Terry Burke drove his 1971 AM General M35A2 from Dearborn, Mich., to attend the Findlay Show.courtesy of Rick Forys
Once again, the Findlay Military Show produced all the vehicles, vendors, and excitement that has made it one of the nation’s premiere MV events. The 2025 “Deuceapalooza” themed-show in Ohio featured 2 1/2-ton trucks of all varieties. This was the fourth year for a theme vehicle, and also the second year of indoor vehicle displays, and MV judging, which both saw more vehicles.
The theme awards for this year were (in order from first): Benjamin Zoldek, who returned with his 1971 AM General M35A2; Ken Hoelscher, showing his Studebaker US6; and Bob Pierce with his Kaiser M35A2. Thirteen vehicles were entered for judging, resulting in 11 Gold awards and two Silver awards. There were six “Motor Pool” entries, five in the “Frame Off” category, and two “Modified” entries.
Besides all the 2-ton goodness, there were lots of other vehicles to look at, some making their first appearance at the show. Certainly the most unique, and the big winner in the judging, came from Dana Smith from Vicksburg, Miss., who was awarded Gold in the Frame Off category, plus Best of Show with his 1943 Willys MT-Tug. Rick Carine, from East Pembroke, N.Y., debuted his 1940 Buick Road Master Series 80, taking a Gold in the Motor Pool category. Burma Jeeps are seldom seen at shows, so it was great to see the 1943 Ford GTB displayed by John Hoelscher from Brooksville, Ohio, who also took a Gold in the Motor Pool class. Then, not really a military vehicle, but very interesting nonetheless was an Allison V-1710, 12-cylinder aircraft engine, found in the Curtiss P-40, Bell P-39 and Lockheed P-38 WWII aircraft among others, displayed by Mark Poley from Rome, Ohio.
The OMP uses this 1972 AM General M109A3 to transport the club’s PX merchandise to shows.courtesy of Rick Forys
As for excitement, The Hollywood Magic pyrotechnic display made its show debut, thrilling the grandstands at least once a day (or night), featuring the epic “wall of fire”, and of course there was the iconic sound of Huey 369, thundering across the fairgrounds, offering rides. For 38 years the Findlay Show has been a destination for all military vehicle-minded people to congregate, shop, and look at trucks. And they’ll do it all again this year, May 14-17, 2026.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the theme of this year’s Findlay Show will commemorate the occasion. The show will feature all the trucks and vendors people have come to expect. Vehicle judging will continue, and the helicopters and pyrotechnic display will return. The Vietnam War Experience Traveling Museum will also be back after a three-year absence.
However, perhaps the biggest news is that admission for this year’s show will be free! Military vehicle fans should mark the calendar and be sure not to miss this once in a lifetime, 250th anniversary super Findlay Show.
Bob Pierce from Findlay, took 3rd place in the theme awards with his Kaiser-Jeep M35A2. Sadly, Bob was one of a handful of members the OMP lost this past year.courtesy of Rick Forys
Dan & Beth Tegtmeier from West Salem, Ohio, got a Gold in the Motor Pool class with their 1971 AM General M35A2.courtesy of Rick Forys
A 1957 Curtis Wright gas-powered M35, built by Studebaker in South Bend, and owned by Kam Kuhl & Tim Rickhiem.courtesy of Rick Forys
A M561 Gama Goat showed by Roy Bissen, and an M578 recovery vehicle owned by John Cheney II were just two of the interesting vehicles on display this year.courtesy of Rick Forys
Rick Carine from East Pembroke, N.Y. drove his Motor Pool Gold winning 1940 Buick Road Master Series 80 through the fairgrounds.courtesy of Rick Forys
The ever-popular M4A3E8 Sherman from the Lima Historical Society thrilled kids young and old.courtesy of Rick Forys
“Who else would be crazy enough to buy it?” asked Aaron Nestich, describing his M977 HEMMET.courtesy of Rick Forys
Angelo and Melody Salvadore from Barre, Mass., returned to Findlay this year with a very nice 1952 Willys M38A1C.courtesy of Rick Forys
The 1968 Kaiser-Jeep M725 Ambulance showed by Dave Burton from Indiana.courtesy of Rick Forys
Mark Quinn drove his 1967 Kaiser-Jeep M715 from Indiana, joining several other Rustbuster club members.courtesy of Rick Forys
This 1971 AM General M35A2 owned by Chad Dunlap from Fort Seneca, Ohio, earned a Gold in the Modified class.courtesy of Rick Forys
John Cheney II displayed his 1945 M26 Pacific recovery vehicle.courtesy of Rick Forys
Cheney’s Dodge XM711 wrecker was originally built in 1963 as an M37B1, then converted to a wrecker in 1970.courtesy of Rick Forys
Ken Hoelscher from Brooksville, Ohio was awarded 2nd place in the theme awards for his Studebaker US6 2 1/2-ton truck.courtesy of Rick Forys
John Hoelscher from Brooksville, Ohio took a Gold in the Motor Pool class with his 1943 Ford GTB. courtesy of Rick Forys
Roy Bissen from Elroy, Wis. brought his M561 Gama Goat.courtesy of Rick Forys
The Hollywood Magic pyrotechnic display thrilled spectators, and will return again for 2026.courtesy of Rick Forys
The Tegtmeier family, Dan, Beth and Ethan from West Salem, Ohio, toured the show with their M274A2 Mule.courtesy of Rick Forys
An Allison V-1710, 12-cylinder aircraft engine found in Curtiss P-40, Bell P-39 or Lockheed P-38 WWII fighters among others, displayed by Mark Poley from Rome, Ohio.courtesy of Rick Forys
As always, the Findlay Show attracted a wide variety of vehicles.courtesy of Rick Forys
Doug Curtis drove a 1944 Mark II Universal Carrier owned by Don Shaffer and housed at the Liberty Aviation Museum. courtesy of Rick Forys
Ben Bryant from Milford, Ohio displayed a nicely dressed 1948 Willys CJ2A.courtesy of Rick Forys
The big winner in the judging was Dana Smith from Vicksburg, Miss., who was awarded Gold in the Frame Off category, plus Best of Show with his 1943 Willys MT-Tug.courtesy of Rick Forys
Benjamin Zoldek from Greenville, Ohio, won 1st place in the theme awards, and a Gold in the Modified class with his 1971 AM General M35A2.courtesy of Rick Forys
It was exciting to see this rare 1953 Studebaker M59 gas powered 2.5-ton dump truck, displayed by Tim Rickhiem & Kam Kuhl.courtesy of Rick Forys
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