A 2014 Camaro owned by Matthew Trisler, 48, of Tipp City promotes the cause of the Chained Eagles of Ohio, a veterans’ group based in Cridersville.
Jim Krumel | For The Lima News
CRIDERSVILLE – His car is in a garage now, protected from the winter elements. When the weather breaks, though, Matthew Trisler is sure to have his 2014 Camaro back on the road, delivering a message that he says must not be forgotten.
“Freedom isn’t free,” said Trisler, 48, of Tipp City, and a member of the Chained Eagles of Ohio, a veterans’ organization headquartered in Cridersville.
Trisler has turned the vehicle into a traveling billboard for the group, whose mission is to promote awareness of soldiers still listed as missing in action and to guarantee that the America they defended remains strong.
“This is the group that built the traveling Ohio Memorial Wall, which contains the names of Ohio servicemen who served in Vietnam and are still listed as Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (P.O.W.-M.I.A),” said Trisler. “The remains of some have been returned, however, most have not.”
Trisler turned to air-brush artist Frank Haven, of Dayton, to begin the project.
“He’s been doing such work on cars for 20 years,” Trisler said. “At the time we did this, the country was going amok in political correctness. We agreed that being politically correct wouldn’t stand in the way of delivering our message.”
The hood displays an eagle, flames and a large American flag. They are set inside a circle of words that proclaim, “Home Of The Free … BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.”
The side of the car features a vinyl wrap designed by a Cincinnati company. It was three months in the making and includes a large American flag with the New York skyline at the bottom, which Trisler calls a tribute to those who defended our country following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Also included is a banner with the words “We’ll Never Forget, Never Surrender, Molon Labe” – the last two words being an expression of defiance aimed at those who are trying to disarm America’s citizens.
The rear headlights flash the message: “Freedom Isn’t Free.”
Trisler, a Vietnam veteran who served eight years in the U.S. Navy, takes his car to events across the state during the spring, summer and fall. He’s been to Lima several times.
He says the reaction he gets when traveling is a favorable one.
“I often get a thumbs-up when cars or trucks pass me while I’m driving.”
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