What an incredible success this was. We had more then a dozen Marines pitching in with washing, spraying, and drying cars as well as holding and waving signs. A continuous flow of people came by placing their donations on the table, giving whatever they could. Some with stories, some with tears, some relaying their own experiences. One gentleman talked about the son he lost in Iraq, wanting to contribute in any way he could. Another woman spoke of her husband who was a Marine officer, saying how she respected and believed in Johnny. A man, a veteran of another war also supported Johnny, knowing the reality of what war was and what Johnny had faced.

The Marines worked tirelessly as the hot sun beat down upon their bare backs, scrubbing and splashing and conversing to all who wanted to talk. Accepting words of encouragement and phrases of gratitude for the Marines bravery and sacrifices they made to protect and serve the land and people we all love.

Johnny worked washing cars as well as running from here to there shaking people’s hands and chatting with all his ‘fans’. Some of the Marines stood on the busy street corners waving car wash signs along with large American flags. Cars would drive by and wave, honk and throw donations out their car windows to the young Marines. One woman came by to get her car washed saying she had to stop because the Marines were yelling so loud.

One young Marine came back from his sign-waving mission dumping his helmet onto the table spilling all the many crumpled bills and coins along with ‘Iraq dirt’. He hadn’t cleaned out his helmet from the last deployment.                                                          Wow, that bought tears to my eyes. Bless you and thank you young Marines; you are all true heroes and friends of Johnny’s forever!

-Dorothy Winnick (and the Whole Winnick Family)