The idea to transform an Orange County fire engine into a canvas to honor America's military veterans actually started about a year ago with the inspiration of Battalion Chief Scott Egan.
On Monday, after weeks of rough sketches and measurements, veteran Orange County firefighter Sotero Martinez III went to work to bring the idea to life.
Martinez secured the beige camouflage and symbols of the five branches of the armed forces on the sides of the 30-foot engine, much like a giant jigsaw puzzle.
By Wednesday afternoon, the first side of the vets' engine had been completed.
News 6 was invited to join a handful of Orange County firefighters for a sneak peek of the ambitious Veterans Day project.
Orange County Firefighters Union President Andres Perez had seen photos but said seeing it in person was thrilling.