Mount Pleasant — During the 75th Midwest Old Threshers celebration, one tractor in particular is drawing plenty of attention among the rows of Farmalls and John Deeres. Painted entirely black and covered in military emblems, POW/MIA markings, and handwritten messages, the “POW Tractor” stands as a unique tribute to America’s veterans.
The tractor’s caretaker, Dakota, shared the story behind the project. “We started this in 2017 with just the POW design on the front,” he explained. “At first it was just the black paint and military stickers. But when we took it to the Warren County Fair, we came up with the idea to let veterans sign their names on it.”
Since then, the tradition has grown. Each year, veterans from across Iowa and beyond have added their signatures to the machine, turning it into a living memorial. “I couldn’t even begin to guess how many names are on it now,” Dakota said. “People come back year after year looking for where they signed, and eventually, they find it.”
The tractor has been a regular feature at Old Threshers since 2017, and Dakota says there’s still space left for veterans who want to leave their mark. Sharpies are kept nearby for those who wish to sign.
While some visitors have wondered if the tractor might one day be auctioned for charity, Dakota says it isn’t going anywhere. “It’ll stay with us,” he said. “And it’ll be here at Old Threshers every year.”
The black POW tractor is more than just a machine—it’s a rolling tribute to the service and sacrifice of America’s military.
