Fueled By The Fallen: Exclusive One on One Interview with Kevyn Major Howard
SymbolArts was contacted by Kevyn Major Howard, “Rafterman” from the film Full Metal Jacket, after he came across our 9-11 Ten-Year Commemorative artworks online. Since then, we have collaborated our efforts with Fueled by the Fallen, a non-profit founded by Mr. Howard, to tell the stories of 9-11.
SA – What inspired you to start Fueled by the Fallen?
KMH – In watching the nightly news, we would learn that 12 died this day, 2 the day before, and 5 even the day before in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict. We all, sad in our own ways, could recognize the name of that fallen hero for four or five seconds on our TV screen. The next morning I tried to remember the name of one of the heroes that died for my personal freedom and I couldn’t do it. I felt quite ashamed, living in this great nation where others are dying for our freedom, that we don’t give more of a tribute. That’s how Fueled by the Fallen came to life, to commemorate, pay honor and respect, and teach the children of tomorrow that will inherit this great land what the cost of freedom has been and how lucky and gracious we should all be today.
SA – How did you come across the SymbolArts 9-11 Ten Year Commemorative Artwork?
KMH – I came across the Google images of SymbolArts. The artwork tells the 9-11 story brilliantly for the 9/11 Angel Crusiers.
SA - Why the “9/11 Angel Cruisers”?
KMH – The 9/11 Angel Cruisers consists of five Chevy Camaros, each one describing their specific tragedy on that particular day 10 years ago. The first car is the 9-11 first responders at Ground Zero, inscribed with the names of the police and fire responders who sacrificed their lives to save others. The second represents the victims from the Pentagon and Flight 77. The third car is for the flight victims from all four flights that were terrorized, and the other two remaining cars are for the 2600+ that lost their lives in the Twin Towers.
SA – Of all vehicles, why did you choose the Chevrolet Camaro?
KMH – The Camaro is a very stealth automobile in its fashion and design. I love that Chevy has been the “American Apple Pie”; it is what our country is built on. I am hoping that Chevrolet will pick up the phone and help Fueled by the Fallen by giving back to the American Heroes.
SA – What are your plans for this September 11?
KMH – The 9/11 Angel Cruisers are about to leave LA on a national cruiser and will arrive in Washington, D.C. Some of the anticipated itinerary: Arlington National Cemetery, WestPoint, the Pentagon, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, USS Intrepid, and the USS Constitution. We’re hoping that the morning of September 11th we can have survivors drive the car specific to their tragedy down to Ground Zero.
SA – What do you hope to accomplish with this program?
KMH – We need to challenge America to help this effort out. A lot of our program’s motto is to “Teach a child to thank a hero today.” We want people to reflect daily when they see these cars, and recognize that life is precious, and that the names on these cars are someone’s babies. It’s time for us as a nation to garner respect towards each other, especially to respect the uniformed that protect our city’s streets; there is no reason to be killing officers within our own country. This is a time to show them that, if these cars do what I hope they do, that respect is needed more than ever.
SA – Can anyone make a request to be part of the tour?
KMH – Anyone can make a request. Go to our website and fill out the request form and tell us which cars, how many cars, where you’d like the cars to be, etc. Anytime, anywhere, we can bring these cars to you. We’ll bring this piece of history to you.
SA – Are names still added to the car?
KMH – We will continue to add names and recognize and pay tribute and honor, especially to those who have been left behind; husbands, wives, brothers, sisters. We get to share a journey of conversation, and learn who the fallen heroes were; the tears, smiles and love. It’s remarkable when you look into the eyes of a family who says, ‘I miss them dearly, I cry every day. Thanks for letting this country know for what they did.’
SA – How can people help Fueled by the Fallen?
KMH – You can donate on our website; they’re much appreciated, as many, many people need us. And it doesn’t take 90 days or a few years when you need assistance. If you’ve asked for help, you have served our country and we have got it in our trust fund, we really want to be there for you. And it’s not just about the donation of dollars, although they’re certainly very helpful and needed. We need the ability to put fuel in these cars, as well. Or even if you have a car you’d like to donate, whatever you have in your heart and you can afford to give is much appreciated.
SA – Talking with you for this little bit is truly inspirational. Thanks for letting us partner with Fueled by the Fallen.
KMH – Thanks to all of you at SymbolArts. We’ve come together in this relationship and you have made the cars come to life with your artwork. Your art will stand as long as these cars stand, which may be 1000 years from now as they sit in a museum. SymbolArts will be recognized by their efforts. It really comes down to the American people to make the difference that we all need to make.
