First-rate hot-pit refueling helps Lakenheath stay Forward, Ready, Now

by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - --

Hot-pit refueling systems give aircrafts the ability to land and refuel with engines still running, similar to a stock car making a pit stop in NASCAR. This feature allows for jets to reduce the time it usually takes to refuel POL by an estimated 66 percent.

Airmen from the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Petroleum Oils and Lubricants flight, assisted Airmen from the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in performing hot-pit refueling, Aug. 5.

According to Airman 1st Class Corey Baxley, 48th LRS fixed facilities operator, hot-pit refueling allows for quicker turnaround for jets returning to flight.

"When refueling is done this way, we issue directly to the aircrafts while they're still running, one engine at a time," Baxley said. "It improves the mission by being able to send jets back into the air faster."

During a normal week, POL Airmen assist in refueling about eight jets per day. Despite minimal manning, Airmen from the POL flight and crew chiefs are refueling more than double that in a day, refueling two squadrons per day, twice a day. Over the past week, POL Airmen have assisted in refueling 81 aircraft, totaling 272,204 gallons of JP8. The highest hot-pit output ever, according to Master Sgt. Nathaniel Nelson, 48th LRS fuels operations section chief.

"With the Airmen we have, despite low manning, if we're asked to support, we will," said Staff Sgt. Phillip Jones, 48th LRS fuels distribution supervisor. "When it comes to getting the mission done and providing fuels support, POL will always be there. Essentially without POL, you're SOL."

RAF Lakenheath is home to four flying squadrons with non-stop operations, having deployed more than 100 aircraft in the past year. These hot-pit refueling systems are an essential step in helping the 48th Fighter Wing remain Forward, Ready, Now.

NASCAR Drivers Visit Guantanamo Bay

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Justin Ailes Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- In coordination with United Service Organizations Inc. (USO); Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) on board Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, presented celebrity NASCAR drivers Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, Dec. 13.

The drivers were showcased during meet-and-greets and autograph signings at numerous locations on base, providing an opportunity for the community's racing enthusiast to meet celebrity NASCAR drivers.

"I'm pumped about being here," said Keselowski. "This is a great experience and opportunity to meet the men and women of Guantanamo Bay, and we are truly honored to meet our nation's service members."

NASCAR Event Shows Pride in Military Families, First Lady Says

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – A barbecue at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida before the Ford 400 NASCAR race is the latest example of the pride Americans have in their military families, First Lady Michelle Obama said yesterday.

At the event -- held in conjunction with the White House’s “Joining Forces” initiative, which fosters public and private-sector support for service members, veterans and their families -- Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, thanked military families for their service and highlighted their resilience.

Tony Stewart won the race and the 2011 NASCAR crown, but military families received a share of the applause at the speedway.

“The fact that NASCAR is taking the time … during what is probably the most tense time of their whole race season -- that they’re putting the focus on all of you -- is just what we want you to know,” the first lady told the military families at the event. “This is how much your country is willing to step up.”

NASCAR is one of thousands of businesses, organizations, educational institutions and plain folk who step forward for service members and their families because they know what they owe military personnel, Obama noted.

“We know you guys are moms … and dads juggling it all alone while someone is deployed,” she said. “For all the military kids out there, we want the whole country to know we know that you’re sacrificing as well. That it’s not easy to have your mom and dad away from home for long periods of time, but you guys are strong. You guys are leaders in your own right.”

Obama and Biden said they want Americans to think of service members and their families all times of the year, not just during special occasions.

“We want to make this a part of the dialogue in this country forever,” the first lady said. “This is about the way we want this country to talk about our troops, veterans and military families forever. We want you to feel that appreciation and that gratitude so that you know your sacrifice is not in vain. People care about you. They care about what you’ve done, and this is just our way of shining whatever spotlight we have on the sacrifices that you make.”

Campaign Wants ‘Veteran’ Put Back in Veterans Day

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2011 – A new campaign is working to put the “veteran” back into Veterans Day and to rally public awareness of the sacrifices made by injured veterans and their caregivers.

The Wounded Warrior Project, which focuses primarily on wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan and their caregivers, kicked off “Believe in Heroes” on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. The campaign will continue through Nov. 11, Veterans Day, said Jonathan Sullivan, executive vice president of the nonprofit organization.

“Veterans Day has become a national holiday that most Americans give a cursory moment of thought to before going on with their day,” said Steve Nardizzi, the Wounded Warrior Project’s executive director.

Veterans will be recognized at NASCAR races, NCAA and NFL games as part of the campaign, Sullivan said. Two recent 8-kilometer events sponsored through the campaign drew 1,245 people in Jacksonville, Fla., and 65 in Seattle, he added, and the next 8k walk or run will take place Oct. 15 in Charlotte, N.C.

Regardless of how people show support, he added, the intent of the campaign is clear. “Believe in Heroes is a call to action,” he said, to recognize the meaning of Veterans Day, and to support the needs of wounded warriors and their caregivers.

From the earliest stages of the Wounded Warrior Project, Sullivan said, there was concern about the sacrifices caregivers would make to care for their wounded warriors. “Once the most traumatic of injured warriors are out of the hospital and back home,” he added, “the caregiver can be in for a long road ahead.”

Engaging families and caregivers is essential to helping warriors make the transition back to life after they’re injured, Sullivan said, noting that combat injuries affect both the warrior and the family.

The idea for the campaign stemmed from what Sullivan said seemed to be dwindling public interest in the significance of Veterans Day. “Very few people pause Nov. 11 and reflect on the sacrifices our vets made on behalf of us,” he said, and he expressed the hope that the two-month campaign to raise support and awareness of the wounded, their caregivers and all U.S. veterans would create a groundswell of interest that will repeat year after year, every Veterans Day.

But Sullivan said he won’t stop there. Like the year-round campaign for breast cancer awareness that intensifies with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Sullivan said, he envisions year-round “Believe in Heroes” awareness that culminates in a campaign from Sept. 11 to Nov. 11 each year.

“The public would be reminded of how much our wounded warriors sacrificed on the battlefield for us,” he said.

NASCAR Star Visits Eisenhower

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zach Martin, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

AT SEA (NNS) -- National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR) Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series celebrity driver Carl Edwards took time to travel to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower on, Aug. 16.

Edwards is best known for winning the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year and 2007 Busch Series Champion awards, along with the 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Edwards and his group made an arrested landing on the ship's flight deck in a C-2A Greyhound, part of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, and spent time observing Dwight D. Eisenhower conducting carrier qualifications (CQ) from the flight deck.

"There's absolutely no comparison between what I do and what these men and women do for thirteen hours every day on the flight deck," Edwards said. "The sacrifices you guys make, taking huge risks, the dedication and the hours you all put in is incredible."

Master Chief Gunner's Mate (SW/AW) Jason Robertson, one of Edwards' escorts, said he's been a lifelong racing fan and was thrilled at the chance to meet Edwards not only for himself, but for his family.

"I like Mr. Edwards myself but I'm most excited because I will get a picture and autograph for my father-in-law," Robertson said. "I would also like to thank Mr. Edwards for taking time out of his busy schedule to show respect for all our service men and women."

Following the group's experience and watching flight operations in action, Edwards set up shop in the ship's hangar bay to sign autographs and interact with the crew.

"Everybody has been awesome, I've met people from all over the country, and even some from my hometown," Edwards said. "I even met someone whose sister went to prom with my brother!"

Lt. Raleigh Stahl, assistant air operations officer for Commander, Carrier Strike Group EIGHT, was one of the Sailors in line to receive an autograph from Edwards. "He's a NASCAR driver, and I'm excited to be here," Stahl said, "It's awesome to see one of the guys you watch every weekend here on the ship."

Following the signing, Edwards joined the crew on the ship's mess decks for dinner, and was surprised with a belated birthday cake celebrating his day-prior Aug. 15 birthday.

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Fergus, who designed, baked and built Edwards' birthday cake, said the chance to create pastry art for a sports celebrity was an opportunity for her to showcase her talents.

"I'm really excited," Fergus said. "It was my first real celebrity experience."

Face of Defense: Graphic Artist Aids Recruiting

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Hillary Stonemetz

Air Force Recruiting Service

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 3, 2011 – Many of the graphic design images that cover the walls of a Military Entrance Processing Station office here are designed by the sergeant who works there, and his talents are having an impact on Air Force recruiting efforts.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Hahn, the MEPS liaison supervisor, has designed advertising billboards, banners, logos, T-shirts, football jerseys, challenge coins and Web banners for Air Force recruiting.

"As I travel across our zone, I'm consistently reminded of his talents," said Air Force Maj. Anthony Williams, 337th Recruiting Squadron commander. "There are several giant billboards on the interstate highways showcasing [his] work. His Battlefield Airmen poster and design always turns heads, and we continuously reap those rewards every day in the 337th.

Recruiting efforts are going well in those areas, largely due to Hahn's efforts, the major added.

Hahn enlisted in the Air Force in 1991 as an F-111 hydraulics mechanic and then became a crew chief for the B-2 bomber before being assigned to the Charlotte MEPS as a liaison supervisor. By day he manages and schedules applicant processing, then hones his graphic design skills at night and on weekends.

"My training has been self-taught for the most part," said Hahn, who briefly attended college for graphic design and illustration before enlisting in the Air Force.

His skills are appreciated by many of his squadron mates.

"When you see the caliber of Sergeant Hahn's work, you immediately recognize the designs as innovative, relevant and eye-popping," Williams said. "His stylized version of the [squadron’s] logo has been a huge success and a major factor in our unit's team identity and continued success in achieving the recruiting mission.

"As recruiters, we're well aware of the value and positive aspects associated with graphics design and image branding," he continued. "Branding confirms our teaming message here in the 337th RCS, and it emotionally connects our members to a common cause."

In addition to his contributions to the Air Force, Hahn also does freelance design work and has been hired by many nationally recognized companies.

"I've designed the 2002 No. 21 Air Force race car paint scheme, many NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World truck series paint schemes," Hahn said. "I've also designed apparel for motorsports teams from hats, T-shirts, jackets, etc., as well as website designs, logo designs and program covers for Las Vegas Motor Speedway."

After he leaves the Air Force, Hahn said, he plans to use his design skills full-time with his freelance graphic design company.

'Junior' Set to Drive National Guard Car in 2008

By Master Sgt. Bob Haskell, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

Sept. 20, 2007 - Dale Earnhardt Jr., whose family's name is part and parcel with American motorsports legend, will drive the Chevrolet the National Guard will sponsor in NASCAR's top-level Sprint Cup series in 2008. Earnhardt -- "Junior" to the millions who follow the sport -- will drive the 88 car for Hendrick Motorsports' new team that will have PepsiCo products' Mountain Dew and AMP Energy as its other major sponsors, officials announced during a nationally televised news conference here yesterday.

The popularity of the Earnhardt name raises the Guard's participation in one of America's two most popular spectator sports, the National Football League being the other, to a new level, said Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard.

NASCAR appeals to the same age group, 18-24, that is the prime recruiting group for the Guard and the other military services, Vaughn pointed out. The Army Guard has to recruit about 70,000 new people every year, he said at the Dallas Convention Center.

"If the strength of our recruiting is the same place that you run NASCAR, which it is, and if Dale Earnhardt Jr., is the most popular of all the NASCAR drivers, which he is, then you would think that would make a difference in the number of people who will follow the Guard, the Guard car, and maybe effectively think about joining our team," he said.

"And that's all we ask him to do. Dale will have an enormous, enormous impact on that effort," Vaughn predicted. "People will look at the partnership this way: 'The Guard is a great way to serve. It's a first-class organization. And I like Dale Earnhardt Jr. So does the Guard. I'm going to have to think about that.'"

"I think it's important to support the military, especially now," Earnhardt said about his new affiliation with the National Guard.

Todd Bodine and Greg Biffle, who finished second in the Nextel Cup Series in 2005, have been previous Guard car drivers. Casey Mears is this year's driver.

Earnhardt, 32, has won 17 Cup-level races and two NASCAR Busch Series championships. He is the son of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was killed in a crash on the final corner of the final lap of the NASCAR season's inaugural race, the Daytona 500, in February 2001. He is the grandson and nephew of, respectively, NASCAR pioneers Ralph Earnhardt and Morgan Shepherd. His mother's father, Robert Gee, built NASCAR cars.

Earnhardt will replace Mears as the driver for the Guard car and will add his name and pedigree to the Hendrick lineup of dominating drivers that includes Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.

Mears will replace Kyle Busch, who is leaving the Hendrick team for the Joe Gibbs team, after one season as the No. 25 Guard/GMAC Chevrolet car driver, and Earnhardt will begin racing for Hendrick Motorsports after severing his ties with Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company that his father founded.

Earnhardt announced in June that he signed a five-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports. His new car number is no accident. He has driven the No. 8 Chevrolet since he entered the Cup Series in 1999. His grandfather raced with that number, as well as 88, and Dale Sr. drove the 8 car early in his career. Earnhardt family politics, however, precluded Junior from bringing the famed single-digit number to the Hendrick team.

"We considered every number with 8 in it that was available," he told a room filled with media and Texas Army Guard recruiters, distinctive in their Army combat uniforms.

Earnhardt is currently in 13th place, and out of this year's 12-car chase for the Nextel Cup, after finishing 16th in the Sylvania 300 on Sept. 16 at the New Hampshire International Speedway. He has started on the pole, in first place, once this season but has yet to win a race. He has finished among the top five six times, and he has been among the top 10 drivers in 10 races.

He did qualify for the chase last year, beginning the season's 10-race championship series in sixth place and finishing fifth, 147 points behind Cup victor Jimmie Johnson.

Earnhardt is joining the Hendricks team that has ruled the NASCAR roost in 2007. Johnson and Gordon, with 10 victories and 30 top-five finishes between them, are tied for the lead with 5,210 points after 27 races. Kyle Busch, with one victory and a total of 22 top-five and top-10 finishes, is fifth in the Nextel Cup standings.

This year's Guard car driver, Mears, is in 15th place after his strong performance at New Hampshire, where he started 15th. He has one victory in the Guard/GMAC Chevrolet, coincidentally in the Memorial Day Coca-Cola 600, which raised money for the families of U.S. military troops. Ten drivers raced in cars painted in military camouflage patterns to signal their support for that cause.

(Army Master Sgt. Bob Haskell is assigned to the National Guard Bureau.)

NASCAR Drives Home Commitment to Military

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 6, 2007 - NASCAR's commitment to U.S. troops fired on all cylinders at the Pocono International Raceway here yesterday. During daylong events, NASCAR officials and fans on hand here to watch the Pennsylvania 500 welcomed Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his family and scores of distinguished military guests. NASCAR donated 10,000 tickets to wounded servicemembers and their families and hosted a swearing-in ceremony for recruits from all five branches of the armed forces.

"The NASCAR fan, the NASCAR competitor and the industry in general is Americana, and I don't know anything more American than American soldiers," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "Whenever we have the opportunity to be associated with and honor the American military, we take advantage of that."

Inside the two-and-a-half-mile track before the race, as pit crews and drivers made last-minute engine calibrations and 11th-hour tune-ups, buzzing sounds from pneumatic tools mixed with the sharp smell of gasoline fumes.

Walking on a tarmac-like strip of pavement between garages and sleek trailers that delivered the muscular stock cars, the chairman and his desert camouflage-clad entourage made frequent stops to shake hands with fans eager to voice their support for troops.

"Is that a four-star general? Would he take a picture with me?" a curious fan asked the chairman's wife, Lynne, whose husband complied and smiled widely for the camera.

"Thanks," the fan said. "My father's an ex-Marine."

"Former Marine," Lynne corrected her congenially. "There's no such thing as an ex-Marine."

For Pace, who steps down as chairman Oct. 1 and retires from the military after serving 40 years, yesterday likely was one of the last times he will attend a NASCAR race in uniform.

"It's incredible, people walk by and they see a uniform, they don't know what your rank is -- they don't know if you're a private or a general -- they just stop and say 'thank you,'" he said.

The Pace family initially paid attention to NASCAR in the mid-1990s when the general's nephew began working for the organization, daughter Tiffany Pace said. But like roughly 75 million Americans, the family is now hooked.

The chairman's wife said she and the general have attended seven NASCAR events, including a recent Memorial Day visit to Charlotte, N.C., for NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600.

But the scene was far from silent as starting time neared. The raceway revved with the sounds of an estimated 140,000 fans. Spectators were treated to performances by the Marine and Air Force drill teams and a fly-by from a C-17 Globemaster III.

Before the race, Pace appeared on the victory circle stage to swear in about 150 fresh recruits from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. Standing on the elevated platform that rises above the black-and-white checkered section of concrete marking the finish line, Pace faced the rows of enlistees at attention between him and a sea of fans in bleachers.

"It's my great privilege and honor to equip the armed forces of the United States with these great young recruits here," Pace said. "I want to thank you for being willing to serve your country at a time when we deeply need your service."

At Pace's cue, the young servicemembers raised their right hands and vowed in unison to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies.

"They'll remember this day for the rest of their lives," Dr. Joseph Mattioli, the Pocono International Raceway track owner, told Pace after the general swore in the recruits and shook each enlistee's hand.

Later, Pace would wave the ceremonial green flag, signaling drivers to open throttle and begin the race, and afterward he presented the trophy to Kyle Busch and his Bud Light-sponsored team following their dominating victory.

But before this, the chairman offered gratitude to NASCAR fans and officials who show steadfast support to U.S. servicemembers.

"I thank all of you fans for the incredible support NASCAR has provided to our armed forces over the years," Pace said.

Budweiser, NASCAR Fans Race to Support Troops

American Forces Press Service

July 20, 2007 – Earlier this season, Budweiser and race-car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. drew attention to a little-known charity with big aspirations. The NASCAR nation responded en masse, allowing Budweiser to donate $100,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides full-ride college scholarships to surviving children of special operations personnel killed in combat or training missions, and immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror.

"Special operations personnel are hand-picked for the most treacherous of missions, and we felt Budweiser needed to show these brave men and women that Americans support and appreciate their courage," said Randall Blackford, director for Anheuser-Bush's Budweiser brand. "Anheuser-Busch has supported our nation's military and their families for more than 150 years, and we're honored to make this contribution to the efforts of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation."

Budweiser and Earnhardt raced two military-themed paint schemes in 2007. Budweiser's brown and beige "Desert Camo" car raced Memorial Day weekend during the Coca-Cola 600 in honor of fallen soldiers. The red, white and blue "Stars and Stripes" car ran in the Pepsi 400 and served as a salute to all those who currently serve.

The proceeds from the sale of collectible die-cast cars were earmarked for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

"Through the generosity of Budweiser and the support of NASCAR fans, children of fallen special operations personnel will be reminded that there are caring Americans who recognize the sacrifices that their parents have made and that they want them to succeed in life with a college education," said John T. Carney Jr., Special Operations Warrior Foundation's president and chief executive officer. "This donation also serves as a salute to all of the men and women serving in harm's way all around the globe."

The Special Operation Warrior Foundation is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

For more than 27 years, the foundation has provided college scholarship grants for tuition, books, fees, room and board to surviving children of special operations personnel killed in combat or training missions.

The foundation has nearly 700 children in its program, and provided $1.5 million in college scholarship grants, educational, financial aid and family counseling for 109 students who attended 73 colleges and universities in 2006. With an estimated 120-125 students eligible for college each year, the Foundation's estimated financial need is nearly $76 million.

Army Reserve Soldiers Represent Army at Pepsi 400

By Staff Sgt. Christine L. Andreu-Wilson, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

July 9, 2007 – Though clouds were overhead at the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race July 7, nothing could dampen the spirit of the 49th annual race or its fans. Soldiers of the Army Reserve's 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) from Orlando, Fla., were among the 82 soldiers who took part in presenting the U.S. flag in the pre-race ceremony.

Men and women of the Army Reserve came from units as far away as Massachusetts and Ohio to take part in the ceremony. The soldiers ran the American flag onto the center of the racetrack and then unraveled it while Bianca Ryan, the winner of the "America's Got Talent" television show, sang the "Star-Spangled Banner." Ordinarily, race officials said, it takes at least 150 soldiers to carry the 1,400-pound flag, but the soldiers happily managed the load.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Quinn, 741st Postal Detachment, 143rd Sustainment Command, said it was gratifying not only to carry the flag but to also see the fans who support the troops.

"It's rewarding for us soldiers. Racecar driving is a big American event; it really brings out people's patriotism," Quinn said. "It got me pumped up to hear people shout, 'USA, USA, USA.' The esprit de corps that's here, that's what it's all about -- just knowing that these Americans support us."

The crowd and soldiers cheered as four U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle fighters from Tyndall Air Force Base flew low over the track with their afterburners aglow in the night sky, while on the ground fireworks lit up the infield of the track. Pepsi 400 fans shook the stands with a standing ovation for the troops as the soldiers passed by carrying the U.S. flag.

Sgt. Anthony J. Pekala of the 993rd Medium Truck Palletized Motor System Company, 143rd Sustainment Command, a self-professed NASCAR fan, said he believes it's important for soldiers to be represented in a positive light.

"This event is good exposure for the Army Reserve and the military," Pekala said. "It's good for the public. It's good that Americans see that we're real people."

Staff Sgt. Loretta L. Young, of the 1186th Transportation Terminal Brigade, in Jacksonville, who served with the 143rd Sustainment Command during her deployment to Kuwait, was appreciative of the support.

"It's a privilege to serve. I'm serving my country," Young said. "I'm going to be here no matter what."

After the pre-race ceremonies, soldiers were invited to watch the race from various racing pits, which made some of them feel like celebrities. But some, like Young, got to actually meet some of NASCAR's royalty.

"Richard Petty, he came by and shook our hands," Young said. "That was fantastic. They really show us that there are Americans who support us."

Jamie McMurray won the Pepsi 400 later that night by .005 seconds. Kyle Busch came in second, and Kurt Busch won third place.

(Army Staff Sgt. Christine L. Andreu-Wilson is assigned to the 204th Public Affairs Detachment.)

Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Car Showcases Program Logo

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

May 8, 2007 – NASCAR Nextel Cup points leader Jeff Gordon today unveiled a new design for his No. 24 Dupont-sponsored car sporting a Department of Defense color scheme and the America Supports You logo emblazoned on its hood. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that showcases America's support for the men and women of the armed forces and their families.

"May is 'Military Appreciation Month,' and there is no better place to honor our military than at the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day, particularly when Jeff Gordon takes to the track in his new blue America Supports You car," said Roxie Merritt, chief of Integrated Communications for the Department of Defense.

Merritt was the America Supports You representative at the unveiling ceremony. "We truly appreciate Jeff's commitment to our troops and their families and NASCAR for amplifying the message to our servicemembers that Americans stand behind them," she said.

The design is showcased as part of the American Heroes Memorial Day salute to the Armed Forces on May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway here. Gordon and sponsor DuPont created the commemorative paint scheme for the salute.

Eight Nextel Cup drivers and two Busch drivers are sporting new looks with military themes during the Coca Cola 600 to help kick off a nationwide effort to raise funds for military families in need. The NASCAR team owners, sponsors, drivers and employees donated the space on their cars.

Participating drivers include Greg Biffle, Ward Burton, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Shane Huffman, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Casey Mears and Jon Wood.

The number of drivers and sponsors willing to participate surprised Gordon, who headed the initiative. Advertising alone on the hoods of some of the cars can bring up to $1 million per race, said Larry Deas, manager of Dupont Motor Sports.

"These men and women fight with their lives on the line for our peace and our freedom. When you think about that, there's not enough that you can do," Gordon said. "It's a no-brainer."

Deas said his group jumped at the opportunity.

"I appreciate all (servicemembers) do," he said. "I hope this is just a little bit of a message from Dupont to say how much we appreciate what (the troops) do as a corporation. The fact that we supply a lot of products for them that help make them safer and more likely to come back home to their loved ones is something that I'm very proud of."

Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, Army National Guard chief, represented the Defense Department at the ceremony. He said the morale boost from the cars' new paint jobs will be felt around the globe in the 177 countries where U.S. troops are serving.

"It sends an enormous message of the commitment of NASCAR and the genuine care that they have for our American servicemembers," Vaughn said. "It has an impact on morale to know that there is a significant amount of the population that is strongly behind everything that (the troops are) doing and what they stand for."

Marshall Carlson, Hendrick Motor Sports general manager said he has seen servicemembers over the years show their support to NASCAR, and his company appreciates the opportunity to express its gratitude for their service. His team runs the No. 25 National Guard car with driver Casey Meers.

"When this opportunity came up, every one of our folks jumped all over it," he said. "We recognize the sacrifice and the hard work that all of the servicemembers give to the rest of us without any expectation of thanks. When you have the opportunity to express that gratitude to them, it's an opportunity you don't want to pass up."

Gordon's Chevrolet features Defense Department colors of medium and dark blue, gold and red. "America Supports You" tops the circular logo against a dark blue background, with "Department of Defense" lettered along the bottom. Within the circle, against a medium-blue background, is the America Supports You program logo with its red heart and reversed white stars and stripes supported by a dark blue ribbon with a reversed white dog tag. The dog tag with the America Supports You logo is the official emblem of the program.

The American Heroes Memorial Day Tribute is being supported by Nextel, which will conduct a national fundraising campaign encouraging its customers support the troops with donations to the United Service Organizations.

The American Heroes program hopes to raise more than $1 million for American military families in need through the effort.

"The USO is proud to be the beneficiary of the American Heroes campaign," said Edward A. Powee, USO president and chief executive officer, in a release to the media. "We thank Speedway Motorsports, Nextel, the NASCAR community and its fans for their support of our men and women in uniform and the USO."

Four organizations are promoting the American Heroes Memorial Day Tribute and fundraising efforts: the USO, America Supports You, Speedway Children's Charities, and the Special Operations Hero Fund.

The Speedway Children's Charities was founded in 1982 and provides medical, educational and social services to underprivileged children. In 2006, they awarded more than $2.8 million to more than 470 organizations, according to a news release. The Special Operations Hero Fund provides scholarships and educational grants to children of special operations personnel killed in training or combat.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., or NASCAR, began in 1948. It is the top U.S. spectator sport holding 17 of the top 20 attended sporting events in the U.S., and is the No. 2 rated regular season sport on network television with broadcasts in 150 countries and has 75 million fans. More Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport, according to the NASCAR web site. Gordon is a four-time series champion.

NASCAR has been a corporate team member of America Supports You since July 2005.

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.

NASCAR Honors 'Why We Serve' Troops at Talladega

By Petty Officer 1st Class Amy Kirk
Special to American Forces Press Service

April 30, 2007 – A soldier, a sailor, an airman and a Marine received expressions of thanks over and over again from members of the crowd at Talladega Superspeedway during the Aaron's 499 yesterday. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Olson, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Virginia Mayo, Air Force Tech Sgt. Robert Jubie and Marine Sgt. Noah Tretter attended the race as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" program. Under the auspices of the program, troops travel on a speaker's circuit across the country telling their personal experiences from Iraq and Afghanistan.

All four servicemembers were nominated by their respective commands to be a part of the "Why We Serve" program and share their own personal stories with the country.

For all the time they have given overseas and for sharing their stories, NASCAR decided to give a little back to this group, starting with a few laps around the Superspeedway in the pace car, then moving on to a special introduction to the drivers and the race's Grand Marshal, comedian Jeff Foxworthy.

"This was my first NASCAR event," Mayo said. "The people have been so great. NASCAR fans seem to be the heartbeat of America, and I think I am quickly going to become a part of the NASCAR nation."

NASCAR has been a member of the America Supports You program since the beginning of the program. America Supports You recognizes the support of American individuals, groups and organizations for military men and women, and it communicates that support to troops at home and abroad.

NASCAR has been working to help raise awareness about the organizations' efforts by including signs at tracks, airing public service announcements on Nextel Vision and placing decals on race cars.

Jubie said the thanks he received from NASCAR and the race fans meant a lot to him.

"It really makes me feel appreciated," Jubie said. "I wish more people would be this way."

Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Olson was very humble about his experience with the NASCAR fans.

"It's a little awkward," he said. "I don't really consider myself a hero. There are way better people they could take photos with. I was just over there doing my job."

Olson added that the Why We Serve program allows the servicemembers to tell a part of the story that doesn't make it into news reports.

"I like being able to talk about the good stuff," said Olson. "In my unit, we were a tight knit group. Morale was good, and we supported each other. We got care packages from home and if we saw someone didn't, we shared. You don't see that side of it."

Trotter said that receiving support from Americans is very important to the troops.

"I know when I put the uniform on that people are going to stop me. I stop, shake hands, listen to their stories and smile," Trotter said. "We couldn't do what we do without the support of the people."

(Petty Officer 1st Class Amy Kirk is assigned to Navy Recruiting District Atlanta.)

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