posted by Jim on Mar 19

Lets face it; an American Heritage is a lifestyle! Your American Heritage is what you were born with… if you were born in one of the 50 states. If you were not born here, than hopefully, you have kept true to your heritage, but you support the economy and traditions in which you live! As deep or as shallow as your individual legacy may be, if you live in America, you need to support American made products! I am going to be on my soapbox for a while, but when I am done, I hope I can make you think about what you do to support your country. There are many ways to support your great country, but I am going to discuss a few which touch me personally; Hunting, American Traditions and Chevy Trucks. Yes! They are all part of our American Heritage.

No one in this country would be here today if our ancestors did not hunt, fish and live in the outdoors. Whether, you are an anti-hunting vegan or a die-hard hunter and trapper, your roots began with hunting in this fine country. The early settlers were not just gatherers, they were hunters and gatherers. And, the original and most true Americans, our native Indian brothers and sisters, were dependent on the true nature of the hunt. It provided all of the essentials for life; food, shelter, clothing, sport and recreation, and a spiritual foundation of faith in God. Today, hunting has become very commercial and unfortunately, it is losing ground as we move on from generation to generation.

American Traditions are also becoming a thing of the past. Families spent time in the outdoors. Families took long trips together, camping, skiing, and participating in multiple outdoor activities. Hunting camps with three or more generations occupying the same cabin on the same opening day are becoming lost traditions. Just eating dinner at the same table is a challenge for most families. Needless to say, our children are turning to technology to keep them occupied; IPods, Xbox, Play Station, Wii to name a few have replaced the ball and bat, the long bow and target and the fishing rod. It is amazing how little bikes are used to get to and from a friend’s home. Obviously, I can go on and on, but I hope you get the point.

I don’t know if everyone reading this recalls the jingle…Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet…however, it is part of how I grew up in my middle class hard working family. We were hunters, we participated in traditional activities, we ate dinner at the same crowded table, and we drove American cars and trucks, like Chevrolet’s.

As an outdoorsman, living in today’s economic turmoil, I personally cannot understand why anyone would drive a foreign vehicle to their favorite honey hole. If hunting is an American tradition, than how can we contradict our heritage by driving anything but an American truck! And, what is more American than a Chevrolet?

This is a tough thing for me to discuss. You see, I am one of thousands working for an American auto company who does not know if I will have a job in the very near future. I am employed by General Motors and I have been an Engineer for over 20 years; designing, engineering and testing many of the parts which are on our vehicles today. When I see a Chevrolet truck, I know I personally have my heart and soul wrapped in that vehicle. There were many long days away from my family, trying to be sure that my job was done to the best of my ability to create a great product.

Today, we were told not to take vacation during the last two weeks in April. We must be at work during the time headcount reductions will be in full swing. It is not the first time I have faced the stress of working and wondering if I will be tapped on the shoulder. Obviously, this is a very stressful time for me because I am not happy with the way GM is taking care of its employees. On the other hand, I understand they need to do what is necessary to survive! There are many factors to blame, but the ultimate blame must be laid on those who were not true to their American Heritage.

As unsure as I am about my future with GM, I am sure that Chevrolet trucks will always be something I view as an American tradition. I have personally owned eight Chevrolet trucks and three other American made pickups. Every truck I owned was driven and used to its maximum potential. I have trekked across many states, in muddy farm fields and up and down tight mountain roads. I have towed and carried heavy loads and I am proud to say that I have pushed my trucks to the limit and they have performed above and beyond my expectations.

My current truck, a Chevrolet Avalanche, has been the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. It is a perfect vehicle for the outdoors because it has so many capabilities. The ability of this vehicle to transform from a hearty 4X4 to a slick, luxury SUV is uncanny. The fact that you can convert the passenger space to a full size pickup has been incredible for my hunting experiences, as well as, my trips to the lumber and landscape yards. The interior is exceptionally comfortable, and luxurious. But, one of the biggest compliments I have received is the quality of the ride when traveling cross country. It is a truck when it needs to be, but the ride quality is reminiscent of a Cadillac when on paved road. The most satisfying part of this vehicle for me has been the power train. I have towed everything from my tractor to my ski boat and towing is a breeze. The fuel economy will surprise you, especially on trips. I recently calculated my mileage on a recent trip to Nebraska at 23.5 MPG at an average speed of 72 MPH. The Chevrolet Avalanche is a vehicle I personally recommend for the most serious outdoors loving individual or family. Please stop by a Chevrolet dealership and take a look at one first hand. With the incentives and the low cost of fuel, the benefits of driving this vehicle compared to a smaller SUV or car, far outweigh the cost differences in fuel. Your vehicle choice may not be an Avalanche, but please make it a Chevrolet or GMC Truck. If you are a Ford or Dodge fan, then so be it. You are driving American!

When I turn on my favorite hunting channels and I see a hunter or fisherman with his truck all lettered up with his numerous sponsors, I always get a sick feeling when it is not an American made truck. By the way, your truck may be built in America, but if it’s not one of the Big Three; GM, Ford or Dodge, it is not American made! Please think about this the next time you watch a show, or purchase a DVD or product from a company who let sponsor money come before the support of their country!

In summary, Hunting, American Traditions and vehicle choices are affecting this country more than you may want to believe.

First and foremost, our hunting heritage is being challenged by new laws which defy our second amendment rights. Understand the laws and how they affect your freedom. Get involved and support organizations which maintain our constitutional rights. The NRA is a great choice and organization which spends millions of dollars to support hunting and American tradition. There are many other organizations to join and things you can do to support this great and truly essential past time. If you’re not a Hunters Prostaff Team Member, join now. We can save you money and time as we support and help you with your hunting experiences.

American traditions, such as hunting, are diminishing because we are not passing the importance of spending time in the outdoors to our children. Spend time with your children and your families and friends. Rekindle the American traditions which were such a big part of this country. Unfortunately, technology and video games are replacing the reality of the true outdoors. Take a child hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, skiing, camping or hunting. This is not only affecting our lifestyles, but it is affecting our economy considering, the outdoors industry contributes over 725 Billion taxable dollars in the United States per year.

Believe it or not, your vehicle choice does affect the economy as well. Buying American made cars and trucks affect the overall economy of this country. This countries expansion during the industrial revolution was built on American car companies. If we do not act now and support the “Big Three”, we will see devastating effects on all businesses. It is already in play. Do your due diligences to compare our great products which are winning awards in quality, styling and overall consumer best buy categories! Believe in America and buy a Chevrolet Truck.

It really comes down to one thing. Do you believe in your American Heritage? What are you going to do to make a difference? Personally, I am going to promote the sport of hunting, spend time with my family and friends in more outdoor related activities and I will always drive a Chevrolet, American made truck!