I'm Leaving...

[NXcoupe]

I have always said that I support our troops and believe in the causes that our military are currently persuing, and now I have an opportunity to put my money where my mouth is you could say.
I am leaving tomorrow for Afghanistan. I will be attached to the Army as a wheeled vehicle technician, working on the HumV's and other 'wheeled' vehicles,(meaning no tanks).
In this uncertain economy, having a job will have a dual benefit. One, it will ensure that my business makes it through the tough times as I will be able to help it through and I won't be a burden financially to the business at the same time.
Secondly, it will allow me to rapidly finish the building and parking lot to the level that I want it to be. It will also allow me to ensure that my projects are finished up around the shop.
Lastly, the business is still going strong, I leave it in the capable hands of Ben Hamilton-front end manager and parts sales, Matt Schoettenger-Shop manager and engine builder, and Mike Ireland, tech and dyno operator. Ben and John will be able to tune in my stead and I will be looking over tunes and offering any insight I can. Ben will also be heading off to SCT high performance and tuning school later this month.
Please support me in my endeavors by continuing to frequent my business. Your patronage is greatly appreciated and I do look forward to seeing everyone on my first leave which will be sometime in July. I will announce more once I am in country and get my bearings.
Matt Johnson will be piloting my Real Street car this year, as I don't want to see it sit for yet another year or so. I feel he is very capable and you should look for good things to come from our racing program..
I will miss everyone terribly, especially my Fiance' and my daughter. It is with a heavy heart that I made this decision, but I believe it is the best for me in the long run, but difficult in the short run.

I am currently in Ft Worth Texas, and will be leaving for UAE in the early afternoon Friday.

Peace.

[Waffles]

We'll miss ya Mike. Be safe brother. Still the only responses I got from mine were in Iraq. Just not sure, giving it some thought.

[8NO4CYL]

Hang in there and return safe. :angel:

[juiced347]

be safe and return in one piece with no holes.

[DeckerEnt]

Wow. You are doing a great service for our country. Thank You!! Post up when you get "in country".
Keith

[Greg Seibert]

Do us proud Mike.
You're in our thoughts!:bigthumb
Semper Fi!

[junk89lx]

Good luck,be safe & god be with ya!

[04 Venom]

I admire you for as you put it, "putting your money where your mouth". Be well.

[Black Horse]

Thank you for your service! Be safe and come back!

[93hulk]

Good luck and be safe Mike.:)

[plated]

damn mike never expected that,but then again the kind of guy you are i do expect it;) god bless you over there brother

[mustang8998]

Stay safe over there Mike!

And Thank You!

[k062693w]

Be Safe Mike !!!!!! Thoughts and Prayers for you !!!!

[Hatchback kid]

Good luck, be safe

[93snake]

God bless you and be safe over there!!

[Carl]

Mike, be safe!! Let me know where you are going over there, as I was in Bagram last year. Also, get us your address, SBZ loves their deployed guys, trust me I know!

[firestang70]

Get back soon and safe brother.

['92Stang]

Good luck, and thanks for doing your part:bigthumb If you need anything let us know, I still have some hook ups over their;)....Semper Fi!!

[Pops Fun]

Thanks

[Silver Bullet]

Good luck and Be SAFE!

[kennebellcobra]

Good luck and be safe! Thanks

[ibstrokin]

Good luck and stay safe.

[Rick93coupe]

No shit? You never mentioned anything the other night. My uncle just got over there a few weeks ago too. Be safe and update us when you can!

[praterjack]

Thanks a bunch for being of service to the country!!

[95turbocharged]

Good luck and be safe!!!

[347sc]

Good luck Mike! Be safe and if you can PM me some info on the job. I work on the 6.5's that the Humvees have in them

[Holly]

I've been sad since you told me about this. :( But I completely support you, and think that's just the kind of guy you are, always willing to help.

Tell Donna to call me if you she needs somebody to talk to, or wants to have dinner.

And you better write! Take care, and be safe Mike. We'll be patiently waiting for you to come back.

[bobtsgt]

Holy hell. Hang tough Mike. Stay safe and safe return.

[69Cobra]

Damn Mike! I would really like to talk to you about the in's and out's of some things. Be safe my man! Talk to ya soon!

[92coupe]

Be safe return home safe, Thanks for your service!

[stang5slow]

good luck bro, i served 16 months over there, not the greatest, but as always, be safe, good luck, and try to drive in the middle of the roads

[Blackpony]

Good luck and stay safe

[2Kblacksleeper]

Good luck and stay safe. You will be in all of our prayers.

John

[Gearhead]

Good Luck to you and stay safe !!!

[PonymanfiveO]

We will miss you a ton mike! Thanks for what you are doing for our country. You are very brave!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pilot your race car, I hope to make you proud. I'm in Fla. Right now checking out the competition. Looks like they are gonna be fast this year!

Ill pray for ya every day!

[Stangman]

:rockon: We'll Miss you over here Mike! Do us proud, be safe and come back safe!

You sure know how to make the Mustangs run good here in the states, I'm damn sure you'll make the HumVee's last and even maybe just a little faster!! :bigthumb

God bless and God speed!

[sean]

Thank you. Just another reason why we have the best people around.

[Kwik92GT]

Good luck over there Mike. Keep your MF'n head down and get back safe. :thanks:

[dedpedal]

Thanks Mike! We'll all mis you. Be safe!

[02mingryGT]

Good luck and stay safe!

[MADMOD]

Good Luck Mike and come home safe! Thanks for what you are doing for our Country:thanks:

[VuNiT3]

Have a safe trip Mike! Good luck over there.

[NXcoupe]

Thanks everyone! I am really moved by the sentiments posted up. I really do have a great group of friends. I appreciate everything said in here, I am proud to help out the men and women over there fighting.
I set up yahoo messenger last night. My handle is mustangmike347, catchy huh? I am sooooo creative. I leave for UAE, Dubai today at 6 or so. I'll be on the damn plane for 12 hours or so. I am excited as well as anxious. I have already started counting the days till I get to come back home. And all my homies better come to my party in July. So clear your calenders now! Gtg. ttyl. Thanks!

[mustang3091]

Be safe Mike and call me up when you get back

[Stangman]

:rockon: Big Party at Dayton Performance in July? I'm down for sure!

[DeckerEnt]

Count me in on that party!!!! Thank You Mike. Get back here ASAFP!
Keith

[Steves LX]

Good luck Mike!! You be safe over there and dont be starting any shit with anybody!!!

[Katmandu]

Damn Mike!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Keep your HEAD DOWN and stay safe! Let me know if there's anything you need while you're over there.

Katmandu@woh.rr.com

[Jrcmutang]

Be safe, best of luck

[mustangboy]

Good Luck Michael and come home safe!!

[mach_u]

All the best. Be safe and get back soon! :bigthumb

[rmracing]

Good luck Mike ! Maybe you can make the army vehicles a little faster while your at it .

[NXcoupe]

I made it to Dubai, 14 hours of hell wedged in a coach seat. Internet here is very expensive and nearly everything is blocked like messenger calling. I can't call my g/f to tell her I made it and hear her voice. That doesn't sound like that big of a deal, but when you are this far away, it is. Leaving for Kabul on Monday, have to leave for the airport at 4am. Hope there aren't any chickens or goats on the plane. haha.
I will be at the base by 11 am Monday, our time which is over 9 hours ahead.

[FMGT1999]

Mike your still a real hero in my book, please be safe and I too will miss you bro. If you get internet access over there keep us up to date on whats going on and when you'll be back home.

Kyle

[wild87stang]

Good luck and be safe Mike!!

[PaulFiveOh]

What you are doing is really admirable. Godspeed.

[ruinms]

we havn't ever met but i have talked to you once on the phone. i have to say good luck and i hope these guys keep the shop running good as i am sure they will.

[beefcake]

me and my family thank you

[tmotorsports]

Be safe your in our prayers

[bestracing]

Do you're best to get home safe Mike. You're an inspiration to us all!!

[05yellowgt]

I just got done talking with Mike. He has safely made it to Bagram Air Base and will be moving to a FOB (Forward Operating Base) soon. He has very limited access to the internet right now till he gets his laptop setup to use the wireless on the base.