Iraq War Veteran Who Helps Local Veterans is Gifted a 1966 Corvette in Honor of ‘Private Malone’

Sep 26, 2025

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Iraq War Veteran Who Helps Local Veterans is Gifted a 1966 Corvette in Honor of 'Private Malone'

Photo Credit: Lori Freeney

Nearly 25 years ago, country artist David Ball recorded “Riding with Private Malone,” a haunting tale of a soldier killed in Vietnam who left a note in the glove box of his red ’66 Corvette for whoever might one day drive it, hoping they’d understand his sacrifice.

On August 31, a ’66 Corvette just like the one in Ball’s video found its way to Iraq veteran Curt Baumann of Dover. Jim Baird of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, chose Baumann from 72 nominations nationwide to honor his unwavering generosity toward fellow veterans. Baird, the car’s third owner since 1979, said watching the “Private Malone” video moved him to fulfill the story’s promise in real life.

Baumann learned he’d won while fishing on Lake Erie with four other veterans. His friend Jason Hancock arranged transportation for 18 people to Nashville, surprising Baumann by flying in his parents and brother from Minnesota. The hand-off took place at the Troubadour Theater, where Ball performed the song and autographed the Corvette’s glove box alongside Baird before Baumann climbed behind the wheel.

Reading the nominations was humbling for Baumann. He shies away from the spotlight, preferring to serve quietly. “It’s hard for me to receive things,” he admitted. “It’s much easier to give.”

Excerpts from Baumann’s nominations reveal why he stands out:

Pete Shaw’s family praised Baumann for advocating Shaw’s care at the VA and inviting him to live with Baumann’s family when Shaw had nowhere else to go.
He partnered with the Best Defense Foundation to escort Shaw to Normandy’s 75th Battle of the Bulge anniversary. After Shaw’s passing in 2022, Baumann honored his final wish by scattering his ashes on Utah Beach and later took Shaw’s great-grandson on his first hunting trip.
Baumann founded Veterans Outdoor Adventures, a nonprofit that builds deer blinds and fishing decks for disabled veterans, reconnecting them with nature’s healing power.
He organizes an annual salmon fishing trip on the Niagara River and helped build a chapel at Freedom Farm in Massillon.
Captain Travis Stocker of the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department called Baumann “truly selfless and dedicated to serving others.”

Baumann and his organization plan to enjoy the Corvette for years—and one day, they’ll pass it along just as the original soldier intended. Whether that happens in five years or 20 or 30, the spirit of service behind “Riding with Private Malone” will continue to roll down the highway.

Source:
yourohionews.com

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