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Land O'Lakes US Air Force MSG Matthew Feldhouse beloved 1998 Honda Prelude totaled by hit-and-run driver

Master Sgt. Matt Feldhouse returned home from his 18th deployment to the Middle East in October 2013. A hit-and-run driver struck Feldhouse on Interstate 275 on Monday.

When U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matt Feldhouse returned home from his 18th deployment to the Middle East in October 2013, he was greeted with a big surprise. His beloved 1998 Honda Prelude, which had been on blocks with a blown timing belt when he left, had been repaired, overhauled and significantly souped-up. The project — worth about $30,000 in time, labor and parts — was spearheaded by family, friends, neighbors, local businesses and members of the Warrior Men’s Group of Grow Life Church. The sleek, two-tone silver-and-black Prelude with a red racing stripe was presented to an unsuspecting Feldhouse during an event at The Shops at Wiregrass.

The Prelude — but fortunately, not Feldhouse — was totaled late Monday in a hit-and-run collision on Interstate 275, between the Bearss Avenue exit in Tampa and the State Road 56 exit in Pasco County, said Feldhouse, an aircraft mechanic with over 20 years in the Air Force.

Feldhouse, of Land O’ Lakes, was driving home after work at MacDill Air Force Base when the crash occurred around 10:45 p.m. “I was just driving down the highway, not in a hurry, just doing about 70 mph,” he said. “I was listening to my radio and wanted to come home and grab a bite to eat, and watch some TV for a minute and relax.

“I saw this vehicle come up very fast. I was in the center lane and stayed there, so it would give him two options — he could go left or right. I didn’t want to confuse him.

“He didn’t change lanes.”

The next thing Feldhouse knew, the Prelude, with over 200,000 miles, was doing 360s on the interstate; he went off the highway and crashed into the woods, his prized Prelude smashed and buried in foliage.

Feldhouse suffered some bruising and a small cut on his right elbow. A few days after the wreck, he said he had some neck and back pain. Because the Prelude was covered only by liability insurance, damages from the crash were not covered. What irks Feldhouse is not just that his car was totaled, leaving he, his wife and 17-year-old son to share one Hyundai Veloster, but that the other driver fled. Feldhouse said he doesn’t know if the driver was male or female, or what specific type of vehicle hit his. “I thought I got a glimpse of a dark SUV,” he said. “I could’ve been seriously hurt, but I’m alive. I forgive them. My car can be replaced.

“I would ask (the other driver) why they left. It was completely obvious you hit me. I don’t hold grudges, though, it’s not in my nature.” Because there were no other witnesses, it is unlikely that the other driver will be found, Feldhouse said he was told by the Florida Highway Patrol. Dan McNeel, paint and body shop manager at Bill Currie Ford in Tampa, was among those who helped overhaul the prized Prelude; he and Feldhouse attend the same church.

“We all love him and his (military) service,” McNeel said. “At his age, he’s already been deployed, what, 17 or 18 times to the Middle East.” Feldhouse’s most recent deployment ended in June, when he returned from Qatar. He has also served in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kyrgyzstan.

Like Feldhouse, McNeel claimed to have no anger toward the other driver. “It’s unfortunate and sad that things like this happen. Hopefully, they’re not injured,” he said. “I’m just glad Matt’s healthy and not seriously injured. God’s protection kept him safe. I feel joy that it’s only property damage.” Feldhouse said he is fortunate there was no other traffic, as the Prelude might have been hit multiple times.

“If the accident was 100 yards to the front or back, it would have been a lot worse, too,” he said. “There was a big drop-off with a ditch full of water.” The highway patrol is investigating. Anyone with information can call *FHP or (813) 631-4020.

OurtownFLA.com photo


Story BY GEOFF FOX Tribune staff
Published: August 14, 2015


gfox@tampatrib.com

(813) 371-1860

TBO

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By Chuck Johnson U S Army MSG (ret)

On October 17, 2013 United States Air Force MSG Matthew Feldhouse was enjoying a quiet walk among the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, Florida . Matthew had served his country for over twenty years and several deployments to foreign countries. On his last deployment as he left to serve in Kurkistan, he left behind his 1998 Honda Prelude which had broken down and was in need of serious repair. Little did he know that Tim Harvey and members of the ‘Warriors”, a male group of church members from the Grow Life Church had a plan to make his return a joyful one.

At a small tent in the open air of the Shops of Wiregrass a large group of people gathered about. It was obvious a surprise was in store. Matthew had been led some distance away and was unaware of the gathering. As he entered the area the music was halted. Tim Harvey of the New Life Church took the stage and invited Matthew to come to the front of the stage, which he did to the applause of those who had come to see his surprise.

As he was being applauded for his military service to his country a deep roar of an engine came from in back of the stage area.’ I knew that was my Honda when I heard it’ Matthew related later. ‘However I was not prepared for the way it looked. They really got the colors right’.

The 1998 Honda Prelude came slowly around the stage area and into view. Matthew was speechless as he viewed his vehicle which now looked like new, come into view. When asked to enter the vehicle Matthew did not hesitate and was emotional as he thanked the many who were responsible which was lengthy.

Those who gave their time and hard work were Auto Body Express, Glen’s Wheel Polishing, B.J. Custom Upholstery, PPG Industries, LKQ Crystal River, Bill Currie Ford, Insignia Graphics, Medallion Elite Club plus the communities of Land O lakes and Wesley Chapel all shared in making this an experience Matthew would not forget.

Noah Schultz of Bill Currie Ford worked on the vehicle for about four months. “It was in bad shape when we got it” Schultz related. “It was a real challenge but we got it done”.

The Honda shining under the lights of the Shops at Wiregrass brought out the hard work and dedication of the three part automobile paint scheme on the vehicle which Matthew was so impressed with. “I cannot believe it” he related. ‘They must have talked to my Dad because that paint job is perfect”.

At the end of the evening everyone could rightfully say ‘This has been a good day’. It is good to see a community come together and perform such an act for another especially someone who has dedicated their life to defend our country.

Thank you MSG Feldhouse. You deserved it. Now go and enjoy your new ride. By Chuck Johnson U S Army MSG (ret)

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