Chaplain races to aid troops: NASCAR makes a pit-stop at JBLE

by Airman 1st Class Austin Harvill
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.  -- A V-8 engine's roar pierced the serenity of a quiet, cool morning. The NASCAR driver behind the wheel confidently revved the engine as his hand gripped the stick-shift.

This was the day he had waited for since coming to Virginia, a chance to showcase the SupportMilitary.org car to Service members at Joint Base Langley-Eustis with the help of U.S. Air Force Col. Steve West, 633rd Air Base Wing chaplain and founder of the Support Military organization.

The NASCAR team stopped by JBLE on their way up to the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyota Owners 400 race at Richmond, Va.

West worked with Dell Hamilton, Support Military co-founder and NASCAR team member, showcasing the number 52 former NASCAR competition vehicle to JBLE.

West and Hamilton created the organization together in August 2012, providing a conduit for outside organizations to be recognized as legitimate and military-friendly. This in turn gives Service members and supporters a reliable outlet to find trustworthy organizations to support. Neither of them expected it to progress so quickly.

"We really have been fortunate," said West. "It makes me happy to see there are so many people out there who are willing to do something for our troops if you just give them direction."

When the NASCAR competition vehicle showed up at JBLE, Service members at Langley and Fort Eustis showed their appreciation.

At Fort Eustis, the number 52 car parked in front of the Exchange, giving viewers a chance to ask questions about the car or just take a peek at the heavily-modified stock car.

"I used to race open-wheel dirt cars," said U.S. Army Spc. Jebediah Thomas-Ziemer, a generator mechanic and NASCAR enthusiast. "Seeing the next step up, I have to admit, is pretty cool."

At Langley, Service members also took the opportunity to share this unique experience with their families.

"It is really nice what they did for us," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Cartwright, 83rd Network Operations Squadron cyber systems operations technician. "Not everyone gets a chance to spend their lunch with their family and a race car."

Cartwright also brought along his 4-year-old son, Nathan, an avid race car enthusiast, to look at the car.

"Nathan really likes race cars, so this is a real treat for him," said Cartwright.

Nathan wasn't the only child to experience the car; children and caretakers from the Bethel Youth Center also saw the car and had a chance to sit in the driver's seat.

"This was an excellent surprise for the kids," said Shanda Misse, youth programs chief. "Once the trailer pulled up, the kids started talking and getting antsy; they really were excited to see the car."

In addition to showcasing the car around JBLE, Blake Koch, the driver for SupportMilitary.org, also took the time to answer questions and share his experience with NASCAR to Service members at the Langley Chapel. He also shared his appreciation for what Service members do every day.

"Without you guys, I wouldn't be able to drive," said Koch. "Knowing that, it is truly an honor to represent you guys any way I can out on the track."