Project Shock and Awe started when Mr. and Mrs. Todd Foust donated a vintage 1969 Camaro to Laughs for the Troops to help in our mission to support our troops who have PTSD/TBI . This first step enabled LFTT to launch Project Shock and Awe.
As the project continued to grow, more and more people demonstrated their commitment to creating something wonderful to help our heroes. Mr. Brian Stupski, from Problem Child Kustoms Studio, contributed his award-winning design skills to create the first look at Project Shock and Awe. His design not only captured the look and feel that embodied Laugh for the Troops, but he hit the mark in creating a car any motor enthusiast would love to have in his or her personal collection.
One of the last pieces of the puzzle, but one that was critical, was bringing Project Shock and Awe to life. Thanks to Mr. Will Posey and his team at Big Oak Garage for their amazing help in this endeavor. Will’s work has graced the covers of multiple automotive magazines, and as a Detroit Autorama ‘Great 8’ winner, we can’t express how lucky we feel to have Will on our LFTT’s team, and his help in sharing the story behind Project Shock and Awe.
It quickly became more apparent to all those involved that this custom-designed LFTT car could fill a huge need in helping to garner attention and bring awareness to PTSD and TBI wherever it showed up.
Once the work is completed for Project Shock and Awe, our specially-designed LFTT 1969 Camaro, it will be showcased at several major car shows around the country and at Laugh for the Troops’ events.
The awareness brought by the Shock and Awe car will help us build the Laugh for the Troops’ Wheels program, a special program organized with our corporate and Veteran-focused organization partners to support initiatives to provide much-needed transportation to veterans and their families.
Contact us today at info@laughforthetroops for more information, or visit our donation page to make a contribution to help get the LFTT Wheels program turning! And don’t forget to follow our social media so you can keep track of the progress we’re making on Project Shock & Awe!
Brain Stupski
The product of a car-crazy family, I was doomed to have a life that involved the automobile from the get-go. The black sheep Mopar nut in a Tri-Five Chevy household, I was forced to wear my Super Bee t-shirts behind closed doors, and bust out the Hemi orange underwear when everyone else was out. It was a weird childhood.
Having a passion for architecture and design, I managed to cross those interests with my love for all things automotive, and began working toward a career in the Automotive Design and Engineering fields with dreams of being the next Virgil Exner, or failing that, Harley Earl (you know, to keep the family happy). As most things in life go, things happen and plans become altered; I found myself in the Fine Art Department in College, working my way through in collision shops and nights in the Parts Department, applying my experience from years of working for my Dad. These two jobs would build the hands-on knowledge to become a better designer, having an understanding of how things are constructed, parts crossover knowledge and a brain loaded with part numbers.
I’ve been fortunate to work as a self-employed Hot Rod Designer, working with some of the top shops in the world, on some opt the most ground-breaking projects, and arriving at a point in my life and career where I call childhood heroes of mine good friends. I’ve also enjoyed the good fortune to be able to write about my passion for cars in magazines, blogs, and even supplying content for major vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket companies alike.
Looking toward the future, I’m working to finish my book on designing hot rods and custom cars, launch a podcast, and working with a team of great friends to produce a series of videos featuring some incredibly talented builders. I hope to bring my love for design and “never say die” work ethic to the next generation of designers and artists, and hopefully inspire them to chase that dream, and carve their own niche in this exciting and dynamic industry.
Will Posey
Graduate of McPherson College with a Associates in Technology in Automobile Restoration
Worked in the hot rod industry for 17 years
Started Big Oak Garage in 2007
Have had multiple magazine covers and features
Have won major awards in the custom car industry. multiple goodguys builders choice, great 8 from the Detroit Autorama, top5 Street Machine of the Year, Custom Rod of the year. Finalist, top 5 in the Barrett Jackson cup, and many more.
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