We see 18-wheelers traverse the highways of America all year long. The various roles these trucks fill make for a vital component of our country’s economy, something only matched by cargo trains. We know the names and brands they represent, from Coca-Cola to McDonalds to Walmart, that instantly tell us what this vehicle is hauling, even if it’s become all too blasé and expected at this point.
That’s why we enjoy getting to see semi-trucks that stand out from the droll and uninspired crowd. Army veteran Sean McEndree went this route with his 2006 Peterbilt 379, turning it into a rolling tribute to the fallen brothers and sisters in the United States Armed Forces. He calls it “Band of Brothers.”
Now that Sean has returned to civilian life, he found himself back behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler that gets the job done, while also bringing awareness to other drivers on the road. Even when standing still, the vehicle is something to behold for its wonderful aesthetic and affecting undertones.
How It All Began
Sean grew up in Iowa, a fine Midwestern fellow who went on to join the United States Army in 1991. “I was there until 1999. I got out and went on to driving trucks,” he said. “I rejoined in 2003 and got wounded in 2004, lost pieces of my gall bladder and dislocated my pelvis, among other injuries. I was discharged in 2005, then got back into trucking in 2006.”
With a second stint in the Army under his belt, the time was right for Sean to move on while staying positive. He was struck with inspiration on his own accord to do a Band of Brothers theme, and sought out help from industry professionals to make it happen.
He went to Dan Brown of DB Kustom Trucks in Antioch, Illinois first. “Dan and I did the hard parts of building the truck,” said Sean. “The hard parts involved the fenders and lights. Then I had to do the outside of the truck.” DB Kustom Trucks makes it a point to bring individuality to whatever project is handed to them. As Dan Brown stated, “I know what ‘limelight’ means to me. I want to help fellow truckers achieve their dream and be profitable doing it.”
The exterior was another story. Undoubtedly, Sean had ideas on what he wanted it to look like. It had to be special, while also expressing his personality and appreciation for the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.
It is these individuals that combine together in the branches of our military – Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Air Force – and all too often it might seem like they’re forgotten or treated as second-class citizens, but the fact of the matter is, making sacrifices so the rest of us don’t have to is par for the course in military life.
The people that come to mind are the medic who does the best he can to save his buddies, the recon sniper that camps out for days on end with little to no activity, the logistics soldier that keeps the supplies moving, and so on, and so forth. In Sean’s eyes, these are the people that should be celebrated, and reflecting that came in the form of the mural done to Band of Brothers.
“From being wounded and wanting to honor all of the people in the military, I decided to go with purple,” said Sean. “It signifies the price of freedom.” The wrap was some of the best work Sean had ever seen, all thanks to Mike Grillo of Road Rage Designs in Spring Grove, Illinois.
“Mike put in over 200 man hours on that wrap,” commented Sean. “I was blown away when I first saw it. It still has a deep impact with me, and I’m very happy with it.”
The level of work and quality brought to Band Of Brothers is top-notch, and Sean was glad to see it come to fruition. His favorite part of the truck is the mural on the hood. “It depicts two hands holding the Purple Heart medal,” he said. “It’s just two hands cupped together, looking like it’s being awarded to a family member that answered the call. Very impactful and affecting.”
If you ever find yourself along a highway and see Sean and his truck chugging along, don’t be shy to rock the horn motion and buy him a cup of coffee if you see him at a truck stop. Until next time, keep it locked here on Diesel Army as we report on more diesel awesomeness.
You might also like
Do You Know Where America's Diesel Trucks Are Assembled?
If you’re curious where your heavy-duty diesel truck was assembled (built), the answer takes you on a little road trip across North America.
