The Great American Road Trip for Veterans: Is a 14 month (May 2022 – July 2023) Western States/Nationwide fundraising event organized to support Tunnel to Towers (T2T.ORG) foundation who is a dedicated charity giving to our military, veterans, first responders and their families. The campaign is under way now! Many corporate sponsors, non-profit foundations, celebrities, military leaders and citizens from every walk of life are speaking with “The Captain”, Scott Montefusco regarding this campaign. The goal of this campaign is to unite Americans across this great nation for the cause of supporting and honoring our military, veterans, first responders, men and women, and their families for their heroic service today and in the war on terror.
The Captain: Scott Montefusco is the organizer for this campaign. Scott served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and has never forgotten his service to our country. Since retiring from the Marine Corps, Scott served and retired from law enforcement after 25 years of service. Following his service, Scott has been active in veterans’ organizations and has befriended many aging heroes. He has always sought to promote all that is great about the United States and those who have served all of us, and has sought to inspire young people to share in his love for our nation’s great history. He has continued to serve our country in many capacities. Scott has been dedicated to keeping memories alive of those whose sacrifices have continued to keep this country free and great.
The Campaign: The Captain has restored a 1952 Korean War Willys Jeep. The Jeep was hand built by The Captain and readied for the Great American Road Trip by the Gartforvets support team. The first 12 month phase of the 14 month Jeep campaign promoting and raising funds has begun and will run beween May 20, 2022 and May 20, 2023. There will be events all over Utah during 2022. The second phase and Main national event and road trip will then begin when I depart from San Francisco on May 23, 2023 and start heading through the heartland of America. The trip will conclude in New York City on July 26, 2023 after 63 days on the road. There will be organized fundraising stops all the way across the country, so that veterans and young people alike will have a chance to see the restored Jeep and talk about America. Stops and events being considered are Veterans’ posts (VFWs, American Legions and Marine Corps League posts, corporate sponsor locations, and historical parks and museums. Corporate sponsored fundraising auctions will be held at all events along the way. At the final event in New York City, The Captain will donate auction his Jeep off for the cause…Semper Fidelis!
Headquarters for this campaign: Is in the Captain’s Area of Operation (AO), Salt Lake City, Utah. For this reason, many local sponsors/donors are being organized to support the campaign. To promote the cross country main event, The Captain will conduct a one year long tour with the Jeep all over Utah and surrounding states. We have already conducted the Great Road Trip kickoff event at the Utah Valley University Autorama car show on May 20, 2022. At the end of the first Utah phase of promoting the trip we will recognize local sponsors for their support at the University Autorama where it all began. The next day, Phase two will begin with the transit to San Francisco to prepare for the cross country trip. This will be a benchmark for what will be the first of many cross country events with a patriotic theme to raise much-needed funds for several great non-profit foundations. All of these organizations work have done so much good for our service personnel and their families. At the time of this writing, the list of organizations has not been finalized. Those being considered are very reputable and have historically served closest to the point of support as administratively possible. As soon as a final decision is made, the choices will be announced on this site.
This site will begin to grow with links for sponsors, stories, updates, news events, supporters and followers, and will be fleshed out as the campaign continues to gain momentum. The Captain is dedicating much time and all his life skills to this Great American Road Trip, hoping to raise awareness of the needs of veterans first responders and their families to bring in contributions to charitable organizations who support them. Many lifelong relationships will be built in service of this cause, which will strengthen patriotism in the hearts of Americans from all walks of life. The Captain is grateful to those who are sponsoring this exciting event.
Semper Fidelis,
Scott Montefusco
Captain Montefusco: I admire your loyalty to this Country and the many vets who made it possible for me to enjoy. You are a true American! Good luck with your adventures.
A salute and a big thank you to “The Captain”! Your service in the USMC is greatly appreciated and I wish you the best of luck on the Great American Road Trip.
Thank you for helping to keep alive all the amazing stories of those who have served (and those who are currently serving) our great Nation.
Semper Fidelis Captain. We love you.
You are a great American Scott. Enjoy your adventure and Semper Fi brother!
Ohra Scott is this Scott the 3502 brother of mine?
What a great combination of patriotism and adventure this project is! It is a way for young people to connect with America’s brave past, for all of us to contribute financially to the needs of those who have served and sacrificed, and a way to become acquainted with historical roads and routes. Go, Captain!
Scott it’s great to hear from you and of your plans. Alice and I wish you the greatest success in this undertaking.
Semper Fi and love to you both. Keep in touch. Pete
Monte: Great site and ambitious plans you have for fundraising. Will definitely get in on the jeep raffle, whether 2015/16/17.
Send In the Engineers!
Semper Fi Mac,
Brian H, Friend of Funk
Good luck on your adventure! Hope your adventure in brewing is just as successful!
Thank you Cody this will be my first batch of home made Gluten free beer. Thanks to you and your new business at Salt Lake City Brew Supply. Best of luck to you too! Semper Fi, The Captain
Captain,
It was great meeting you up in Wallsburg this weekend. Lets meet up sometime and get you that box we talked about. Good luck on your ventures
Matt
The American Rust Company
We met the Captain at Backwoods! Have great trip and come visit us again!!
Glad to see you are continuing to serve our Marines. Cpl King MSSG-11 1984-86.
Outstanding Cpl. King! Motor T for life! Yes cross country in a WW2 Jeep, only a Motor T guy would attempt this. Hope you are well, and I hope to come through your town. Are you still in PA? Give me a call Marine, lets get caught up. Semper Fi, The Captain
Captain, Text me at 570-506-5024.
Scott,
From the Devil Dog Honor Ruck.
Semper Fi Brother!
Thank you Ted for your leadership in putting the Honor Ruck together. Your determination to take care of our own and your willingness to be there for any and all of our brothers and sisters most honorable. Thank you for your military service and your continued service to all of us. Semper Fi, brother.
Awesome Scott, lm in !!
Semper Fi
Scott, your servuce and dedication not only to our country, but now your dedication to honor others who have served, is something to be admired. Your campaign is truly inspiring. You can count on my support when you kick off your event here in Salt Lake when you begin the Great American Road Trip!
Thank you Jackie for your service to all veterans and your work with Fisher House Foundation as well as the Patriot Riders. I enjoyed seeing you again at yet another patriotic event in support of our troops. Look forward to future events and your support. The Captain
Capt. Montefusco,
It was a pleasure meeting you today at the Utah Air Show. Always great to shake hands with a fellow Marine. The Marine Brotherhood amazes me every time I meet a new Marine. I’m in Herriman and if there is a small way I can help the cause, please let me know.
Semper Fidelis,
Cpl. Duane L. Patchen
USMC Veteran
Yes Corporal it is amazing and awesome that our motto, Semper Fidelis truly is always demonstrated in action as in words! Always faithful brother, glad you are aboard to help. Ohra, The Captain
Awesome!! You rock!
Semper fi, Mac!
Hey Captain Montefusco
It was good to see you again at the UVU SWAP MEET. I’m the Navy Veteran that stopped by with my 3 kids, I served on board the USS KITTY HAWK CV63.
It was good to see and talk to you about “AMERICA”
If you need my help with this project just look me up in your little green book.
SEMPER HAWK
YOUR NAVY BROTHER
Jon Banbury
Excellent Jon Navy marine Corps Team will do. Thank you for your support!
It is all too often that the voices of the great patriots of this country get drowned out by the hustle and bustle of daily life. Captain Montefusco is one of those unique men that raise those patriot’s voices high and help them to share their experiences and in many cases, keep their legacy alive.
Captain Montefusco is made of the same grit, marrow, and salt of the earth that some of our county’s great leaders have originated from. It comes as no shock that he would do something so generous for those who have risked it all for all of us.
When talking about American Spirit, John Wayne said “It’s both an outlook and an attitude”. I believe the Captain helps all people both young and old live by this creed. See you at the finish line Captain!
United we stand divided we fall, we’re Americans and that says it all. Semper Fidelis Chris, thank you for the kinds words. This country is great because of the sacrifices of many who have served and supported those who served before us. Stand tall my friend you too are one of our best. The Captain
Dear Captain, You’re more than an inspiration. Every fiber of your being is true red, white and blue. You’re the real deal, Need more like you on the streets of America. What a blessing to call you my cousin. God speed with all of your endeavors (that seem to never end) that keep our country great! Backbone of USA.
Thank You Lynn-Lizzy you too are a patriot and one who lives and loves life to the Maximum. Yes it is true there are never ending endeavors to be had, this keeps us “Oscar Mike”…On the Move. Put the 1953 Chevy trip on your list for this is one endeavor that must be done. Thanks for your support. Semper Fi. Your Captain Scott, aka Cuz
Captain Montefusco-
It is great to see that you are still involved in keeping with the USMC tradition of Semper Fi. It comes as no surprise for you always displayed your pride of being a Marine.
I’m still in El Paso, Texas retired from our police department January 2018 after 29 years of service.
Hope to catch up with you some day.
Ruben Guzman
Captain Montefusco-
It’s great to see you! It’s good to see you are still keeping with the great USMC tradition of Semper Fi. It certainly was no surprise because you have always been a proud Marine.
This is a very unselfish endeavor you embraced. I’m sure ther veterans appreciate it.
I’m still in El Paso. Texas. I retired after 29 years with our police department.
Hope to catch up with you some day.
Ruben Guzman
SSGT USMC
7th Motor T Bn.
MSSG-11
Semmper Fantastic brother! Congratulations on your career and retirement. As a true Marine you continued to serve us all. As you may not know, I too retired after 27 years Law Enforcement as well. And now True to my passion, I have a motor pool of my own now (many Chevy’s not just one Blazer). Are you still a Chevy Man? Thank you for checking in on the old one time “Butter Bar” hahaha. I would love to talk to you and visit with you, let us connect via old school land line brother. Semper Fi, Captain Montefusco, aka always your Lieutenant.
Well!!! Why am I only finding this now … terrible! But it made my night!!
You sure haven’t changed and that is AWESOME!! Loved looking at all the pictures of you and the vets! Love what you are doing! I don’t know if you remember, but my father was in the Navy, my uncle killed in Vietnam, and my heritage goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!! That hasn’t changed for me either … I think of you .. and always smile. I think of your John Wayne impression, the two step .. The Americana .. I hope you are doing well. It sure looks like you are! GOD BLESS Monte for what you are doing right now!!
Karen,
Thank you for finding the Gartforvets webpage. Sorry for the late response. We have been busy on the road promoting this great and special cause. We have met some incredible people along the way. Scott is very excited to be going on this journey to raise money for our wonderful veterans. He has been getting ready for this exciting fundraising event for several years now and we are very excited to finally make it happen. It’s great that you and so many others are interested in this fundraiser and it’s also nice to know that you and others have been reaching out and sending information on finding parts for our jeep. We have now secured what we need to complete the jeep build. Keep on checking our website for more exciting news and updates. We too miss the Americana. Scott is truly an American patriot as we all know. Thanks for your interest.
– Captain Scott and Elizabeth Montefusco
Pleased to have met the Captain at the VFW during the Battle of the Beards. I love the campaign that is underway and if you need a band to play for any upcoming events let the rock band, Spirit Machines know and email me
You got it Sergio! Lets us meet again check out Ericksons Antique Power Show Walsburg, Utah June24-26th. Call them tell them you want to do a battle of the bands at the event! Need some classic Rock and Roll there! Thanks for your support. Captain
God bless you on your trip. I’m located in southern Illinois and hope you pass thru my neck of the woods. Good luck and keep up the good work!
Thanks Jason, I will be through the state but up north as I will be going through the jungle in Chicago! Will see that WW2 submarine in the museum, also a aircraft museum. We are looking to do three Willy Jeep Rallies coming across the USA maybe you can tow on into one? What town are you in? Thanks for checking in. Captain.
Hello this is Miles, I had just met this man he is surely who he seems. I think what he is doing to a great thing and I think that you should keep up the great work. I think that you have huge dreams and your a legend. I hope you have fun along the way, God bless. Thank you for your service.
Thank you Miles, it was a pleasure meeting you. I love meeting young people who share a love for our country, history, the hobby of collecting cars. I look forward to seeing you and your family when they bring out their cars to future shows. Thank you for your comments on my page they mean a lot to me. First because you took the time to visit me at the show, second because you visited my site as you said you would. Thank you for your kind words for my service, it was an honor to serve our country in and out of uniform. Thank you for the blessing, I will work hard and have fun along the way. Hope to see you out there this year. Check out the documentary “Horatios Drive on PBS or Amazon it is the story of the route I will follow when I cross the USA Next year in the Jeep! see it here
https://www.amazon.com/Horatios-Drive/dp/B000BITUHA
Best you you my friend, Captain Scott
I stopped at a car show on a whim and Scott introduced himself while I was looking at is Jeep. I see a young blooded full of life guy who stays true to his word and is continuing to serve others out of the good of his heart! I’m looking forward to following his journey, his cross country trip and doing that hike we said we’d do together!
You got that rght Braden, but I too see in you one that does what he says. Strong and young with so much life ahead of you. You can be and do anything you want to because of the freedom and liberty this country provides those that are here. We will climb that mountain or some other. See you before your own cross country fandango. Friends for life my brother, thanks for your support.
Captain Scott
Just met the Cap at the CAL Ranch store in Draper going around with a sweet ride and pickin up parts for a Willy’s Jeep for the road trip, excellent man, can’t wait for the road trip!
Captain
I ran into The “Captain” while working my first shift at Cal Ranch. He is Amazing man with a huge ambitious personality who is very passionate in what he stands for. Great to have people like him still in this country! Semper Fi Brother!
Ohra! Zach you were (your first day is over) what is known as the FNG! Was great meeting you on your first day of work at such a great American rugged store! Everything from antifreeze to guns and ammo! Country music playing and cowboy hats. Cal Ranch is a great store. Thanks for taking the time to visit the site and support my efforts. Your youth and love of our country inspires me my new friend. I’ll see you at future events at the store!!
So proud of what you are doing! You are the ultimate and true Patriot.
Thank You Jeff. Just wait until we come rolling down Rt. 9A on the Hudson coming into NYC, what a day and what a huge mission complete finally event that will be! Talk soon, keep me dialed in.
Your Captain, Scott
Scott,
Excited to follow this amazing adventure! The details you have incorporated into this endeavor speak to your commitment to making this the most authentic patriotic event of its kind!
Camellia Poplarski
Thank you for all your support I’m sure I will see you across many fronts during this campaign. Ohra, God Bless America.
Captain Scott
Lets have no doubt this USMC Captain will be thorough in the planning and execution of this Patriotic show of support, for the nation he so proudly continues to invest in. Choose the route through red and blue, show your American flag for all to see, this M38 tribute of living history. Bet it is really cherried out, frame off restoration and I suspect you just HAd to do it full on, no punches pulled, dang prideful Marines anyhow. Safe journeys, don’t get caught short out there, God Bless America and your mission Sir!
Thank you for the support and your confidence in me to see this through for the Red White and Blue! Back the blue, our military, our veterans and their families. Come see me out there follow me and stay in touch. Thanks you so much, check out the Gart store as another way to help this campaign. Ohra America.
Captain Scott
I met the captain at a car show at uvu and I’ll tell you that he is a great man who has started a great cause to help veterans out. I fully support this charity and want to be apart of it. This is from Auston applegate that has the 2001 Cr 250. LETS DO THAT RACE!!!
Thank you Auston! You got to love young people that do as they say they are going to do. Thanks for checking in Auston, I enjoyed meeting you very much. Yes yes and yes lets do that race. I’m looking at September but maybe we can get a ride in before as well. See if yur Dad will join us in the race. Stay tuned, I will check in with you let you know when and where the race will be. Come out and see me again. Headed to Rat Fink car show in Manti Saturday the June 4th. Check it out perhps October 8th?
http://www.raceusra.com/scheduleresults.html
Ohra Auston, I’ll see you out there before then. Captain Scott
Hey captain it was good to see you down at the rat fink car show. And I’m sorry to hear about your phone that got stolen there really are some crooked people in this world. And sorry I didt get back to you for a while I have a hard time keeping track of emails a better way to get a hold of me is through my cell phone number. (you have it), Auston.
Yes I do Auston, was a fantastic time! Never mind the crooked people, keep moving forward, remain positive, focus on the good in life. Yes was great to see you there. I didn’t get a chance to meet who you were with. The steak dinner at the Roth’s house was great too on Saturday night. I was thinking, I can’t wait to go next year, but you know where I will be…!!!!! Yes on the 63 day road trip from San Francisco to New York City! Hope you can do a few miles with me.
Talk soon, we should do a familiarization ride on dirt bikes so I can see how you ride…make sure you can keep up with this old man hahahaha.
Saddle Up! stay in touch… Captain Scott
I just met Scott. Nonstop continuing to serve. Fantastic guy!
Thank You Nate for your kind words and for visiting my site, please stay in touch. You have my email, my cell phone number and of course you now have this site. Look forward to seeing you at future events and being friends. Lets get together, I sure could use some video help. Did you check out Gartforvets first Youtube video? see it here and turn up the volume:
https://youtu.be/Bi21556m7nI
Thank you again for your support and interest in helping our veterans and first responders.
OHRA, Captain Montefusco
I met the Captain 40 years ago. Steady and consistent. True Patriot. The Gart trip will be a culmination of many of his visions and goals. But not the end of his journey. Im proud to call the Captain friend!
Semper Fi
Capt. That Kaiser-Willys shirt we got at the Jeep rally in Heber is a great conversation starter. Gets conversation going so we can talk about Gart for vets. God willing we will see you in Cheyenne.