always takes place in November around Veteran’s Day. It’s a great show for an even greater cause to support those who defend our way of life.
Has it been a smooth road?
Losing a child is never easy and we all deal with it in different ways. We first established the SSG Alex Viola Foundation in 2015, a little over a year after losing Alex. The foundation is the leading entity and the car show is the main source of donations. Dealing with the other families who has lost a loved one in combat is always difficult. We share a common bond that enables us to better understand the pain and suffering they’re going through. In every case, families fear their loved ones will soon be forgotten. A big part of our mission is to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Please tell us about SSG Alex Viola Foundation.
Our car show is unique. We draw nearly 400 vehicles and ward the winners with a very special statue modeled after Alex named the Warrior. The winners are selected by teams of Green Beret’s (members of the US Army Special Forces). Each Green Beret judge either served with Alex or was a friend. We start the event with an air show featuring a team of acrobatic planes, restored military aircraft, followed by (4) F16’s at the tail end of the National Anthem. Each year we take pride in honoring one of the remaining WWII veterans with the Warrior Award. Each year we also produce calendars featuring classic cars and we honor a fallen warrior each month.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1005 Silverwood Ct
Keller, TX 76248 - Website: www.ssgalexviola.org
- Phone: 18175817652
- Email: frank@ssgalexviola.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ssgalexviola
Image Credit:
Matt Crean
Dallas Allen
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