Jay Burbank and Charlie Enxuto next to the 1931 Model A Ford they are traveling in on their journey to the Arctic Ocean (Photo: jayspatsadventures.blog)
In a remarkable display of adventure and tribute, two Veterans set off on Saturday on a 7,000-mile round trip from Cambria to the Arctic Ocean.
Jay Burbank, 73, of Cambria and his friend, Charlie Enxuto, 76, from South Carolina, are embarking on this journey in a restored 1931 Model A Ford, modified to resemble a U.S. Army Air Corps General’s car from World War II. Their mission is to honor Veterans, raise money for student scholarships, and explore the untamed beauty of the Arctic Circle.
Jay Burbank, an Air Force Veteran and seasoned traveler with a passion for antique vehicles, has previously undertaken extensive international road trips in his 1931 Ford, known as Military Maxi. Burbank and Enxuto, an Army Veteran, share a deep appreciation for photography, travel, and the stories of Veterans. Together, they have embarked on various Model A journeys since 2008.
The two plan to cover around 1,400 miles on the Dempster Highway, a gravel road leading to Tuktoyaktuk in the Canadian Northwest Territories. For the remaining portion of the trip, they will tow the vintage automobile in a car hauler attached to a Cadillac SUV. The hauler will also serve as their camping base, equipped with a rooftop tent and extra fuel supplies due to the scarcity of gas stations along the route. To track the travelers’ adventures, reader can follow Pat Burbank’s trip blog.
Burbank’s Model A Ford, adorned with the autographs of over 700 Veterans, will collect more signatures on their trip to honor both American and Canadian Veterans, particularly those who have served during wartime.
In addition to honoring Veterans, Burbank and Enxuto aim to raise funds for scholarships awarded annually by Cambria’s American Legion Post 432. These scholarships support students at Leffingwell High School, a continuation school catering to alternative education students in the Cambria, San Simeon, and Cayucos areas. Their goal is to establish an endowment that will fund four $1,000 scholarships per year for graduating students, providing them with opportunities for higher education.
To donate to the scholarship fund, individuals can visit Post 432’s website.
Jay Burbank’s personal journey resonates deeply with his commitment to giving back to the community. Overcoming challenges like dyslexia and ADHD during his younger years, he found his calling as an aircraft mechanic and later developed his skills as a master wood crafter, metalsmith, and photographer. The supportive community he found in Cambria, together with The American Legion, has inspired him to dedicate his time and resources to serving others.
Jay Burbank and Charlie Enxuto’s expedition to the Arctic Circle in a 1931 Ford Model A symbolizes more than just an adventurous journey. It is a tribute to Military Veterans, an opportunity to gather their stories, and a means to raise funds for scholarships that will support young students in their pursuit of education.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
