Patriotic Pride: Soldiers, Flames, and the Flag on Wheels!

By George L. Nitti 

At the 2024 American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Cecil Burrowes once again showcased his exceptional talent, earning first place in the light-duty wrecker category for his breathtaking flag-themed design. The truck, owned by Matthew Bonomo of Nonstop Towing, located in Freeport, New York, stood out among competitors with its striking grayscale American flag, intricate airbrushed flames and skulls of soldiers roaming the field of battle.  

Inspiration Behind the Design 

For this project, Bonomo wanted something bold yet clean, combining a grayscale American flag with Burrowes' signature ghost flames. “The idea came after the Star Wars themed design we did,” said Burrowes. “Matt wanted the gray-tone flag with flames over it, inspired by other trucks we’ve done for him, like his flatbeds and heavy-duty vehicles with purple ghost flames.” 

Burrowes carefully balanced the artistic elements, ensuring the flag and flames complemented each other. The subtlety of the flag was another standout feature. At first glance, many attendees didn’t notice it, but as they stepped back and observed the interplay of light and shadow, the stars and stripes emerged through the layers of flames. “It’s not your typical flag-themed truck,” Burrowes noted. “A lot of patriotic designs are very bold and in your face, but this one is understated. That’s why people are drawn to it—it’s unique and commands a closer look.” On the unit's storage boxes, lifelike images of soldiers in the field of battle are found - with a haunting twist: their faces are replaced with skulls. Burrowes said. “We found reference photos online, photos of real soldiers in action,” Burrowes explained. “Then we edited them, adding the skeleton faces while keeping everything else lifelike." The result was realistic yet surreal—these skeletal soldiers appear to roam the fields, creating a powerful visual impact. 

Crafting Perfection 

The truck’s design process took about three weeks, a testament to Burrowes’ precision and dedication. Unlike the complex, multicolored Star Wars truck, this design focused solely on shades of black and gray. “The Star Wars truck was intricate because I had to create every color to match the characters,” Burrowes explained. “This one was simpler but still required careful attention to tones and blending.” 

The execution was flawless. “Everything went perfectly, from start to finish,” he said. “There are usually small issues like tape pulling off paint, but not this time. The truck came out nearly perfect.” 

Winning the Prize 

The truck’s unique design and impeccable presentation earned it top honors in Baltimore. According to Burrowes, the judging was thorough and fair. “Matt felt this was one of the best-judged shows he’s seen,” Burrowes shared. “Everything about the truck met the requirements, and the simplicity of the design resonated with people.” 

Burrowes also had two other trucks he airbrushed at the show, including a flatbed that placed second in its category. Burrowes said, “The flatbed’s design featured a skull wearing a hat with a bullet in its mouth, set against a similar grayscale flag backdrop.” 

Looking Ahead 

Burrowes sees potential for expanding excitement around the Towman Exposition. He’s proposed featuring behind-the-scenes footage and stories of trucks being prepped for the show. “It’s about capturing the journey,” he said. “People put so much effort into these trucks, and sharing their stories would bring more attention and engagement to the event.” 

The Artist’s Journey 

Originally from Jamaica, Burrowes has been living in New York since 1985. His journey from the West Indies to becoming a master airbrush artist is as inspiring as the designs he creates. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to bring client visions to life, Burrowes continues to set the standard in the industry. 

As 2025 approaches, Burrowes is already looking forward to new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of airbrush artistry. With a track record of turning tow trucks into show-stopping masterpieces, one thing is certain: the road ahead is paved with creativity and success.