Fighting against post-traumatic stress disorder-related suicide:
Welcome to Team Grumpy, a car club with a heart made up of old school Military rigs!
About Us
What is Team Grumpy?
Team Grumpy is the fleet of old military rigs comprising the Camp Seven Mile Joint Tactical Vehicle Maintenance Facility (better known as the "Camp Seven Mile Motor Pool") in Western Spokane, WA. It is a military vehicle collector's club. Our "side-gig" is to educate the public about the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on our Veterans, First Responders, and everybody else living with PTSD. Team Grumpy aims to create awareness: PTSD is survivable, and those who are struggling with it are not alone.
Who is "Old Grumpy"?
"Old Grumpy" is a 1953 Dodge M37 3/4 ton Weapons Carrier.
Old Grumpy has been joined by "Old Lumpy", a 1952 M43 Dodge Field Ambulance, and "Homer", a 1942 WC-54 Dodge Ambulance owned by Rob Gemmell. We welcome other military rigs based in Western Spokane and beyond.
What does "Old Grumpy" actually do?
As Historic Miltary Vehicles (HMVs), Old Grumpy, Old Lumpy, and Homer attract a lot of attention. Team Grumpy uses this to our advantage to break the ice and start conversations, especially with folks who may not be comfortable coming forward with struggles with their PTSD.
These rigs really are big metal teddy bears.
For information regarding the standards we follow for public displays, see "The Motor Pool" (here).
The Old Grumpy Crew
Here are the talented folks who make up the Old Grumpy team!
Amy Sherman
Amy Sherman is a talented local actress, model, and proud Army Mom! She is the beauty among the beasts.
(Photo by Brenda Cook Photography.)
Bill Benson "Old Grumpy"
Bill is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, with multiple deployments, including a year in Iraq (OIF 08-09.)
He served as a machine gunner in the Corps, primarily with .50 caliber heavy machine guns, and as an M2 Bradley Gunner in the Army, running a 25-millimeter cannon.
These days, however, he lives his life as a better friend to God and man.
He owns and operates "Old Grumpy".
Rob Gemmell "Old Lumpy"
Rob originally hails from Connecticut. He served a hitch in the United States Army as a motor vehicle operator, which instilled a taste for military vehicles. He owns and operates "Old Lumpy" (52' M43) and "Homer", his 1940s WC-54 Ambulance.
Ken Plager
Ken served in the United States Army during the 1970s. With his typical modesty, he says, "I fixed air conditioners." What he doesn't say is that he fixed air conditioners for Hawk Missile Batteries in the Fulda Gap. In a time of the Draft, Ken enlisted of his own free will.
Ken is an active behind-the-scenes supporter and is slated to drive the next MV that enters the Team Grumpy stable.
Upcoming Events - Where's Grumpy?
- Every Wednesday Evening - Indian Trail Car Gathering
- 11-13 April Speed and Custom Show
- 27 April Heroes Walk 5K & Community Resource Fair
- 17 May Lilac Armed Forces Day Parade
- 24 May Medical Lake Veterans' Cemetery
- 26 May Fairmount Cemetery Procession
- 7 June Felt's Field Neighbor Day
- 13 September March for the Fallen