Cale Adams returns from Iraq and claims the Red Dragon

Operation Red Dragon

The Story Behind It All: Planning for Cale’s Jeep Makeover began in March 2008. At that time, Cale Adams of the US Marine Corps was deployed to Iraq. He had just started renovations on the Red Dragon before he received his orders. Cale was forced to leave his beloved Jeep home in the care of his Mom, and unbeknown to him, she has taken on the huge restoration project as a way to thank her son for protecting this country. Cale has, some may say, an unhealthy affection for his Jeep. Instead of pictures of his girlfriend or family, he carries pictures of the Dragon with him in his pack. Getting his dilapidated Red Dragon roaring again will be the best thank you gift he could dream of. In keeping it in the family: Cale was named after his maternal grandfather, Calvin V. Lenig. Cale and his grandfather would have been great friends, but unfortunately Calvin pasted away 10 years ago at the young age of 54. In his younger days, Calvin and his three brothers had a passion for jeeps and racing each other through the woods on the family's mountain land. One day in 1971, the brothers decided to line up and race their Jeeps through the bush to see how far they could make it. They followed deer passes or wherever there was an opening. Some had busted radiators from sticks poking through, some were wedged in trees and others caught on stones. One even tore the roof off his Jeep. The boys only made it about a half mile and it isn’t known who won or if there even was a winner. What is known is that this is how the Line Mountain Four Wheelers www.lm4w.org) got its start. The 7-Miler Race (the toughest seven mile obstacle course in the United States) is still held today. It is evident the apple does not fall far from the tree. Cale is a lot like his grandfather, Calvin. Cale has followed in his grandfather’s footsteps not only with his passion for Jeeps, but also racing several times in the 7-Miler.
Having returned from Iraq, Cale now has claimed his newly renovated YJ from Adams Jeeps in Churchville, where several mechanics volunteered their personal time to restoring his Jeep like new. New engine donated by Jasper, among many of the other parts replaced and up graded. Fully capable to rock –n- roll now Cale can begin to enjoy what his passion only seem a distant dream… the trails and the track. Welcome back Marine and Semper Fi!

See the results of todays unvailing of The Red Dragon, click on the photo:


Primery Mechanic assiting in the restoration efforts:
Mike Andrews


Secondary Mechanic: Joel Sheep

Third Mechanic: John Loucks


The driving force behind this project was Cale mother Susan and his sister and Girlfriend, who felt that since her son Cale is serving his Country as a Marine, why not see they could find someone to help then restore his Jeep:


There is a great deal of gratitude owe to the Adams Jeep Store for stepping up to the challenge and supporting such a noble cause. Mr. Ron & Mrs. Beverly Adams both were in attendance to meet this young Marine and accompanying their efforts were the entire Adams Jeep Crew. Members of our club present were my wife Sonia, Chris Taylor and Pattey whom also represent the Alpha Omega Off-road group and me. Cale's friends were the majority as well as his family. In the spirit of giving, the Adams Jeep Store has given their all. As a former employee, as a Marine and a representative of the Maryland Rock Raiders I thank them for their awesome gift to this young Marine.

By the way people November is the Marines Corps 233rd Birthday! Happy Birthday Cale and I hope this serves as a reminder that when you do good, good comes back to you 3 fold. Enjoy.

Tico Carreras
President MRR
Retired USMC

After the unvailing of Cale's Jeep everyone wanted to see what was changed and get a close up look at it. New M16 Interco Tires, 17" wheels total restoration of the interior, on emean kick ass audio system, from a 4 cl to a 6 in line screaming with a turbo charger, full roll cage and lot's more. It's a great looking rig, that now needs to find some dirt to play.

Once the festivities where over at the adams dealership, we caravan from Aberdeen through Bel Air and down to Perry Hall. It was a nice drive showing of his Jeep and the antorage that followed. We arrived at the American Legion Post 130 where they welcome the young Marine and his guess with a full buffet of rost beef, turkey, beans, salad and no one left hungry. In all it turned out to be a sunny warm day among friends and supporters for this young man.

This is an absolutley awesome effort and I think that is great what they did for this Marine. I am an Iraqi Freedom Veteran and I can imagine how he felt returning from Iraq and seeing this. Good to go guys, and Semper Fi!!!

Joseph Russo
USMC