Page 12 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt 11-20-15

Nov. 20, 2015 Thunderbolt
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NASCAR honors
Airmen at PIR
Story and photos by “Honoring our nation’s military is a to see how we operate and meet with
Senior Airman long-standing tradition in our sport,” the crewmembers that make it happen.” Luke Air Force Base Airmen fold the American Flag du
said Mike Helton, NASCAR president. way. Veterans, active duty military members and their
DEVANTE WILLIAMS “The NASCAR: An American Salute” The rain caused the race to be de-
platform truly enables us to collectively layed, but it did not stop NASCAR from
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs express our gratitude to the millions of giving the Airmen a world-class tour of
members of the U.S. armed forces and its facilities. The Airmen were treated
Forty-three race cars, 200 laps and their families for the sacrifices they have to an up-close look into the motor sport
only one driver to win it all. made in defending our nation.” and were given special access to areas
rarely seen by most fans. They sat in on
Fast cars and intense action are not Luke Airmen met with drivers and the safety brief given to owners, drivers
all NASCAR is known for. It’s also crewmembers Sunday before the Quick- and crew chiefs before all races, and
known for recognizing throughout the en Loans Race for Heroes 500 at Phoenix toured the garage and pit areas while
NASCAR season those who serve in International Raceway in Avondale. the crews were getting ready for the
the military. They also met the Air Force-sponsored day’s race.
driver No. 43 Aric Almirola who thanked
The program, NASCAR Troops to the them for their service and posed with “Even though it was raining most of
Track, is a season-long initiative that them for photos. time it was still an amazing day,” said
honors members of the military for their Airman 1st Class Kevin Dawson, 56th
service and treats them to customized “The hard work they do for our coun- Comptroller Squadron finance techni-
experiences at the races. The program try is amazing,” Almirola said. “We love cian. “NASCAR always treats their
is a way for NASCAR to say “Thank having the military come out and be a fans well, and I’m glad we all got the
You,” to military members and gives part of our races. It’s awesome they get opportunity to see how they operate.”
them a behind-the-scenes view of one of
America’s most popular sports.

Aric Almirola, NASCAR driver, signs Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Straight’s, 56th Medi- Lt. Gen. Mark Nowland, 12th Air Force commander, delivers an oath of enlistment to 25 Air Fo
cal Operations Squadron medical technician, poster during their visit through the
garages before the race. Almirola talked with Airmen and autographed gear.