Garnett Rogers

Sandy Rogers

From his wife’s nomination:  Garnett's Corvette story began; when Garnett and 2 friends, Don Newton and Keith Blandford purchased the Corvette Club Of America. Garnett had always been involved in sales and customer services businesses. As he traveled to the Corvette Shows around the country promoting CCA, Garnett made friends with many Corvette enthusiasts and vendors. His memory of people's  names, interest in the Corvette industry, and his passion for detail and innovation continued to make him well known and respected. As the club grew he decided to take over complete ownership.

Garnett would often tell folks, "that he was not a gear-head" when it came to his Corvette knowledge, but Garnett is a "people person!" Garnett was genuinely interested when he spoke with a Corvette enthusiasts regarding their special Vette. He would often give them valuable advice on where to get that hard to find part or accessory or share the latest about upcoming Corvette shows. Garnett's passion as he directed CCA was truly the members and their needs. If any Corvette person had a need or an experience that they needed help with Garnett was there for them!

With our marriage in 1995, Garnett taught me many things about CCA and the information that he always worked to gather for the members. He also taught me and many others how to enjoy this great hobby. Garnett was always there to help make things happen as I began to have goals and dreams for the CCA woman.   

Now as Garnett changes gears and passes on the leadership of CCA, he will for sure still be there with his "Special" gifts of getting things done and enriching the Corvette experience for All his Corvette friends. Way to go Garnett, you are admired and loved and "Life is Your Highway", Save the Wave!

With Love and Admiration,
Sandy Rogers

John S. Weitzner, MD

I was 5 when the first Corvette was released in 1953.  There weren't too many in my neighborhood, but eventually I got to see one.  You never forget the first time you saw a Corvette.  The first one I ever saw (a C1) was zipping down Broadway, and did it look beautiful!

I can remember going to car shows as a young boy, and my favorite car was a Corvette.  In high school, I would occasionally see a Corvette (a C2), and in college I actually got to ride in one, while hitch-hiking to school.  I was in heaven.  I remember the radio, which was installed vertically in the center console.

My first Corvette was a 1979 Coupe.  When I would drive it, I really felt like I had achieved my goal:  owning a Corvette.  What a great feeling.  But at that time, they weren't making convertibles.

I finally got my dream car:  a 1971 Corvette convertible.  It is now in mint condition, and driving it is as fun today as it was to drive my first Corvette. 

The Corvette is a car that lives up to its name.  And compared to its European counterparts, the Corvette is an absolute bargain!

I was a member of the Corvette Club and showed my car when I had my '79.  I really appreciate the Corvette for what it is:  The American Sports Car. 

Bill Hannon

From his wife’s nomination:  Our Corvette History is definitely brief as far as owning one. Bill and I have been together for 42 years - married for 35 and dated for seven before we got married. I was 15 when we first started dating - he was 16. He has loved Corvettes the entire time I have known him. We almost bought one in 1981, but along came our second child - the heir apparent, our only son, and we could not afford it.

Bill very bravely started his own business about 10 years ago and sold it last year for an amount that allowed us to FINALLY purchase our first Corvette - Milano Maroon 1966 matching numbers, two tops 300 something engine - good car. Now, last month we bought our second. Also, a 1966, this is a gorgeous all white coupe with the big engine (sorry, I don't know all the technical details). This is the one he can enjoy driving a lot and not worry about blowing the engine (not that he'll probably ever drive it that fast anyway) as the numbers do not match.

I am trying to give this membership to my husband as a surprise. Aside from being a very good man who has worked hard all his life to support his family, sacrificing things he's wanted, there is no 'Corvette History' to qualify him for this membership, except his lifetime love and admiration of this very special car!! This is my first time on this site and I feel I may have possibly missed some qualification of past ownership/membership for him to qualify - I hope not.

Therefore, I would appreciate your giving considerable consideration to allowing Bill Hannon a lifetime membership in the Corvette Club of America.

With sincerest thanks and warmest good wishes,
I am Judith Hannon, his wife.

Thomas Royman

Ever since I was 10 years old and a little wrench monkey for my neighbor and his 63 split-window across the street, I have loved Corvettes.

My Dad thought I was being a pest, well he must have spoken to our neighbor about me and our neighbor said I was a big help and fun to have as company.  My Dad said to me one following evening at dinner, "Hey Tom, You really like Bobby's Corvette don't you, well have a DREAM kid you'll have one some day".  Well 42 years later it arrived at my home Sunday on 11/3/2006!!!!!

My Dad passed in 2004, and my Mom in 2006.  My Dad's WWII Dog Tag and my Mom's ring hang on my rear view mirror.

They are always riding with me, "Thanks Mom & Dad"

Best Regards,
Tommy

PS The next day after the Z arrived I went looking for and did find that neighbor that started it all, Robert Galassi.

What a nice 1 ½ hour chat we had......................

Charles T. Hutton

Charles is married with two college age children and the CEO of Medict Systems, Inc., Tampa, Florida.  www.medict.com.  Recently he took delivery of a new 2006 Corvette coupe which is the 6th Corvette he has owned, his first was a 1972.

Charles is proud to say, “I have been a Corvette owner for most of my adult life!!” and recently shared, “owning two Model A's taught me to give up the old car hobby and buy new.”