WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Sept. 26, 2006) – NASCAR drivers and executives returned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center Sept. 21 for a day-long tribute to the nation’s wounded warriors, their families and hospital staff members.
Also on hand were some of the cars that would be racing that weekend at Dover International Speedway in Delaware, including the cars driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin and Joe Nemechek, driver of the Army-sponsored car.
As people gazed at the machines and asked questions of the pit crew members, Nemechek and fellow driver Kyle Busch signed autographs and thanked Soldiers for their sacrifices.
Drivers and crew members also visited wounded Soldiers in the hospital.
Evening events included a dinner in Wagner Sports Center. NASCAR commentator and former driver Darrell Waltrip was the master of ceremonies, while singers Scott Stapp, formerly of the group Creed, and Daniel Rodriguez, a former New York City police officer, provided entertainment.
Other drivers attending the dinner included Greg Biffle, driver of the National Guard-sponsored car and Ashton Lewis, driver for the Marine Corps team.
Waltrip recognized the popularity of NASCAR, but added that NASCAR is a “big fan” of the nation’s military. “We think about you every weekend when they drop that green flag,” he said.
Brian France, NASCAR’s chief executive officer, said NASCAR has a history of supporting the armed forces: “What most of us know is that the real heroes aren’t in sports or business, they’re those who keep us safe 365 days a year.”
A recent event here in DC...
The NASCAR drivers, their racing organizations, the business executives, and the fans never cease to amaze me with their outpouring of caring support for these fine young folks. I couldn't keep my eyes dry.. but also have never been prouder!
Magicman |