About the group:

Southern Lake Michigan Chapter formed in April. For those dedicated to preserving and restoring military vehicles. Members hail from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Sponsored by Great Lakes Museum of Military History. Nonprofit organization.

Mission: The group's mission is to provide an international organization for military vehicle enthusiasts, historians, preservationists and collectors interested in the acquisition, restoration, preservation, safe operation and public education of historic military transport.

Special events: The Southern Lake Michigan Chapter meets monthly. Last month, a guest speaker associated with Lest We Forget spoke to the club and members took a field trip June 22 to the Lest We Forget World War II re-enactment in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Mich. Members will attend the museum vehicle show and open house Aug. 2 and 3 and the Red, White and Blue Ball Nov. 1. The club participates in community events, most recently the LaPorte and Michigan City Fourth of July parades.

Advice: "The folks involved all have a sense of history and its importance," said chapter President John Flegel. "It helps remind folks of how we got to where we are. It's a good way to honor the folks who made the sacrifices to get us where we are, and it helps keep things in perspective."

How to get involved: The Southern Lake Michigan Chapter of Military Vehicle Preservation Association meets the fourth Saturday of the month. For details, call John Flegel at (219) 872-9389.

People might be surprised to know: "It is legal to have military vehicles."

-SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate an organization for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com.