ABOUT US

“Kevin’s Krooze” started as a way to honor the service of our son SPC Kevin J. Graham. He was serving with 5/2 Stryker Brigade, 1-17 Infantry Division, in Afghanistan when he was killed on September 26, 2009 near Kandahar Airfield.

Kevin had always been interested with anything to do with the military. When he was young, he and his friend would dress up in fatigues and pretend they were defending the neighborhood. Years later these two young men would once again be together in uniform but this time it was at Ft. Benning, GA. Kevin also enjoyed collecting military memorabilia purchasing items at antique stores and receiving personal affects form veterans who

knew of his passion. 

This interest expanded to include WWII airplanes. For one week during the summer, he would visit the Kenosha Airport in Wisconsin where the WWII planes would meet to practice before leaving for the Fly-In in Oshkosh. During this time he was able to work on the flight line, meet the pilots and, to his delight, was given the opportunity to fly in a B-25 Bomber (Ponchito), and also an AT6 Texan fighter aircraft.

Kevin followed his hearts desire and enlisted in the military July of 2007. He was sent to Ft. Benning where he trained with Foxtrot Company as an infantry mortar man and graduated November 16, 2007. His training continued at Ft. Lewis, Washington where he was selected as a driver for the Army’s premier vehicle – the Stryker.

While stationed at Ft. Lewis, Kevin had the opportunity to meet a young lady, Krystal. They fell in love and on March 22, 2009 were married. He not only became a husband but a step-dad as well, and loved spending time with Brian, taking him to car shows and just having fun being a dad.

Kevin is the youngest of the Graham boys – all born and raised in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. His three older brothers include Danny, Jr., Sean and Scott. We are a motor loving family with interests ranging from snowmobiles and 4 wheelers to street rods and muscle cars. Kevin’s love for old cars started as a child when he would help his dad work on a 1939 Ford Sedan street rod.

Of course, attending the many area car shows and cruise-ins only added to his desire to one day own a classic car. At the age of 19, he bought a 1965 Pontiac Lemans followed by a 1955 Chevy. Many hours were spent meticulously refining the Pontiacs body and rebuilding the engine. This work did not go unnoticed as he received trophies and recognition at many shows.

Because of Kevin’s passion for old cars, we decided to have a car show that would honor our fallen soldiers and also support our wounded warriors and their families. For this reason we have chosen Fisher House as the organization we will support through this event.

Our family’s vision is to give as many people as possible the opportunity to show their support for our military not only by supporting Fisher House but through the many different events we are having at the Krooze.

Thank you for your interest and remember that “Freedom Is Not Free”. God bless you and our military everywhere.

Sincerely,

Daniel and Sandra Graham