Alex Anthony Viola was a true car enthusiast as well as a brave and valued member of the U.S. Army Special Forces. The 29-year-old Staff Sgt. was overseas in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan in Nov. 2013 when he was fatally injured by the detonation of an improvised explosive device.
Prior to this tragic event, Alex had spent many happy weekends working alongside his father, Frank, on their respective hot rods – a ’68 Chevelle for Alex, and a ’69 Chevelle and ’36 Ford for Frank. In memory of his son and those like him, who sacrificed their lives or health in military service, Frank created the SSG Alex Viola Foundation. In 2015 the foundation hosted the 1st Annual SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show. All proceeds went to the Green Beret Foundation and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
The show will run again this year on Nov. 5 at Keller Town Hall in Keller, TX, from noon to 5pm (with registration starting at 10am). Last year’s event was extremely well-attended despite cold weather; members of the Special Forces Green Berets showed up to honor their fallen comrade and also served as honorary judges. The event raised $20,000 for veteran’s charities.
Don’t miss this very special event, which promises to be even bigger and better-attended this year! It’s a great chance to see amazing vehicles and honor the brave people who serve and have served in the U.S. armed forces.
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