Operation Sweet 16 is a campaign launched by 15 year old North Texan Tori Pimentel on Memorial Day 2011. Tori, is my niece by marriage. She has made the decision that the extravagance that is shelled out for many "Sweet 16"  birthday parties could be put to better use. If you have ever witnessed the fiscal debauchery of the "My Super Sweet 16"  show on MTV, you know exactly what I mean. In lieu of a birthday party of this nature, she has committed herself to raising $16,000.00 in donations to Operation Once in a Lifetime by the time her 16th birthday arrives in March 2012. They are a nonprofit organization that helps active and retired U.S. soldiers who are in need of financial assistance with things like flights to get home to see ill loved ones, auto repairs, and medical bills. Sometimes, they even surprise someone with tickets to a sporting event donated by teams like the Mavericks or Rangers.

I proudly come from a long line of military family members and when she launched this campaign, I immediately began to think of ways to help her meet her goal. Knowing that the majority of the car show community is pro military, I began to work on the idea of hosting a car show so big that it might be possible to meet or exceed her goal. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that occurred on 09.11.01. In honor of our men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Operation Sweet 16 with the help of many dedicated volunteers has organized a massive car show at Texas Motor Speedway this upcoming September 11th. Contestant entry is only $10.00 and I encourage everyone possible to join me there in support of this noble cause. Operation Sweet 16 is also a registered 501(c)(3) organization making your allowable donations tax deductible.

When TMS was approached, they were so enthusiastic about helping our men and women of the military that they immediately offered to provide security, restroom access and trash handling services for the proposed event. Through priv