Clare. My name is Clare.

He told me how to spell the name, but I didn't listen closely enough. So Clare, if I have that wrong, let me know and I'll fix this.

That's how our conversation started Saturday, May 16, 2015 while I was at a remote broadcast at Jerry's Chevrolet and Corvettes in Beresford, SD. What happened next stopped me in my tracks, maybe because Saturday was Armed Forces Day and maybe it was because Memorial Day is coming up.

I asked Clare if that was his cool Corvette over there and he said, "It sure is. I'm from Garretson, South Dakota. I'm proud to be here at Jerry's. I'm a 20 year veteran of the US Navy. My corvette shows how proud I am of both those who have served and those who are serving our country today."

Turns out Clare has owned 11 different Corvettes. The one that he was driving this particular day was special. Finished off in red, white and blue and dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces. That's what it's all about, I'd like to give back something to them.

Now one of the neat things about the car was printed on the bumper, "Riding with Private Malone."  I asked Clare about that and he said, "Yes, I've met David Ball a couple of different times. He is a personal friend. He's autographed the car under the hood and of course on the dashboard as well."

JD Collins/KIKN via Sprint Sioux Falls
JD Collins/KIKN via Sprint Sioux Falls
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I loved talking with Clare. Here he is, years removed from the military, but still American as can be!  Do you know someone like Clare? If you do, I'd love to hear from you and include their story here! E-mail JD Collins at jdcollins@kikn.com.

For those of you that are not familiar with David Ball or the song "Riding With Private Malone," here you go. Great song. Great story!

 

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