By Josh Bergeron
josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — When Rodger Moore contacted the N.C. State Veterans Home in Salisbury about bringing a pack of hot rods to the facility, “yes” was an easy answer.

Moore, an Army veteran, and his nonprofit Hot Rods 4 Veterans on Saturday brought more than 60 cars to the veterans home on the campus of the W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center. And with the cars, came smiles, nostalgia, a plethora of donated items and more than $1,500 to purchase items for veterans.

“A lot of the guys in the veterans home are Vietnam veterans. They didn’t get the ‘thank you’ and ‘welcome home’ we enjoy today,” Moore said. “So, my goal was to put a smile on their face today. Our motto, or mission statement, is to improve the quality of life for veterans in veterans homes.”

Moore started the nonprofit last year after a 26-year career in the Army and 10 years working for a government contractor.

“I wanted to do something for veterans. … I have a hot rod and wanted to combine veterans and hot rods somehow,” he said.

Van Kluttz, a World War II veteran, said the cars on display brought back memories for him and that he enjoyed looking at them. In particular, Kluttz said, he liked the several Mustangs on display.

It was the largest event that has been hosted for veterans at the facility, said Recreational Director Kandace Lewis. And, Lewis said, she plans to work with Moore to bring the hot rods back in two years.

In the interim, Moore said, he plans to bring the same experience to North Carolinas three other state veterans homes — Kinston, Fayetteville and Black Mountain.

During Saturday’s event, the charity raised money through entry fees and raffle tickets before presenting a check to the N.C. State Veterans Home. Prior to the event, Hot Rods 4 Veterans also collected clothing and toiletry items to donate to the facility.

But it was the experiences for veterans, not the the donations, that Moore said mattered most.

“If I didn’t give them one penny today, the smiles on the faces as they were going around the cars and enjoying the day made it all worth it,” Moore said.

Contact editor Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4248.