Patriotic Jeep a painted tribute to soldier and son

Nothing will ease the pain of losing a child, yet Brian L. Schoff found a new connection with his son through a Jeep the 22-year-old soldier left behind when he went to fight in Iraq.

In early October, Schoff made the 13-hour drive to Benton, Ark., to have the 2001 Jeep Wrangler that belonged to his son professionally repainted as a tribute.



Six weeks later, Schoff picked it up and was on the way back home when he found himself stopping to speak with strangers. They asked questions about the craftsmanship and about his son, whose life-like image as a soldier covers both rear-passenger windows.

In one of the brilliantly hand-painted pictures, an angel emerges from the background to comfort the younger Schoff in his Army uniform as a tear wells up in his eye.

"It's touching," said Schoff of Michigan City.

The outstretched wings of an eagle soaring in the sky decorate the hood of the vehicle and directly behind is a painted American flag with flowing red and white stripes.

Army tanks kick up dust with helicopters seen in the sky while a soldier manning a gun are depicted on the red and gold-colored driver's side.

The passenger side shows another image of Brian J. Schoff Jr. flanked by members of his 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.

On the rear fender is a biblical verse from John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Schoff said people often give a thumbs-up or honk their horns whenever they see the Jeep and offer condolences.

The younger Schoff, who was born in LaPorte and grew up in Manchester, Tenn., was in Iraq for two months.

He was serving as a 50-caliber gunner for the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army when killed Jan. 28 by a roadside bomb.

Despite living in different states, Schoff said they called each other several times a week and he visited his son as much as possible, recalling the summer days they spent bass fishing together.

"'He's riding right there with me. He's saying you didn't have to do all of this for me," Schoff said.