Every military man dreams of returning home to see his wife, children and hometown after a tour of duty overseas. However, Marine Staff Sgt. Jacob Karl could’ve never envisioned the hero’s welcome he received thanks to a wrap GatorWraps (Ontario, CA) produced for his 1997 Ford F250 truck.
Karl’s wife, Tammy, contacted GatorWraps, which fabricated the wrap gratis to pay tribute to a devoted soldier. Avery Graphics (Painesville, OH) also donated its MPI 1005 EZ RS film and DOL 1000 overlaminate. For the graphics, Mossy Oak’s (West Point, MS) provided the artwork, its Break-Up® camouflage pattern, a favorite of Jacob’s. Mossy Oak also decked out the truck’s interior and provided hunting attire.
GatorWraps partnered with Mossy Oak to design the wrap. In addition to the signature pattern, GatorWraps President Rod Voegele and his staff personalized it with the Marine flag and a bullriding logo as a nod to the Staff Sgt.’s rough-and-tumble hobby.
GatorWraps output the 360-sq.-ft. wrap using its Mutoh ValuJet printer. The shop printed it horizontally so there was only one seam atop the truck. Despite its age, Voegele said the truck’s body had been well maintained; installing the vinyl around the camper shell provided the only major installation challenge.
Karl’s received his hot new ride when he returned from his third tour of duty in Iraq, where he’s been training Iraqi police officers, on August 8, to Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, CA.