Jet car team delivers thanks to injured troops Published Oct. 19, 2006 By Maj. Leslie Pratt Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- Air Force Reserve Command's Jet Car performance driver, who's used to going 400 mph, slowed down Oct. 11 to thank American troops recovering from combat injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Bill Braack and the jet car team collected 8,745 cards of thanks during a 12-week, cross-country tour from Washington, California, Nevada, Kansas, Missouri and Ohio, and delivered them to the Walter Reed patients. "The outpouring of support for these troops has been incredible," said Mr. Braack, a retired Air Force reservist. "To have that many people participate and offer kind words and thoughts is a strong testament to our citizens. "Then, to see the reaction from these troops let us know we did the right thing," he said. "I left Walter Reed with a renewed sense of patriotism and admiration for the sacrifices service members make for our freedom." "We really didn't expect this to grow into such an overwhelming show of support," Mr. Braack said. "Local media covering the air shows where we performed heard about what we were doing and spread the word, so we really got swarmed by fans. The volume of activity required an emergency print run to replenish the supply of cards." Among the notable fans sending notes were former astronaut Neil Armstrong, Indy racing champion Bobby Unser, professional athletes and members of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. "Many of the cards included very emotional and powerful statements. All of them were uplifting and positive," Mr. Braack said. Mr. Braack took a keen interest in jet engines and high speeds when he joined the Air Force Reserve in 1983. He served as a C-130 flight engineer accumulating 2,800 flight hours with 150 combat hours. He eventually teamed up with Scott Hammack who set numerous world records in his dragster jet car. In 2003 they signed on to represent Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service and perform at air shows across the nation. "Going from zero to 400 miles per hour in eight seconds is pretty impressive, but nothing has ever moved me like my visit to Walter Reed," Mr. Hammack said. "These guys are top-shelf Americans and, like all veterans, have earned a salute and thanks from a proud nation."Mr. Braack and Mr. Hammack stayed in Washington, D.C., to display the Air Force Reserve Jet Car at the Pentagon for the Air Force Memorial dedication Oct. 14. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)