IndyCar Driver Graham Rahal Honor Military Members

This story happened in May; however it was such an important event, I felt compelled to share it with my readers. NASCAR Race Mom wishes she knew about this opportunity. I would have loved to nominate my hometown hero, Jimmie Lee Beckstrand for the special recognition of having his name engraved on a gold plate permanently affixed to the brick wall as a small token of appreciation for his selfless service and sacrifice.

“You silent tents of green,
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours”
— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

IndyCar Driver Graham Rahal Honor Military Members

by Deaqon James

Crown Royal and Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that during Armed Forces and Indy 500 weekends, a Wall of Gratitude will be erected to honor our nation’s servicemen and women. Race fans 21+ can submit the names of their own personal military heroes to be engraved on gold plates to be placed on the wall as a small token of appreciation for their service.

IndyCar Driver Graham Rahal, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett were in attendance to help Crown Royal with the unveiling of the wall. May is Military Appreciation Month and this initiative kicks off Armed Forces Weekend in Indy so the news is quite timely!

IndyCar driver Graham Rahal places the name of his military hero, his grandfather,
Michael Rahal, on the Crown Royal Wall of Gratitude at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway, Thursday, May 18, 2017. (Doug McSchooler/AP Images for Crown Royal)

This weekend, thousands of fans will flock to the Racing Capital of the World to watch their favorite drivers qualify for the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 during Crown Royal Armed Forces Weekend. And starting this year, those fans will have the opportunity to permanently cement the names of their military heroes at the track in recognition of their generous sacrifice.

Members from Wish for Our Heroes, an organization dedicated to providing
resources to the active duty service men and women during and after their
deployment, pose with IndyCar driver Graham Rahal at the Crown Royal Wall
of Gratitude press conference on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway. (Doug McSchooler/AP Images for Crown Royal)

Inspired by the iconic Yard of Bricks marking the track’s finish line, Crown Royal and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) have erected a brick Wall of Gratitude to display the names of military members past and present. Located in the infield at New Myers Drive and 6th Street (next to the Crown Royal tent), fans 21+ can submit names to be engraved on gold plates permanently affixed to the brick wall as a small token of appreciation for their selfless service.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, left, submits Lt. Col. Bruce P. Crandall’s name
to the Crown Royal Wall of Gratitude on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Doug McSchooler/AP Images for Crown Royal)

Throughout the weekend, Crown Royal will be randomly surprising select nominators with VIP race experiences and tickets.

Race-goers can also stop by the Crown Royal tent to assemble care packages for troops overseas, interact with custom photo booths that facilitate local charity donations and sample various whiskies. The full schedule for submissions to the Wall of Gratitude is below:

• Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Indianapolis 500 Race Weekend
• Friday, May 26: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Saturday, May 27: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Sunday, May 28: 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

“Serving one’s country is, without a doubt, among the most generous things a person can do,” said Jim Ruane, Director of Crown Royal. “We look forward to seeing the Wall of Gratitude filled to the top with names of servicemen and women as we toast to their honor during Crown Royal Armed Forces Weekend and the Indy 500 – rooted in remembrance and celebration of our nation’s heroes.”

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, from left, Crown Royal
National Brand Ambassador Stephen Wilson, Crown Royal Director Jim Ruane
and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett pose in front of the Crown Royal Wall of
Gratitude on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Doug McSchooler/AP Images for Crown Royal)

Building upon the legacy of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program, 2017 marks the sixth straight year the whisky maker has partnered with IMS to recognize the most generous among us – the true kings and queens of their communities – in one-of-a-kind ways.

“This is a fitting and unique way to honor our military heroes during the Month of May at the Racing Capital of the World,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “Crown Royal’s Wall of Gratitude and the chance it provides to celebrate our military members and veterans will be a highlight for many fans visiting the track.”

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles presented the Crown Royal
team with a commemorative bottle of milk at a press conference on Thursday,
May 18, 2017 to unveil the Crown Royal Wall of Gratitude.
(Doug McSchooler/AP Images for Crown Royal)

Crown Royal’s “Live Generously and Life Will Treat You Royally” campaign aims to inspire generosity in all of its many forms, building upon the brand’s longstanding history of celebrating military heroes – from giving veterans the royal treatment at pro sporting events, to helping a blinded soldier see his hometown in a novel way, to year-round collection of care packages for deployed troops.

Crown Royal asks that all race fans honor generously, but drink in moderation.

Source

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3. Blake Koch – Watkins Glen International Advance
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5. Watkins Glen International's Fan Fest Driver Appearances

VA Military Hero Receives VIP #NASCAR Experience

History made by both Kyle Busch and Jason Redman at Indy

Kyle Busch became the first NASCAR driver at any track to win both qualifying sessions, the Xfinity Series heat race and Sunday’s Sprint Cup win — the thirty-eighth victory of his career. What an amazing display of talent which will most likely not be repeated nor topped for quite a while.

However, that is not the only history recorded this past weekend. Virginia Military Hero and Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman received a VIP NASCAR experience at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as he was honored as the winner of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program which renames the Brickyard 400 race after a deserving hero. After finding out he was the winner through his 100th skydive jump, Redman made his own history by insisting that the race be named after his foundation, the Combat Wounded Coalition, instead of himself.

Redman arrived in Indianapolis last Thursday for a full weekend of at-track activities including: leading the hauler parade, having July 22nd proclaimed “Jason Redman Day”, dyeing the downtown Indianapolis canal purple in his honor, waving the green flag for qualifying, riding in the pace car that splits the field and handing the trophy to Kyle Busch, the race winner in Victory Lane.

As you can see from the photos below Redman’s first venture with “big-time NASCAR racing” was spectacular. 

Jason Redman – Retired Navy SEAL and Founder of Combat Wounded Coalition

Jason Redman, 40, of Chesapeake, Va. is a retired Navy SEAL, motivational speaker, author of The Trident and founder of Combat Wounded Coalition. Redman enlisted in the Navy following high school and served ten years as an enlisted SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. After graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer.

Over his career he served five deployments total including two combat deployments. In 2007, while on an operation in Iraq to capture an Al Qaeda High Value Individual, Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun fire and he was wounded with shots to the face and left arm. While recovering from his 37 surgeries at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Redman wrote and hung a sign on his door which became a statement and symbol for wounded warriors everywhere.

The original sign on the door now hangs in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda. Redman was honored with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medals and two Combat Action Ribbons.

Following his recovery, Redman founded the non-profit Combat Wounded Coalition and Wounded Wear to help combat wounded warriors overcome the wounds of war. In 2013, Redman founded his speaking company, SOF Spoken sharing his message of leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity to many organizations including the Marriott Corporation, McDonalds, the NFL Cincinnati Bengals, the San Diego Padres and the US Men’s 2010 Olympic Hockey team. Although the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 will be his first NASCAR race, Redman had the privilege of speaking at a NASCAR conference in 2013.

#NASCAR Indianapolis Motor Speedway Race Schedule

The Brickyard isn’t just another stop on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule. Points racing and Chase berths take a backseat for the weekend as drivers chase one of the series’ biggest titles and the chance to “Kiss the Bricks,” an IMS tradition across all races that started with champion Dale Jarrett at the 1996 Brickyard 400.

You can catch both the NASCAR Xfinity and Sprint Cup Series races at Indy this weekend.

Double Duty at Indianapolis: Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Paul Menard, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson and Matt DiBenedetto make up the strong contingent of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars who are entered in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

Retiring driver Tony Stewart could be making his last appearance at the Brickyard.  However, you never know - he might return after retirement like recently "retired" driver Jeff Gordon.

NASCAR XFINITY Series

• Next Race: Lilly Diabetes 250
• The Place: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• The Date: Saturday, July 23
• The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV: NBCSN, 3 p.m. ET
• Radio: IMS Radio Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: Heat 1 (20 Laps, 50 Miles), Heat 2 (20 Laps, 50 Miles) Main (60 Laps, 150 Miles)

 

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

• Next Race: Crown Royal presents the Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the Brickyard
• The Place: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• The Date: Sunday, July 24
• The Time: 3 p.m. ET
• TV: NBCSN, 2:30 p.m. ET
• Radio: IMS Radio Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 400 miles (160 laps)

Follow The Action Via Indianapolis Motor Speedway Social Media

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Youtube

#Brickyard400

CONGRATULATIONS Jason Redman

2016 Winner of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” Program

Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman is the 2016 winner of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program. For the first time in program history, the official race title will not be named after the winner but instead bear the name of a charity Jason founded. Click here to get your tickets to the year’s Crown Royal Presents the Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the Brickyard. Scroll down to learn more about your 2016 Winner.

Jason Redman

Jason Redman, 40, of Chesapeake, Va. is a retired Navy SEAL, motivational speaker, author of The Trident and founder of Combat Wounded Coalition. Redman enlisted in the Navy following high school and served ten years as an enlisted SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. 

After graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer. Over his career he served five deployments total including two combat deployments. 

In 2007, while on an operation in Iraq to capture an Al Qaeda High Value Individual, Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun fire and he was wounded with shots to the face and left arm. 

While recovering from his 37 surgeries at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Redman wrote and hung a sign on his door which became a statement and symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. The original sign on the door now hangs in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda. 

Redman was honored with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medals and two Combat Action Ribbons. 

Following his recovery, Redman founded the non-profit Combat Wounded Coalition and Wounded Wear to help combat wounded warriors overcome the wounds of war. In 2013, Redman founded his speaking company, SOF Spoken sharing his message of leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity to many organizations including the Marriott Corporation, McDonalds, the NFL Cincinnati Bengals, the San Diego Padres and the US Men’s 2010 Olympic Hockey team. 

Although the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 will be his first NASCAR race, Redman had the privilege of speaking at a NASCAR conference in 2013.

Please Drink Responsibly

Source

Crown Royal presents the ‘Combat Wounded Coalition 400’ at the Brickyard! (#NASCAR)

Unending Sacrifices – The Giving Continues

Just when NASCAR Race Mom thought that it could not get any better, the Crown Royal up the emotional level once more. The Crown Royal ‘Your Hero’s Name Here 400’ is one of the summer’s biggest NASCAR races. This will mark the tenth time the Crown Royal brand has awarded NASCAR race naming rights to an adult fan.

After receiving hundreds of entries during the nomination period, five heroes were chosen as finalists and adult fans had the opportunity to cast their votes for the person they felt was most deserving of the honor. The Crown Royal Presents the ‘Your Hero's Name Here 400’ race is Crown Royal’s commitment to give our American heroes the recognition they deserve. From firefighters and police officers, to local volunteers, the company is to giving back to these individuals and their communities.

Each and every “Race Naming” event is very special in its own way. Whether it is Matthew Hansen who opted to honor his fallen twin with the ‘Crown Royal Presents the Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400’ (2011) to last year’s ‘Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400’ which recognized the brother of slain U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.

However, when it was announced that this year’s winner, Jason Redman’s naming decision was announced, it brought a tear to my eye. This is the first time the race will be named after a charity.

In just a few short weeks, racing fans from across the country will flock to Indianapolis for one of NASCAR’s biggest events of the summer. And despite being named the winner of the annual Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” program, which renames the Brickyard 400 after a deserving hero, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jason Redman’s name won’t be displayed around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway – for good reason.

Redman instead asked that the race bear the name of the charity he and his wife, Erica, founded. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race will officially be referred to as the ‘Crown Royal presents the Combat Wounded Coalition 400’ at the Brickyard!

Today, during a special surprise event in Suffolk, Va., Redman was announced the winner of the annual program while completing his one hundredth skydiving jump. Redman witnessed the reveal of the official race logo, painted in the landing area at Skydive Suffolk, from mid-air as he approached the ground.

"To jump out of a plane, link up with a bunch of friends and even individuals we have helped with the non-profit and then to fly down and actually see the logo with your name on it on the ground was something I will never forget." – Jason Redman.

After the logo unveiling, Redman was greeted by Erica, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, and Crown Royal Associate Brand Manager Dany Penn. Redman was then escorted to a nearby hangar for a party where he was able to celebrate the announcement with his closest friends, colleagues and family.

“What an amazing and humbling opportunity to have my organization as the official title of the Brickyard 400. This race is an icon of NASCAR, Americanism and patriotism,” said Redman after being named the winner of the 2016 “Your Hero’s Name Here” program. “I can’t wait to arrive in Indianapolis and meet the fellow finalists, the awesome race fans, drivers and crews!”

Redman, of Chesapeake, Va., enlisted in the Navy following high school and served 11 years as an enlisted SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. After graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer and served ten more years. Throughout his career he served five deployments including two combat deployments.

In 2007, Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun fire and he was wounded with shots to the face and left arm. While recovering from his 37 surgeries at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Redman wrote and hung a sign on his door which became a statement and symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. The original sign on the door now hangs in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda. Redman was honored with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medals and two Combat Action Ribbons.

Following his recovery, Redman founded the non-profit organizations Combat Wounded Coalition and Wounded Wear to help combat wounded warriors overcome the wounds of war. The Combat Wounded Coalition provides free clothing, clothing modifications, and connections to other vetted service organizations for combat wounded warrior needs. To date, the Combat Wounded Coalition has helped over 500 wounded warriors return to daily life after serving.

In addition to Redman, program finalists included: Piper Hill, retired Army Captain and founder of Healing4Heroes from Atlanta, Ga.; Michael Gallardo, retired Army Sergeant from San Antonio, Texas; Chris Mintz, former Army Infantryman and community leader from Roseburg, Ore. and Leigh Ann Hester, Army National Guard Sergeant First Class and Police Officer from Murfreesboro, Tenn.

“Jason Redman’s perseverance to overcome all of the adversities he faced is truly remarkable. The dedication he has to helping veterans and families is a direct reflection of his generous nature,” said Dany Penn, Associate Brand Manager for Crown Royal. “The race on July 24th will mark an exciting event and first NASCAR race experience for Redman and we can’t wait for him to see his charity’s name in lights at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

As the “Your Hero’s Name Here” winner, Redman will receive the ultimate VIP race weekend experience, including garage tours, driver introductions and pace car rides. He’ll cap off race day by delivering the trophy bearing his charity’s name to the winner in Victory Lane.

“We can’t wait to host Jason later this month at one of the most prestigious events on the NASCAR calendar,” Boles said. “This race has resonated with fans, drivers and teams with how it honors heroes, and this year’s installment is our most special yet with the Combat Wounded Coalition.”

While raising a glass to the heroes in your life,
Crown Royal reminds consumers to please drink responsibly.

About Crown Royal® Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian Whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please drink responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspx. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since opening in 1909. Its events in 2016 include the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, the world's largest single-day annual sporting event. Living up to its reputation as the “Racing Capital of the World,” IMS also hosts the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis in the Verizon IndyCar Series, the ‘Crown Royal presents the Combat Wounded Coalition 400’ at the Brickyard in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the Lilly Diabetes 250 in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, the Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational in the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association and the Red Bull Air Race.

Just Five Days Left To Vote For A Deserving Hero (#‎CrownHeroes #NASCAR)

Voting for the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard ends Thurday

One of the five finalists listed below will receive naming rights to the 2016 Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard. Select a story below to learn more about these deserving heroes and vote for the one whose name you'd like to see in lights at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Voting is allowed once per day and ends June 9th. 

Click here to vote

Meet Retired Navy SEAL and Founder of
Combat Wounded Coalition - Jason Redman

Jason Redman, 40, of Chesapeake, Va. is a retired Navy SEAL, motivational speaker, author of The Trident and founder of Combat Wounded Coalition. Redman enlisted in the Navy following high school and served ten years as an enlisted SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. After graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer. Over his career he served five deployments total including two combat deployments. In 2007, while on an operation in Iraq to capture an Al Qaeda High Value Individual, Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun fire and he was wounded with shots to the face and left arm. While recovering from his 37 surgeries at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Redman wrote and hung a sign on his door which became a statement and symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. The original sign on the door now hangs in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda. Redman was honored with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medals and two Combat Action Ribbons. Following his recovery, Redman founded the non-profit Combat Wounded Coalition and Wounded Wear to help combat wounded warriors overcome the wounds of war. In 2013, Redman founded his speaking company, SOF Spoken sharing his message of leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity to many organizations including the Marriott Corporation, McDonalds, the NFL Cincinnati Bengals, the San Diego Padres and the US Men’s 2010 Olympic Hockey team. Although the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 will be his first NASCAR race, Redman had the privilege of speaking at a NASCAR conference in 2013.

Meet Retired Army Captain and Founder
of Healing4Heroes - Piper Hill

Piper Hill, 45, of Atlanta, Ga. is a retired Army Captain and founder of the charity Healing4Heroes. Hill joined the Army Reserves in 1990 and was an active duty officer from 1995 until 2009, when she was officially retired from the Temporary Disabled Retirement List for injuries that incurred while on active duty. She suffered from PTSD & a brain injury that occurred while serving in the Army. While recovering, Hill remembers one thing from those years – her dog Valentine, who stayed by her side every day. Hill trained Valentine to become a service dog giving her the strength and endurance to become healthy again. Thus, Healing4Heroes began. The non-profit organization provides trained and free-of-charge service dogs for wounded service members, as well as to those with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other cognitive issues or illnesses. Hill has provided over 220 veterans with service dogs nationwide and continues to help and provide for veterans every day. Through her initiatives, Hill has established herself as a helper, healer and heroine within the veteran community, changing many lives for the better. “Healing4Heroes is my way of giving back to the incredible soldiers I led and loved,” Hill said. “They have sacrificed so very much to give us this incredible country we are so blessed to live in.” Hill is extremely excited and humbled to be a finalist for the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400, and looks forward to bringing her sister to the big race.

Meet Former Army Infantryman
and Community Hero - Chris Mintz

Chris Mintz, 30, of Roseburg, Ore. is a former Army infantryman and community hero. On October 1st, 2015 a gunman entered Umpqua Community College and fatally shot an assistant professor and eight students. Mintz, a student at the community college, responded to screams and gun shots coming from an adjacent classroom, using his body to block the connecting door and allowing his class to escape. He then alerted other students when he was shot five times by the gunman. When medical assistance arrived, Mintz was rushed to Mercy Medical Center where he was told he would have to learn to walk again, but the only thought running through Mintz’s mind was his son who was turning six that day. Today, Chris continues to receive medical treatment and physical therapy for his wounds, but he is back in school at UCC to study marketing and is continuing to work and take care of his son. Driven by his desire to inspire others to always rise to the call of heroism, Mintz intends to use his marketing degree to become a motivational speaker and personal trainer. Although his injuries have disabled him from ever competing again, Mintz continues to train in mixed martial arts in hopes of overcoming his disabilities and instilling his motivation to overcome in others. “I’m just a normal guy who was doing what anyone should,” said Mintz. As a longtime NASCAR lover who hails from Richard Petty’s hometown, Mintz is looking forward to cheering for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400.

Meet Active Army National Guard Sergeant First Class
and Police Officer - Leigh Ann Hester

Leigh Ann Hester, 34, of Murfreesboro, Tenn. is a United States Army National Guard Sergeant First Class and Police Officer in Franklin, Tenn. Since her enlistment in 2001, Hester has been deployed three times – twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. During a deployment in Iraq, Hester and her squad were ambushed (and largely outnumbered) by enemy forces. Hester incapacitated the group of insurgents and successfully maneuvered her squad to safety without any comrade casualties. Her courageous actions make Hester the first female since World War II to receive a Silver Star. Hester has also received a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation medal for her military service. Hester has demonstrated her strong commitment to serving this country as an active National Guard Sergeant, but she has also been a Police Officer with the Franklin Police Department for the last 10 years. As an officer, Hester has a direct impact on her community by keeping it safe and crime-free. Her integral role helps protect the citizens of Franklin and her military experience is an asset to the law enforcement team she works so closely with on a daily basis. “My biggest accomplishment is staying in the service and being a police officer for this long,” said Hester. “It’s not always an easy job to do.” Hester has grown up watching NASCAR and, although she has never attended a race before, is looking forward to making the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 an unforgettable experience.

Meet Retired Army Sergeant
- Michael Gallardo

Michael Gallardo, 31, of San Antonio, Texas joined the Army in November of 2004 and was deployed in 2006 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom when his life changed forever. Serving with a reconnaissance unit on Death Row route, named after countless IED-led ambushes, Gallardo’s unit purposely ran over an IED to protect the members of his mission. After the blast Gallardo noticed his truck commander stuck in the vehicle and tried to free him, severing his Achilles tendon in the process, and causing him to later lose his left leg after 15+ surgeries. After this tragic event, Gallardo’s life came to a halt – he could either turn for the worse or fight through the loss of his limb, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Fortunately, Gallardo decided to use his passion for physical fitness as a driver to begin training for marathons, triathlons, and an Ironman. When veterans organization Guardian For Heroes stepped in to pay for Gallardo’s gym membership, his love for CrossFit was born. From being told he may never walk properly again to becoming one of the fittest men in the CrossFit world, Gallardo’s determination is that of a true warrior. At a young age, Gallardo’s mother and personal hero taught him to always help people without asking for anything in return in which he lives by this notion every day to honor her memory. Today, Gallardo works with veterans providing counseling and training advice and is active in many veteran organizations and within the CrossFit community. When Gallardo found out he was one of the finalists in the “Your Hero’s Name Here” program he was grinning ear to ear. “I’m honored to show fellow veterans if I can do it, they can do it too.”

Don't miss the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, July 24th at the 23rd Running of the 2016 Crown Royal Presents the 'Your Hero's Name Here' 400 at the Brickyard!

Click here to get your tickets to this year’s Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard.

Must be 21 or older to vote. 1 vote per day. Use of automated means of voting prohibited. Determination of Grand Prize winner will take into account public vote results, but Finalist with most votes may not be the Grand Prize winner. For complete details, see Official Rules. Sponsor: Diageo Americas, Inc., Norwalk, CT. CROWN ROYAL Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc/Vol. © 2016 The Crown Royal Company Norwalk, CT.

Please Drink Responsibly.

The Brickyard 400 Race Namesake To Be Determined By The Fans (#nascar #crownheroes)

Every year, Crown Royal honors a hero with naming rights to the Brickyard 400, one of #NASCAR's biggest races, as part of the "Your Hero's Name Here" Program.

With Indianapolis crowned as the racing capital of the world, Indianapolis Motor Speedway has the ability to make a dream come true for one lucky hero at NASCAR’s most popular summer race.

Adult consumers can go to CrownRoyalHeroes.com to vote for the hero they think is most deserving of naming rights to the race. Voting runs through June 9th and the grand prize winner will be announced shortly after. 

Each of the five finalists have truly inspiring stories featuring determination, generosity and courage! They will be flown to Indianapolis to attend the race, and the grand prize winner will be provided with a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience, which will include delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane!

Click Here To Read Their Motivating Stories

Remember to Vote Daily And Encourage Your Friends To Do So Too.

Help make a hero's’ dream come true.

* Must be 21 or older to vote. One vote per day. For complete details, see Official Rules.

Please Drink Responsibly.

 

 

Related Stories:

1. Crown Royal’s #NASCAR Your Hero's Name Here 400
2. Nominate Your Hero for the 2016 Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400
3. Christmas Ornament Produces #NASCAR Memories

Crown Royal’s #NASCAR Your Hero's Name Here 400

Vote For A Deserving Hero

One of the five finalists listed below will receive naming rights to the 2016 Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard. Select a story below to learn more about these deserving heroes and vote for the one whose name you'd like to see in lights at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Voting is allowed once per day and ends June 9th.
Click here to vote

Meet Retired Navy SEAL and Founder of
Combat Wounded Coalition - Jason Redman

Jason Redman, 40, of Chesapeake, Va. is a retired Navy SEAL, motivational speaker, author of The Trident and founder of Combat Wounded Coalition. Redman enlisted in the Navy following high school and served ten years as an enlisted SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. After graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer. Over his career he served five deployments total including two combat deployments. In 2007, while on an operation in Iraq to capture an Al Qaeda High Value Individual, Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun fire and he was wounded with shots to the face and left arm. While recovering from his 37 surgeries at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Redman wrote and hung a sign on his door which became a statement and symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. The original sign on the door now hangs in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda. Redman was honored with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medals and two Combat Action Ribbons. Following his recovery, Redman founded the non-profit Combat Wounded Coalition and Wounded Wear to help combat wounded warriors overcome the wounds of war. In 2013, Redman founded his speaking company, SOF Spoken sharing his message of leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity to many organizations including the Marriott Corporation, McDonalds, the NFL Cincinnati Bengals, the San Diego Padres and the US Men’s 2010 Olympic Hockey team. Although the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 will be his first NASCAR race, Redman had the privilege of speaking at a NASCAR conference in 2013.

Meet Retired Army Captain and Founder
of Healing4Heroes - Piper Hill

Piper Hill, 45, of Atlanta, Ga. is a retired Army Captain and founder of the charity Healing4Heroes. Hill joined the Army Reserves in 1990 and was an active duty officer from 1995 until 2009, when she was officially retired from the Temporary Disabled Retirement List for injuries that incurred while on active duty. She suffered from PTSD & a brain injury that occurred while serving in the Army. While recovering, Hill remembers one thing from those years – her dog Valentine, who stayed by her side every day. Hill trained Valentine to become a service dog giving her the strength and endurance to become healthy again. Thus, Healing4Heroes began. The non-profit organization provides trained and free-of-charge service dogs for wounded service members, as well as to those with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other cognitive issues or illnesses. Hill has provided over 220 veterans with service dogs nationwide and continues to help and provide for veterans every day. Through her initiatives, Hill has established herself as a helper, healer and heroine within the veteran community, changing many lives for the better. “Healing4Heroes is my way of giving back to the incredible soldiers I led and loved,” Hill said. “They have sacrificed so very much to give us this incredible country we are so blessed to live in.” Hill is extremely excited and humbled to be a finalist for the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400, and looks forward to bringing her sister to the big race.

Meet Former Army Infantryman
and Community Hero - Chris Mintz

Chris Mintz, 30, of Roseburg, Ore. is a former Army infantryman and community hero. On October 1st, 2015 a gunman entered Umpqua Community College and fatally shot an assistant professor and eight students. Mintz, a student at the community college, responded to screams and gun shots coming from an adjacent classroom, using his body to block the connecting door and allowing his class to escape. He then alerted other students when he was shot five times by the gunman. When medical assistance arrived, Mintz was rushed to Mercy Medical Center where he was told he would have to learn to walk again, but the only thought running through Mintz’s mind was his son who was turning six that day. Today, Chris continues to receive medical treatment and physical therapy for his wounds, but he is back in school at UCC to study marketing and is continuing to work and take care of his son. Driven by his desire to inspire others to always rise to the call of heroism, Mintz intends to use his marketing degree to become a motivational speaker and personal trainer. Although his injuries have disabled him from ever competing again, Mintz continues to train in mixed martial arts in hopes of overcoming his disabilities and instilling his motivation to overcome in others. “I’m just a normal guy who was doing what anyone should,” said Mintz. As a longtime NASCAR lover who hails from Richard Petty’s hometown, Mintz is looking forward to cheering for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400.

Meet Active Army National Guard Sergeant First Class
and Police Officer - Leigh Ann Hester

Leigh Ann Hester, 34, of Murfreesboro, Tenn. is a United States Army National Guard Sergeant First Class and Police Officer in Franklin, Tenn. Since her enlistment in 2001, Hester has been deployed three times – twice to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. During a deployment in Iraq, Hester and her squad were ambushed (and largely outnumbered) by enemy forces. Hester incapacitated the group of insurgents and successfully maneuvered her squad to safety without any comrade casualties. Her courageous actions make Hester the first female since World War II to receive a Silver Star. Hester has also received a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation medal for her military service. Hester has demonstrated her strong commitment to serving this country as an active National Guard Sergeant, but she has also been a Police Officer with the Franklin Police Department for the last 10 years. As an officer, Hester has a direct impact on her community by keeping it safe and crime-free. Her integral role helps protect the citizens of Franklin and her military experience is an asset to the law enforcement team she works so closely with on a daily basis. “My biggest accomplishment is staying in the service and being a police officer for this long,” said Hester. “It’s not always an easy job to do.” Hester has grown up watching NASCAR and, although she has never attended a race before, is looking forward to making the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 an unforgettable experience.

Meet Retired Army Sergeant
- Michael Gallardo

Michael Gallardo, 31, of San Antonio, Texas joined the Army in November of 2004 and was deployed in 2006 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom when his life changed forever. Serving with a reconnaissance unit on Death Row route, named after countless IED-led ambushes, Gallardo’s unit purposely ran over an IED to protect the members of his mission. After the blast Gallardo noticed his truck commander stuck in the vehicle and tried to free him, severing his Achilles tendon in the process, and causing him to later lose his left leg after 15+ surgeries. After this tragic event, Gallardo’s life came to a halt – he could either turn for the worse or fight through the loss of his limb, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Fortunately, Gallardo decided to use his passion for physical fitness as a driver to begin training for marathons, triathlons, and an Ironman. When veterans organization Guardian For Heroes stepped in to pay for Gallardo’s gym membership, his love for CrossFit was born. From being told he may never walk properly again to becoming one of the fittest men in the CrossFit world, Gallardo’s determination is that of a true warrior. At a young age, Gallardo’s mother and personal hero taught him to always help people without asking for anything in return in which he lives by this notion every day to honor her memory. Today, Gallardo works with veterans providing counseling and training advice and is active in many veteran organizations and within the CrossFit community. When Gallardo found out he was one of the finalists in the “Your Hero’s Name Here” program he was grinning ear to ear. “I’m honored to show fellow veterans if I can do it, they can do it too.”

Don't miss the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, July 24th at the 23rd Running of the 2016 Crown Royal Presents the 'Your Hero's Name Here' 400 at the Brickyard!

Click here to get your tickets to this year’s Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard.

Must be 21 or older to vote. 1 vote per day. Use of automated means of voting prohibited. Determination of Grand Prize winner will take into account public vote results, but Finalist with most votes may not be the Grand Prize winner. For complete details, see Official Rules. Sponsor: Diageo Americas, Inc., Norwalk, CT. CROWN ROYAL Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc/Vol. © 2016 The Crown Royal Company Norwalk, CT.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Nominate Your Hero for the 2016 Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400

Just a reminder – you have just over two weeks left to participate in Crown Royal’s "Your Hero's Name Here" Contest. February 28th – 2016 is the deadline for you to nominate your hero to win the naming rights to the 2016 Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard race scheduled to be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 24, 2016.

The grand prize winner of competition will receive naming rights to the Brickyard 400. This race represents the ultimate celebration of heroes and the winner will be provided with an once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience.

The winner will receive:

• His or her name on the race

  

  John Wayne Walding and NRM

• Airfare and accommodations
• Wave green flag at qualifying
• Attend driver autograph session
• VIP pit tour
• Pace car ride
• Victory lane appearance
• And so much more!

Interesting Fact: To date, no woman has been voted the grand prize winner. 

The Past Winners

2007 - Jim Stewart,
2008 - Dan Lowry
2009 - Russell Friedman
2010 - Heath Calhoun, Army
2011 - Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400
2012 - Curtiss Shaver
2013 - Samuel Deeds
2014 - John Wayne Walding
2015 – Jeff Kyle

True heroes set an example for us all to follow.
You still have time; click here to nominate.

NASCAR Race Mom with 2013 Winner Samuel Deeds
in the Pagoda Suite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

*Must be 21 or older to vote. 1 vote per day. Use of automated means of voting prohibited. Determination of Grand Prize winner will take into account public vote results, but Finalist with most votes may not be the Grand Prize winner. Click Here for Contest Rules.

Christmas Ornament Produces #NASCAR Memories

NASCAR Race Mom really enjoyed the post quoted below by Jeff Davis.

Davis is a former NASCAR driver from Anaheim, CA. He competed in three Sprint Cup Series events in his career. His first race was in 1992 at the Phoenix International Raceway, in his own equipment and produced his best finish. He started thirty-ninth in the field of forty-two and completed all but thirteen laps in route to a solid 26th place effort.

Davis also participated in the K&N Pro Series West from 1992 to 2005. In 1994, he finished fourth in the series point standings.

I love this time of year since it brings up some good old memories. Luckily I thought to buy this Christmas tree ornament in 1999 which was the second time that I tried to qualify for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. The first time was the inaugural in 1994 which was only a week after my first child Jake had been born.

That '94 event was cool since they put us Winston West teams in Gasoline Alley interspaced between Winston Cup guys. They put us in points order between Cup teams that were also in points order. So since I was in 4th place in Winston West, I was garaged next to Mark Martin.

Boy do I wish I'd taken some photos of that maybe even with both drivers and our cars. I bet some of my team members have some cool photos buried away in boxes since those were in the days of film for photos and Fotomat printing them. - Jeff Davis

The inaugural Brickyard 400 Jeff remembers was held on Saturday, August 6, 1994, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race marked the nineteenth race of the 1994 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. It was first race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway besides the Indianapolis 500 since the Harvest Classic in 1916. The race featured the largest crowd in NASCAR history, and a then NASCAR record purse of $3.2 million.

NASCAR Race Mom's Brickyard Memory:

NASCAR Race Mom was able to celebrate in the winner's circle with Jeff Gordon in 2014.   Jeff Gordon became the first five-time NASCAR winner at Indy, snatching the lead from Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kasey Kahne on a restart with 17 laps remaining and holding on for his second Sprint Cup victory this season and the 90th of his career .

Back to the Future:

Make your own memories and don't miss the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Sunday, July 24th at the 23rd Running of the 2016 Crown Royal Presents the 'Your Hero's Name Here' 400 at the Brickyard!

Consumers twenty-one (21) and older, please take a moment and visit CrownRoyalHeroes.com to nominate your own heroes for a chance to have the Brickyard 400 renamed in their honor.

Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 28 and five finalists will be chosen with a chance to win naming rights to the 2016 Brickyard 400.

Click here for related Post

'Capture The Crown' at the Samuel Deeds 400 (Day 3)

Today is travel day, so my time is limited. However, I could not resist posting just a few of my favorite shots from the “Crown Royal presents the Samuel Deeds 400 at the Brickyard powered by BigMachineRecords.com” at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Race Mom with Samuel Deeds

Justin Moore concert before the race.

Yup, that’s me next to the bricks at start/finish line.

Race winner, Ryan Newman enjoying his burnout.

Ryan Newman and his winning team doing the “hat dance.”

NASCAR Race Mom will post more details of this fantastic NASCAR Sprint Cup Series adventure when she returns to home base! #CrownHeroes