This update is a big one!!! The RaiderMobile has now been back with the Marines at the squadron in Miramar for a full year. We are currently in the planning for its return to the profound history of having the Lincoln on display during the annual air show. In years past there are many stories of how the iconic Lincoln was included by the command on MCAS El Toro, and now for the first time since April of 1997 the RaiderMobile will be on display at the 2022 MCAS Airshow in September.
After the RaiderMobile was again returned to the squadron in July the command has been enjoying having the Lincoln back in its “fleet”. The Lincoln gets driven a few times a month by Marines within the command for various events, lunch outings, or even to meetings with the MAG and or base Commanding Officers by LtCol Blejski. When not in use it is proudly on display in the parking lot out front the command or covered up to keep the dust off her from the many construction projects going on near the squadron.
In late October 2021 The RaiderMobile looking spooky, was on display by the squadron during the MCAS Miramar Trunk or Treat. This event was a fun-filled afternoon and the Lincoln was “dressed up” with cobwebs and spooky memorabilia, a few skeletons in her trunk, graveyard headstones posted to her windows and was even voted best in show while the Marines handed out candy to the kids and dads got to check out the Lincoln on display.
In November 2021 the Raidermobile went viral!! One of the VMGR-352 Marines was inspired to create a mockup of the Lincoln within a video game called Forza Motorsports. This unique recreation of the Lincoln added a new era of sharing its history within the gaming community.
During the past year The foundation has continued to do a few fundraising efforts. There is an official RaiderMobile Foundation Challenge Coin available for purchase and we also did a VMGR Plaque Raffle in February 2022 that was won by Johnathan Keene. Funds collected from both have gone towards the upkeep of the Lincoln.
In late April 2022 the Squadron continued to share the legacy of the Raidermobile. Driven over to North Island by a few of the squadron Marines, and the Raidermobile was put on display at the Touch-A-Truck & Car Show. This was the first time the Lincoln was driven off base by the Marines and we were proud to see this type of use by the command. It was safely returned to the squadron after many of families enjoyed taking photos and getting the opportunity to sit in and look over the iconic beauty on display.
In June 2022 the Raidermobile was looking great as GySgt Akers decided to do a photo shoot with his 1993 Harley Davidson Springer Softail. Two classic beauties enjoying the southern California background made for some great photos. Also that same month the Raider spouses included the Raidermobile while bringing back an old Raider tradition known as Flight Suit Formal. We loved to see the Lincoln and its legacy joining in on the fun had that evening.
Please continue to follow along with our progress by visiting our website at theraidermobile.com or our Facebook page at facebook.com/theraidermobilefoundation.
