Indy Motor Speedway salutes servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Gerry J. Gilmore
  • American Forces Press Service
INDIANAPOLIS (AFPN) --  Amid the howl of revved-up racecars, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials showcased their 27th Armed Forces Day program May 20 with a group enlistment of recruits from all services and other military-themed events.

Track officials held their Armed Forces Day activities in conjunction with final timed qualifications, called "Bump Day," to fill out the 33-car field for the Indianapolis 500 race May 27.

Near the entrance of the track's green-tinted glass "Pagoda," U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar of Indiana gave the oath of enlistment as 61 Indiana young people raised their right hands to join the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard.

"The whole community wants to honor the people who've made the decision you've made to serve your country," Senator Lugar told the recruits before the swearing-in ceremony. "Thank you so much for being here and for your commitment."

He thanked speedway president and chief executive officer Tony George, noting this is the 27th year track officials have hosted Armed Forces Day events. Senator Lugar was among several prominent officials who participated in the Armed Forces Day program, which preceded the start of the day's qualification runs.

Senator Lugar presented a $105,000 college scholarship to each of four Indiana recruits who plan to obtain ROTC-sourced commissions upon graduation.

The speedway is among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces here and abroad.

Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications, hailed Mr. George and his staff for their support.

Ms. Barber said she's impressed with the patriotism evidenced by the new military members and their families.

"When you see that kind of determination and tenacity and focus on mission, it gives you a great sense as an American citizen that we have young men and women in the military who say, 'We want to serve our country,'" she said.

Tracy Funk's 17-year-old son, Mitchell, joined the Air Force during the enlistment ceremony. Mrs. Funk said she's proud of her son's decision.

"His dad is retired Air Force, and Mitchell has always wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps. We're very proud of him," the 40-year-old mother and Brownsburg, Ind., resident said. "I believe in the training, and I'm confident that he'll be safe."

Mrs. Funk believes a lot of young people "are missing out" by not joining the military. 

"To serve your country is an honor, and it's a privilege," she said.

Mitchell, who wants to become a helicopter gunner, said he's not worried about being deployed overseas.

"We enjoy our freedom because of the men and women serving right now, and I am very proud that I get to do that," he said.

Indiana Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Patrick Shannon was on hand to take three laps around the track with three-time Indy winner Johnny Rutherford at the wheel of the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette pace car. Sergeant Shannon also waved the green flag to start the day's qualification trials. A member of Indiana's 38th Infantry Division, based in Indianapolis, Sergeant Shannon was wounded in Ramadi, Iraq, in November.

He said he was inspired to see the speedway and America Supports You honor the nation's servicemembers.

"Any time that a company or individuals appreciate the military is outstanding," Sergeant Shannon said. "It's a great feeling to know America's behind you and that people support you."

Several teams, including Indianapolis-based Playa del Racing, will sport America Supports You decals on the engine covers of their racecars during the Indy 500 race.

The troops "really do a great job of representing our country," David Morgan, Playa del Racing's team manager, said as mechanics prepped the team's two 650-horsepower, Honda-V-8-powered machines. "It's important to support what they're doing."

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