Our family grew up attending the June Truck Rally since the first one in 1982 and began helping us when Cerwin and I became Rally Coordinators in 1985 – and have faithfully been supporting us every year since then.

In June 1985 Jeff was 20 (today he is 52), Diane was 19 (today she is 51), Jere was 15 (today he is 48), and Deb was 10 (today she is 42).

There have been many changes since 1985. A few years after Cerwin and I went from volunteering with TFC to coming on staff in 1990, Gene & Rose Gehman became Rally Coordinators, then several years ago Jere and Kristen became Coordinators, and next year Randy and Karen Sauder will assume the responsibility – with Gene & Rose and Jere & Kristen as Assistant Coordinators.

One thing that has not changed is the support and help of our children and now grandchildren.

Jared, Ian, and Jesse enjoy going to Wal-Mart with me to shop for toys for the Children’s Auction. We do this a few days before the Rally. A sponsor covers the cost of these toys. Most of our now grown grandchildren have helped with this project through the years.

Friday night before the Rally: Jared and Jesse set up chairs in East Hall for the Children’s Auction. Ian is also there, but hidden behind the stack of chairs.

Jere praying at the 6 am breakfast for volunteers before the early Saturday morning set up.

Our grandson Jordan (green shirt) is the Benefit Auction Coordinator. He does a lot of footwork in getting nice items for the auction – making this year the best ever in profit for TFC. We had only one benefit auction that had a greater profit and that was when Rubbermaid donated a trailer load of Rubbermaid, so that is not a fair comparison. 🙂

This was Ian’s first year as assistant at the auction table.

Jeff arriving to help support Jordan at the auction.

Nate arriving to help at the auction.

Nathaniel, Abby and Anthony arriving to participate in the Parade of Trucks. Abby’s mom, Diane, and dad, Mark, live in Maine so can no longer participate – unless they choose to make this a special vacation.

Kristen talking to Anthony. She sells evening barbecue tickets and is the main contact for any information/issues or when someone is looking for someone or something.

Jesse was pleased to ride with Grandpa in the lead truck (the chapel) for the Parade of Trucks. 171 this year.

I think one of Nelson and Nancy Martin’s grandsons joined Jesse, but I did not get a picture of him.

Grandpa and Jesse leading the Parade of Trucks at 11:00 am.

Nathaniel, Abby, and Anthony on parade

Cerwin and Jesse returning to the Fairgrounds after the eleven-mile parade – forty-five minutes later.

Nathaniel, Abby and Anthony returning

Our sweet great grandson,Anthony.

Our family helping at the benefit auction (left to right) Marlin Becker (our brother-in-law was a great spotter), Nathan, Chris, Auctioneers David White and Joel Heisey, Jordan and Diana. I missed getting a picture of our son-in-law Roy who was also a runner.

I also missed getting pictures of Gloria and some of the guys who helped. I think Todd Heisey and Zach Fahnestock both helped. Hope I didn’t miss anyone.

Jared, Jesse and Deb helped at the Children’s Auction.

Ian’s job was to file the auction tickets. At this point Jared had joined him.

Jere, Kristen, and Jesse at the Information/Ticket table.

Jeff (suspenders) standing with other truckers when Gene Gehman prayed a blessing on the drivers during the evening program.

Jere and Cerwin coordinating something on stage during the evening program and gospel concert.

Cerwin opening Sunday morning’s Rally Celebration worship service.

Thanks to Jared, Ian, Josh and their friend Sam for helping with the morning offering. If I remember correctly, Ian and Jared also helped with the Saturday evening offering.

Also thanks to Jesse for helping me hand out the Act of Dedication papers as people left the building for the Chapel Dedication.

Cerwin opening the Chapel Dedication when the audience of about 200 moved outside. He gave a bit of information on how this came to be the newest International Mobile Chapel for TFC. One of the reasons we have a new promotional chapel is a substantial donation given to TFC in 2016 by a friend of ours – in her will.

This chapel (International Chapel #2) will be used for promotional work and to minister to truck drivers at truck shows, fairs, and churches in our area. The previous one (International Chapel #1) is in Ohio for the summer and fall and will be used in the same way.

Most of Jeff and Jere’s families were there. I see Jeff, Chris, Josh and Diana in this picture.

I can locate Chris, Jeff, Diana, and Gloria (you may not be able to find them). It might be easier for you to see Jordan (blue) and Josh (light blue) next to the car (right).

Jesse (on ground) and Jere listen in the shade – next to the building – along with our friends Louise and Galen Martin and Sam Rittenhouse (who stayed at our house on Saturday night). I am not sure who is in the navy shorts.

Following the chapel dedication Cerwin and I and Chaplain Jake and Jane (left) were anointed and commissioned to oversee this International Mobile Chapel.

There will be more details on this in future posts. Bunny (anointing Cerwin) also anointed Dan (yellow) and Melody (navy) as he will become TFC’s President & CEO on July 1.

Gloria (grey – near left) and Diana (partially hidden on the right) collected meal tickets for Sunday’s buffet lunch at noon – following morning worship with the Perrys and the chapel dedication.

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We are blessed with a loving family. THANK YOU! We love and appreciate you more that you will ever know.