"My experience as a Hometown Hero at Bristol Motor Speedway was awesome. I was treated with respect and everyone was very kind to me. Getting to tour the pits with the Army team was just phenomenal. They showed me all the inner workings of the car and how everything went during a pit stop. Getting to sit in the pit row and watch the race was just awesome - I had a front row seat to all the action. I'm thankful for the experience the Army gave me for my service to my country and I hope all Soldiers get a chance to live an experience like this one day."

SSG Kevin Manning
Purple Heart Recipient

"Being honored as a Hometown Hero at the Carolinas Nationals was one experience I will never forget. The day started out with lunch with Tony Schumacher, where I was introduced and was able to tell my Army story to him and his crew. After Tony won the race I was escorted to the finish line and was one of the first to tell him congratulations. I got to ride on the back of an Army truck down the drag strip with Tony, waving at the fans. Once we arrived at Victory Lane, Tony and I went to the main stage together where he was presented with his trophy. The day was great and I felt that my service was appreciated by all those involved with that special day. Tony Schumacher is a great guy and appreciates the men and women he represents in the U.S. Army."

SFC Michael Gainey
Bronze Star with Valor Device Recipient