STANG Magazine Special Edition Issue: Military FREEDOM 2026
Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
CAR OWNER
NORMAN CLEGHORN PRIDE - 1967 MUSTANG
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
THE ONE I HAD BEEN SEARCHING FOR...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
Growing up in 1983, just before turning sixteen, my love for Mustangs began with my older brother’s 1973 Mach 1. From that moment on, I was hooked. My very first car was a green 1967 Mustang, and ever since then, the ’67 body style became my favorite of all time. I briefly owned a 1995 Mustang, but it never captured the same feeling or soul as the classics. For more than thirty years, I searched for the right car - specifically a black 1967 convertible - but never found one that truly felt like mine. After deciding to retire in 2025, I renewed my search with purpose and finally discovered my dream car just outside Orlando, Florida. The previous owners had transformed it into a stunning GTA tribute, combining the talents of several craftsmen. Under the hood sits a Ford Racing 302 stroked to 347 cubic inches with aluminum heads, forged internals, a hydraulic roller cam, Holley carburetor, electronic ignition, ceramic-coated headers, Magnaflow exhaust, upgraded C-4 transmission, and 3.55 Richmond gears. The body was refinished in deep Mercedes Black with over 72 hours of wet sanding for a mirror-like finish, while the interior received fully restored seats, carpet, gauges, seals, and a new convertible top.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
the 1980s and 1990s, those moments behind the wheel mean more than just owning a classic car. I come from a long line of family members who served our country, and having the freedom to drive this beautiful 1967 Mustang through the mountains of Tennessee is something I truly cherish. For me, this car represents more than horsepower and chrome - it represents lifelong dreams, freedom, family tradition, and pride in the journey that brought me here.
The moment I saw the car in person, I knew it was the one I had been searching for my entire life. Since then, the Mustang has carried me through the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, to countless car shows, and even a few VFW parades.
As a former Army paratrooper who proudly served during
PHOTO CRED: NORMAN CLEGHORN
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
CHARLES & LESLIE JINKINS
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
FREEDOM - 2015 MUSTANG GT
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE...
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Driving a Mustang is the most unique, adrenaline rush anybody could experience. Our children have seen our strong passion for Mustangs and that has influenced them to have the same compassion. They had that same compassion when they enlisted in the US Army. Our Son was in Afghanistan, during Operation Endure Freedom, Global War on Terrorism, and our daughter was in South Korea. Unfortunately, our son, was diagnosed with PTSD while in Afghanistan. He succumbed from PTSD and paid the ultimate price in 2015.
We have compassion for our men and women in the military, especially ones who are dealing with PTSD. Our 2015 Mustang has a custom design for this special reason. We named our Mustang “Freedom” for our country and the men and women fighting for it. Remember you are not alone and please ask for help. Thank you for your service.
PHOTO CRED:
CHARLES & LESLIE JINKINS
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
ANTHONY CRUZ
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
MAD MAX - 2006 MUSTANG GT
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
I TOOK DELIVERY ON MY BIRTHDAY...
By late 2003, I had been hunting for a classic Mustang for several years. Specifically, anything from 1964 to 1967 as these Mustangs were, and still are, my favorite models. I remember spending countless hours scouring websites and hoping to find a gem.
All of that changed in 2003, when Ford introduced, at the North American International Auto Show, what would become a new Mustang featuring a 1964 –1970 retro look. It was not until July 2006 when I found what I was looking for at a Ford dealer in Virginia - a triple black convertible… or a black Mustang, with a black top, and black interior. Once I saw it, I had to have it and so I took delivery on my birthday in 2006!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
CHUCK DEKETT
When I drove this beauty home, I already had many modifications in mind, and come to think of it, I have been modding my car ever since 2006, and I do not see an end in sight!
Since 2006, “Mad Max”… my Mustang’s nickname, has traveled with me when the US Army sent me from Virginia to Washington State to Virginia. Then back again to Washington State and once again back to Virginia. Yep, the US Army and it’s sense of humor when assigning me the West Coast then East Coast multiple times is hilarious. Since then, I have participated in hundreds of cars shows, but most importantly met many, many Mustang enthusiasts along the way.
PHOTO CRED:
RICK MITCHELL
ANTHONY CRUZ
CAR OWNER
ALVARADO
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO FRED
WINGS OF PRIDE - 2022 SHELBY SUPER SNAKE
BUILT BY SHELBY AMERICAN...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
My name is Fred Alvarado and I am an Air Force veteran having served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. I own a 2022 Shelby Super Snake Wide Body Convertible Speedster Edition.
This 2022 Shelby Super Snake is a very special 825 hp 1-of-1 Convertible Wide Body Speedster Edition. This Super Snake, otherwise known as “Wings of Pride™,” was built by Shelby American Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada specifically for the KC Aviation STEM Inc. charity sweepstakes, which raises funds for charities focused on children. I was the winner of the sweepstakes with the drawing being held on December 8, 2023.
Carroll Shelby was well known for his passion for fast cars and fast airplanes, having flown both the B-25 and B-29 bombers during WWII. Equally strong was his compassion for children, especially those with health problems. The “Wings of Pride™” Shelby honors Carroll Shelby’s entire legacy and is an incredibly fast and powerful car.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
San Antonio, TX on November 16, 2025. The amount of detail owner Edward Gutierrez has given to this project is absolutely incredible and a story in itself.
Edward is now in the final stages of clear coating Wings of Pride and it should be ready for showing again within two weeks.
“Wings of Pride™” honors the United States Air Force Thunderbird Demonstration Team so, her graphics are similar to the paint scheme on the F-16 Thunderbird aircraft. One important aspect - this vehicle came from Shelby American in Las Vegas, NV with the F-16 Thunderbird graphics already on the vehicle. The issue I had was the graphics were all 3M vinyl tape. Every time I detailed the car, more of the tape would start to de-laminate, especially the stars. So, I made the decision to have all the vinyl tape removed and PAINT all the graphics back on the car. After a very extensive search, I found a local artist/painter willing to take on this very complex project. The car was dropped off to Dr. Flow Creations in
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: MIKE SCHULER
CAR OWNER
THOMAS FISCHER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
MY FOX - 1992 MUSTANG
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
FINISHED...
My name is Thomas Fischer and I bought this car in 2009 while I was assigned with the Coast Guard. I trailered this car through many states during reassignment. I finally finished it around 2015. However, are they ever really finished? I have been a huge Foxbody fan since my high school years.
The car started off with a 302 and T5. From there, I parted everything out and began building a 351W stroked to a 418W, Tremec TKO600, and a Torqstorm supercharger. The car makes 700 HP and is a blast to cruise.
PHOTO CRED: THOMAS FISCHER ARE THEY EVER REALLY
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
SETH MOOREFIELD
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
SCARLET - 2008 SHELBY GT500
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
THEY REPRESENT A CONNECTION...
Mustangs have been a part of my life since before I was even born. My grandfather, an officer in the Navy, owned a 1968 Mustang hardtop in an unappealing (to modern eyes) Seafoam Green. Her name was Susie, and he loved her. Although he sent her off to college with my uncle long before I was born, he would still talk about her from time to time. Often enough that I had clear visions of this mythical car in my mind. As I grew up and became a car enthusiast, the memory of my grandfather’s Mustang stories stayed with me. But I never had the opportunity to own one until I joined the Navy myself - a choice made in part to honor my grandfather and his service.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
I bought my first Mustang, also my first real muscle car, while at my first duty station. It felt like a fitting celebration, a dual way to honor the man who inspired me in so many ways. That Mustang - a 2008 GT in bright, Grabber Orange - became my pride and joy. Named Eleanor (of course), and outfitted with the full “Eleanor” kit, she started me off on a journey that would include, so far, four Mustangs and help me meet my wife. After Eleanor, I have owned four more beautiful Mustangs: Mia, a 2004 Mach 1, Susie, a 1968 hardtop (not in Seafoam Green), and finally, Scarlet, a 2008 Shelby GT500. For me, Mustangs are not just a powerful car. They represent a connection to my grandfather, to my own service, and a sense of freedom as I drive down the open road, windows open, and throaty exhaust sounding in my ears.
PHOTO CRED: SETH MOOREFIELD
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
JULIO RODRIGUEZ
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
DNA - 1964 1/2, 2015, AND 2018 MUSTANGS
ETCHED IN OUR DNA...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
From the time I was a young kid, my Dad dragged me out to help him in the garage. I always wanted to be more like him, so helping him work on cars was easy. We shared several passions as I grew older. First, the love for cars, especially the first Mustang he ever bought, a new 1971 Mach 1.
My brothers and I were instantly addicted. Second, was the love for this Country. My Dad was a 21 year Army Veteran, with two tours in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star for Valor.
I, too, have a passion for Mustangs and this Country. I am a Desert Storm (Marine Corps) Veteran and have owned a few Mustangs throughout the years. I bought my very first Mustang right before I separated from the Marine Corps, after returning from the Middle East. It was a 64 1/2 Coupe, automatic, paired with a 289 high performance. It was dark red in color. This car is still in our family.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
passion became our passion. We have all said at one time or another, that it sometimes feels like Dad is in the car with us.
To our family the Mustang is and will always be etched in our DNA.
PHOTO CRED:
JULIO RODRIGUEZ
Next, was a new 2007 Mustang, in Vista Blue. It was an automatic, V6. This car is also still in the family. My next Mustang was a new 2015 base model GT, 6 speed manual in Ruby Red Metallic.
And lastly, my current Mustang is a 2018 Premium GT, 6 speed manual in Magnetic Grey Metallic.
My Dad passed away a few years ago, and even in his later years he had a Mustang in his garage. He owned a 2011 Premium GT, that is now owned by one of my brothers. My Dad’s
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
JEFF HERNANDEZ
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
SNKBTN - 2017 SHELBY GT350
MILES OF SMILES...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
My passion for Mustangs began at an early age. My Dad worked for Ford during the summers when he was attending college and eventually bought himself a first-gen Mustang coupe. He traded it for a Torino from his brother, but always wanted another Mustang, so he passed that desire onto me. In 2006, I finally realized that dream when I purchased a Candy/Brandy 65 Coupe I nicknamed “Boxer 13” in honor of my Dad who had passed away in 1999.
That passion has evolved into a stable of four Mustangs - the 65 Coupe, an 03 Roush Stage 2, an 03 Cobra Terminator, and a 17 Shelby GT350. For me, being part of the Mustang and Shelby community has led to many great adventures including nine Hot Rod Power Tours, seven Team Shelby Bashes, and countless miles of smiles. Like Carroll Shelby said, “These cars are meant to be driven, so enjoy the hell out of all of it.” That’s exactly what I’ve been doing since 2006 and will continue to do.
PHOTO CRED:
JEFF HERNANDEZ
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
CINDY HARTWELL
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
FREEDOM - 2022 MUSTANG
MEMBERS
OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
HER NAME IS FREEDOM...
My mustang is a 2022 Grabber Blue Metallic and a former rental. When I purchased her in 2024 she was completely stock. Before that, my last Mustang was in the 80s while stationed in Germany.
Her name is Freedom...
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
My owner served in the Army. I wear an eagle on my hood to represent all branches of the military.My wings are the red and white stripes of the American flag. My body is blue and white stars. My talons tear through the flames to symbolize the struggles our military must go through every day to protect our freedom and all those who call this great nation home. The wrap on my trunk comes from a painting my owner painted a few years ago that has a soldier standing and one kneeling.
PHOTO CRED: CINDY HARTWELL
CHUCK DEKETT
JAY
CAR OWNER
MUSTANG
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
OLD GLORY - 2021 MUSTANG GT
OLD WOUNDS THAT NEVER FULLY HEAL...
Hi I’m Jay and this is the story of my healing journey:
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
After being medically discharged and retiring from the Army in 2014, I bought my first Mustang. It was a 2006 turbo charged Mustang GT “Eleanor” with over 140,000 on the clock that I drove everywhere. I spent countless hours behind a wrench, fixing, modifying, and perfecting this machine. It was my freedom ride, anytime I was struggling with anxiety from PTSD, I got in that 530 hp beast and just drove fast until I smiled again. This began my healing journey and the inspiration for “Project Old Glory.”
Old Glory is a 500 whp NA military themed Mustang GT, that represents eleven national and local military charities supporting Veteran PTSD and Suicide Awareness.
As a United States Army combat veteran and Mustang enthusiast, I wanted to do something to create awareness for military veterans struggling with PTSD and suicidal ideations.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Lighting, C Co Mustangs, Xtreme Auto Lighting, Exhaust Addicts, Ultimate Headers, Premium Wheel Repair, Mags Upholstery. Instagram: @projectoldglory. Facebook: Project Old Glory.
Old Glory is wrapped to look like a combination of vintage and modern fighter planes. The vehicle is distressed to represent the old wounds that never fully heal from fighting in battle.
Old Glory proudly supports the following charities: VetBuds, Warrior Refuge, Mission22, K9’s for Warriors, The Taylor Foundation, The Purple Heart Foundation, Stop Soldier Suicide, Paws for Life K9 Rescue, Cherokee Homeless Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project and Tunnels to Towers.
Old Glory is fully sponsored by the following: MC Wraps and Signs, Northway Performance, Seen and Heard Emergency
PHOTO CRED: KW DESIGNS
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
BUTCH GILLINGER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
RUBY
- 2007 SHELBY GT500
EVERY FORD MAN’S DREAM...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
The Mustang has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. My father, grandfather, and two uncles all retired from a Ford plant in Ohio, and my father’s only new car was a 1965 Mustang coupe. My grandfather, who worked as a painter at Ford and repaired wrecked cars on the side, helped me paint my first car, a Candy Apple Red 1968 Fastback. While working on it, he often talked about building a Shelby one day because he believed it was every Ford man’s dream car. In 2023, we were lucky enough to find our 2007 Shelby GT500 with only 2,000 miles on it, and I can only imagine how proud he would be knowing we now own one in showroom condition. We named her “Ruby,” and she has truly become part of our family.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
As a retired disabled Army veteran, I especially enjoy participating in veteran and military-themed car shows and supporting causes that benefit veterans and their families. Ruby has won multiple awards, including Best in Show and Best in Class, and we love taking her to shows across the country to meet fellow enthusiasts who share the same passion for Mustangs and classic muscle cars. One of our favorite memories was meeting Gary Patterson at Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, where he complimented Ruby and signed the car next to an original signature from Carroll Shelby. Although we have been offered more than we paid for her, we never plan to let this beauty leave our family.
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO CRED: BUTCH GILLINGER
CAR OWNER
JOSH & ASHLEY GEBHARD
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PATRIOT - 2020 SHELBY GT500
THE LIFE WE GET TO ENJOY SIDE BY SIDE...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
Twenty-seven years ago, our story started at a car wash with two people who shared the same love for cars, music, and the kind of conversations that make hours feel like minutes. Back then, we could only dream about the life we wanted to build together. Years later, after being a stay-at-home mom and eventually taking the leap to start my own company, I was blessed with the opportunity to surprise my husband with the car he had always dreamed about, a stunning 2020 Shelby GT500. We purchased this beauty in 2025, and from the moment we brought it home, it became more than just a car to us. The bold blue paint with white stripes already carried such an iconic presence, but we wanted it to reflect who we are together, so we added touches of red throughout the build to create the perfect patriotic red, white, and blue theme that feels uniquely ours. From the factory, the GT500 comes with an incredible 760 horsepower, but after our upgrades, we’re now sitting right around 840 horsepower, making this dream car even more thrilling every time we take it out on the road.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
mountains with music playing, windows down, and endless conversations that remind us why we fell in love in the first place. One of our favorite adventures was taking the Shelby through Tail of the Dragon, carving through every curve together. For us, this GT500 is more than horsepower and upgrades... it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come, the dreams we continue to build together, and the life we get to enjoy side by side.
CRED: JOSH & ASHLEY GEBHARD
What makes this Shelby even more special are the personal touches and memories woven into every detail. I custom-designed the wheel center caps and the Shelby snake emblem with an American flag theme, turning the car into something deeply personal instead of just another GT500. Together, we’ve continued transforming it with upgrades including a JLT intake, billet caps, upgraded tanks and lines, a rear seat delete kit, and a bold red roll cage that perfectly ties the entire build together. One of my favorite pieces is the custom steering wheel I designed myself and had brought to life by Stang Supplies. Over the past year, this car has carried us through unforgettable moments and long drives through the
CHUCK DEKETT
PHOTO
CAR OWNER
JAVIER RIVERA COMING HOME - 2011 MUSTANG GT/CS
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
THE STORIES THEY CARRY...
Some cars are bought. Some are built. And some become family. For me, my 2011 Mustang GT/CS is more than a car - it represents family, military service, sacrifice, and a legacy passed from one Soldier to another.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
My father, William Rivera-Calero, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (SFC), purchased the car brand new in 2011. A proud Soldier and Mustang enthusiast, he became the original owner of what would eventually become far more than just a weekend cruiser. For my father, the Mustang represented something earned. After decades of service in the U.S. Army, sacrifice, deployments, and commitment to family, the 2011 Mustang GT/CS became a reward - a symbol of hard work and perseverance.
Growing up, I admired the car for all the reasons any enthusiast would. The California Special styling, aggressive stance, and unmistakable V8 sound left an impression. But as the years passed, the Mustang came to mean something more. It represented my father’s story. And eventually, part of mine. Following in his footsteps, I also chose to serve in the United States Army. Today, I proudly serve as a Chief Warrant Officer 3, currently preparing for retirement after years of service. In 2019, I deployed to Afghanistan with the 398th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion under the 1st Infantry Division’s Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade. As any Soldier knows, deployment has a way of sharpening your perspective. Time away makes you appreciate home differently and reminds you what matters most: family, purpose, and the people waiting for your return.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
home to find a Mustang waiting in the driveway. For us, the commercial carried meaning beyond the car itself. It represented pride, sacrifice, and the quiet understanding shared among military families. But our story would unfold differently.
When I returned home from Afghanistan in 2020, my father handed me the keys to his 2011 Mustang GT/CS. Not a new Mustang. His Mustang. The same one he purchased brand new nearly a decade earlier. The same Mustang I had admired for years. In that moment, it felt like far more than receiving a vehicle. It felt like a passing of the torch - from one Soldier to another, from father to son. The most meaningful Mustangs are not defined by modifications or horsepower. Their greatest value comes from the stories they carry. Ford called it “Coming Home.” For us, coming home looked a little different... a legacy still being driven forward.
PHOTO CRED: BRIAN URBINA
During that time, one memory my father and I often reflected on was Ford’s Mustang commercial, “Coming Home.” Many Mustang enthusiasts remember the ad - a Soldier returning
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
ANGELICA DAVINCI
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PRODUCER - MODEL - ARTISAN
EMAIL: angelicdivinci@gmail.com
YOUTUBE: Angelic DaVinci
INSTAGRAM: @Angelic_divinci
MEMBERS
OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR...
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
Angelica DaVinci has old Hollywood glamour. She is a car show model while also being a Traditional & Digital Artist, Videographer, and Editor of Video and Photography. She models at outdoor car shows from Spring to Autumn for a lot of charity events that advocate for the Military, Police, and Firefighters. She creates music videos of every car show she attends that are posted up on her YouTube Channel “Angelica DaVinci”. You can also follow her on Instagram. In her digital artwork, she creates full new environments for owners of their vehicles without AI. She worked with STANG Magazine prior as she created a calendar for America’s Warriors Care Package Project. All the proceeds went towards the charity to make sure the deployed military got their care packages. She keeps all her modeling classy and family oriented. Aside from her enthusiasm for Muscle car culture, she loves the older styles including Panther De Ville and Roadsters.
She was the videographer for the “The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall” For Babylon Vault Company and created a four hour long documentary in honor and remembrance of those who served many treacherous years without a welcome
home. You are not forgotten. She volunteers for Wreaths Across America when she can.
Her values align with traditional conservative roots of America and the American Dream. God. Family. Country.
