Abstract
This story follows Specialist Ray Mann’s journey from his early days in the Army in 1987, when he first drove the HMMWV, to his later role at AM General. Ray now contributes to the platform’s ongoing development and is focusing on the future of HUMVEE. Reflecting on his experiences with the vehicle—both in military service and later as an employee—the story highlights the HUMVEE’s enduring impact and the legacy of those who helped shape it.
My HUMVEE Story | by Specialist Raymond Mann
When I joined the Army in July 1987 my supplied vehicle was the Willy’s Jeep. In early 1988, I received and trained on the HMMWV and quickly learned of its capabilities. Granted, the Willy’s was a good vehicle, but it was dated and required a lot of attention, so I was excited to drive a new vehicle nearly twice the size and far more capable. I put that HMMWV through a lot, and it kept asking for more.
I went to Germany in late August of ’88 and proceeded to live in a HUMVEE for three months. When in the field doing maneuvers, I’d find a nice field to stop for lunch or dinner, and children would come from everywhere to see the vehicle and trade local foods and cola for MREs – ‘meal ready to eat.’ I have fond memories of the time I spent in the HMMWV, and when I was discharged in November of 1989, I recall seeing the vehicle in movies and smiling, thinking to myself, ‘Boy, that’s some vehicle.’
After the Army, I entered the civilian workforce which ultimately led me to AM General. I joined AM General in September of 2019, and when I went into the Prototype Build Shop, I walked over to a HUMVEE, opened the door, climbed in, closed the door, put my hands on the steering wheel, and looked around. The smell of the truck and feel of the steering wheel took me back thirty years, and I said, ‘Hello, old friend.’ Being a part of this organization has been incredible, and any vehicle to make it as long as the HMMWV is a true testament to the quality and dedication of the people at AM General. Looking into the future, my role is to take the already proven platform and improve upon it. The ‘Future Driven HUMVEE.’
Congratulations on forty years of serving around the world!
Raymond Mann is AM General’s Director of Vehicle Capabilities and Systems Integration and honorably served 2 years in the U.S. Army.
Media Contact: Deborah Reyes, Executive Director, Global Marketing and Strategic Communications
E-mail: deborah.reyes@amgeneral.com