Page 14 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt April 7, 2017

14 April 2017 FEATURE www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
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Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver, autographs merchandise for Luke Air Force Base Airmen during the Camping World 500 March 19 at Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale.
Airman 1st Class Alexander Cook
Airmen get unique opportunity at PIR
by Senior Airman DEVANTE WILLIAMS
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Luke Airmen met drivers and crewmembers during the NASCAR Troops to the Track tour Sunday be- fore the Camping World 500 race at the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale.
Troops to the Track is a season-long initiative that honors members of the military for their service and provides customized experiences at NASCAR races.
The Airmen were given an up-close look of the motor sport and offered special access to areas most fans rare- ly see. They observed the safety brief to owners, drivers and crew chiefs given before all races, and toured the garage and pit areas while the crews were getting ready for the day’s race.
“Our long-standing tradition of honoring the U.S. Armed Forces will never waver,” said Brent Dewar, NAS- CAR chief operating officer. “We have a unique opportunity to pay tribute to military units and bases integral to preserving our country’s freedom.”
Airman 1st Class Alexander Cook
Luke Air Force Base Airmen stand at attention while two 62nd Fighter Squadron F-35 Lightning IIs perform a flyover during the opening ceremony of the Camping World 500 March 19 at Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale.
Airman 1st Class Alexander Cook
Jesse Iwuji, NASCAR driver, shows Luke Airmen racing tires during their visit through the garages at the PIR.