Charlotte businessman George Shinn is auctioning off a custom car to help send wounded veterans and their spouses to Samaritan Lodge Alaska.
North Carolina businessman and car collector George Shinn is auctioning off a 700 plus horsepower Stryker Ford Mustang muscle car custom painted with the stars and stripes. Shinn, a friend and supporter of Samaritan’s Purse, first announced the July 27 car auction in Orlando during the 2024 Operation Heal Our Patriots reunion.
George Shinn, a Charlotte area business man, is auctioning off one of his cars to contribute to the Operation Heal Our Patriots mission.
Shinn was captivated years ago by the story of Vietnam War hero Dave Roever, who was severely burned during a covert Naval operation serving as an elite river boat gunner. He said Roever, who dedicated his life after the war to help fellow wounded combat veterans, inspired him to serve wounded veterans as well.
Proceeds from the auction will go to help send military couples to Samaritan Lodge Alaska with Operation Heal Our Patriots. This Samaritan’s Purse program welcomes 180 plus wounded veterans and their spouses each year to Alaska for a week of Biblically based marriage enrichment training and once-in-a-lifetime excursions into the surrounding wilderness areas.
“Dave Roever is a patriot and veteran who serves his country well. Once I learned of Dave Roever’s story and saw what his organization was doing to help veterans injured during war-time, I felt it was a perfect match,” Shinn said. “The Stryker was originally built as a tribute to America’s military and we plan to keep that honorable tradition alive.”
The Stryker Mustang is named after American servicemen Private First Class Stuart S. Stryker and Specialist Four Robert F. Stryker, both of whom posthumously received the Medal of Honor, for their bravery in combat during World War II.
“I’m excited to see this car go to the auction,” Shinn said. “It was built and designed to help veterans.”
