My name is A. C. Ward Sr. I am a soldier currently serving with an infantry division based in Fort Hood, Texas. I have just returned from my second tour of duty in Iraq. I am very much into hot rod cars and trucks. I purchased a universal wiring harness kit from your company approximately 4 years ago for a project vehicle I was building for a close friend. It is a 1969 SS Camaro with a 383 stroker motor and a Vortec D-1 blower with intercooler. Needless to say, the car was crazy fast. The detailed instructions and every possible connector were supplied in the kit and wiring was as easy as it gets. I own a 1969 Chevrolet pickup that I am planning to build for a retirement gift to myself, if time and money allow. My wife and I adopted a disabled girl between my rotations to Iraq, and that keeps both of us and our three other children very busy. Money is extremely tight around our house, as we have two boys (twenty one and eighteen) in college and our other daughter is a senior who wishes to attend college this summer when she graduates from high school. My seventy five year young mother and my uncle moved in with us to help out taking care of our adopted daughter and it makes life a little easier now with their help, but that is two more mouths to feed, so the hot rod-infraction of the truck will have to wait even longer I fear. My middle son Aric purchased a 1975 F250 four wheel drive pick up recently and it has a Painless wiring kit number 10117. We are currently in the process of sorting out the other issues with the truck (engine, powertrain, body, etc) but have absolutely no electrical problems. The vehicle that your company is giving away is magnificent. It is absolutely stunning to look at and I am certain that it is even better in person. My father purchased a 1973 El Camino brand new in 1972 and I always dreamed of owning it. My dad gave me the Elco when I graduated from high school in 1982. I only wish that your company was around then, as the truck had electrical problems that even the dealership could not figure out. With reading the manuals from Chevrolet, and other sources, I patched up the wiring and was able to drive it until my family started growing. I sold the Elco in 1985 to make room for my new son, and always wished for another one. I am a huge fan of the television shows Overhaulin', American Chopper, American Hot Rod, and Extreme Make Over Home Edition.  Extreme Make Over, and Overhaulin' are making dreams come true for people and it makes me feel like part of the build team whenever the vehicle or home is returned to the owner. I only wish to be able to do something like that someday. I have served almost nineteen years in the Army and have been to combat three times now. I am so proud of the men and women who serve our nation, and feel humbled by the fact that so many have given their lives for the very freedoms that we enjoy today. I feel blessed that you have allowed me to send in this essay and may God bless you and your fantastic corporation.

A.C. Ward Staff Sergeant U S Army