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Grass Valley soldiers cheered by NASCAR fans

Jun-14-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

Here's a bit more info about the Stryker crew that participated in the pre-race activities at a recent NASCAR event.

[Link to Full Article] (Photos included)
TAMMY L. REED

Fort Lewis' Stryker crews have always been trendsetters for Army organization and equipment, but they took on a new role May 30, when they were the visible symbols for the Army in front of more than 100,000 spectators and millions on national television.

A Stryker crew from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash., was chosen for a key role in the pre-race activities at the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race in Charlotte, N.C. Spec. Brian Thomas was one of the nine soldiers chosen to represent the Army and Fort Lewis at the race. He said he felt he had won a great prize to take on the role, even though he wasn't a NASCAR fan.

Thomas learned to be a fan of NASCAR fans, though, over the course of the Memorial Day weekend.

"These people are great," he said, after yet another person grabbed his hand and thanked him for being a soldier and for doing what he does. He smiled when another one yelled, "Hey man, we're proud of you. God bless you."

Even more cheered when he walked by.

That's how it was wherever Thomas or any of his eight 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment Stryker crewmates roamed during the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway. From the time they rolled onto the speedway's grounds May 27 to become part of an "Army of One Interactive Zone" display and game station, to their departure on May 31, they were assailed by many grateful, and curious, race fans.


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