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Car Dealer Honors Veterans

A new museum exhibit opens this morning in Johnston, honoring veterans of the Vietnam War. It was financed by an appreciative Iowan who was unable to serve because of football injuries. Iowa Public Radio’s Rick Fredericksen reports.

Gene Gabus auctioned off his family’s antique cars in donating $250,000 for the Gold Star Military Museum’s Vietnam War display. Upset by the disrespect shown to returning veterans, Gabus says the exhibit is meant as a tribute.

“I would hope they could reflect back on the time they served there and hopefully since we’re honoring them that they realize now that there is something to honor them.”

The Vietnam display includes a Huey helicopter and a bamboo-jungle diorama. The Camp Dodge museum is now fundraising for a new World War One exhibit. I’m Rick Fredericksen, Iowa Public Radio News.