Kruglerek
06-02-2004, 05:19 AM
Army, special ops troops star in NASCAR Memorial Day salute
By Walt Sokalski
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
CONCORD, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 1, 2004) — The crowd came to its feet as they banked around Turn 3, moving toward the finish line at Lowe’s Motor Speedway here on May 30.
Six hours later, the crowd would do the same for Jimmie Johnson in the No. 48 car at the end of the race. That first standing ovation, however, was for the MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters delivering a Special Forces A-team onto the speedway's infield during prerace activities for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600.
The U.S. Army, and especially the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, played a significant role in the Memorial Day weekend salute, which was held as a prelude to the 20th anniversary running of the Coca Cola 600. The salute began with a jump by the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. As soon as the jumpers had cleared the infield, two MH-60s from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) entered the speedway and hovered 20 feet above the track as the A-team from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) fast-roped to the ground and established a perimeter.
With half of the team “securing the perimeter,” the other six Soldiers hopped into a Ground Mobility Vehicle and zoomed to the event’s main stage to prepare for the arrival of a third MH-60 carrying country music singer John Michael Montgomery.
As Montgomery sang the last chorus of his hit song, “Letters from Home,” a flight of four 160th Black Hawks flew in a diamond formation over the track and executed a “star-burst” maneuver as they exited the field.
“I look at it as an honor to represent the Army and honor the fallen,” said Chief Warrant Officer Mel Sorenson. As the flight lead for this mission, it was Sorenson’s responsibility to ensure that all 160th aircraft arrived at specific locations at times designated by a tightly choreographed prerace script. “Showcasing what we do is something that we don’t get a chance to do normally,” he added.
His crew chief, Sgt. Paul R. Jackson, agreed. “It’s good for the people to show them what their (tax) dollars buy in the way of equipment and training. It’s good to connect with the people.”
Even before their grand entrance onto the speedway, the special operations Soldiers and their equipment were a big hit with the more than 100,000 NASCAR fans. During early morning rehearsals, the roar of the crowd as the helicopters flew overhead could be heard three miles away at the staging base located at Concord Regional Airport.
On pit row, the pre-positioned GMV was as popular as the race cars. Fans stood in line to talk with Soldiers sporting their Green Berets and to have their photographs taken inside the fully-outfitted GMV. Maj. Anthony Dill, officer-in-charge of the USASOC contingent at the race, spent a significant amount of time with the vehicle on pit row. Dill stated that he found the reception from NASCAR fans refreshing and he thoroughly enjoyed talking with fans of all ages.
The second, nationally-televised portion of the Memorial Day salute was more somber. 160th Chief Warrant Officer Charlie King sang “Amazing Grace” as 3rd SFG Capt. Douglas M. Legan removed the American flag from his desert camouflage uniform and passed it to Sgt. 1st Class Mark Mounce of the U.S. Army Accessions Command. Mounce, dressed in the Army Dress Blue uniform, solemnly paraded across the infield holding the flag, a symbol of all fallen Soldiers. He placed the flag onto the dashboard of the Army No. 01 car, where it remained until after the race.
As the flag was lowered into its place of honor, a rifle team from the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment executed a 21-gun salute. Then, as the mournful tones of “Taps” were played by Staff Sgt. Robert Nichols, 82nd Airborne Division Band, a five-ship formation of 160th helicopters flew overhead and executing a “missing man” formation.
The prerace ceremony transitioned to race time with an Air Force B-2 Stealth bomber flyover and Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division in Iraq shouting the traditional, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”
With that cue, all Soldiers went from performers to spectators as they mingled with fans on top of campers in the infield and with the estimated 100,000 NASCAR fans in the grandstands.
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An MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne) headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, flies over the crowd during prerace activities during the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
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During prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Soldiers from a 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) A-team out of Fort Bragg, N.C., fast rope from an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
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During prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Soldiers from a 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) A-team out of Fort Bragg, N.C., fast-rope from an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
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During the Memorial Day Salute to Veterans at the Coca-Cola 600, Green Berets from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., “secure the perimeter” for the arrival of country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-052.jpg)
During the Memorial Day Salute to Veterans at the Coca-Cola 600, Green Berets from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., “secure the perimeter” for the arrival of country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
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Green Berets from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) from Fort Bragg, N.C., provide escort for country music recording star John Michael Montgomery during pre-race activities for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
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Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) of Fort Bragg, N.C. race around the Lowe’s Motor Speedway to “secure” center stage for the arrival of country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery during the first part of the Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans, the prerace show for the 20th anniversary running of NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 in Concord, N.C. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-004.jpg)
During prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Soldiers from a 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) A-team out of Fort Bragg, N.C., fast-rope from an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-005.jpg)
MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of Fort Campbell, Ky. approach the infield of Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. during prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-006-TN.jpg
high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-006.jpg)
MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of Fort Campbell, Ky. take off from their operating base at the Concord Regional Airport to begin their “starring role” in the Lowe's Motor Speedway’s Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans. The tribute was part of the prerace activities before the 20th anniversary running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
By Walt Sokalski
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
CONCORD, N.C. (USASOC News Service, June 1, 2004) — The crowd came to its feet as they banked around Turn 3, moving toward the finish line at Lowe’s Motor Speedway here on May 30.
Six hours later, the crowd would do the same for Jimmie Johnson in the No. 48 car at the end of the race. That first standing ovation, however, was for the MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters delivering a Special Forces A-team onto the speedway's infield during prerace activities for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600.
The U.S. Army, and especially the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, played a significant role in the Memorial Day weekend salute, which was held as a prelude to the 20th anniversary running of the Coca Cola 600. The salute began with a jump by the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. As soon as the jumpers had cleared the infield, two MH-60s from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) entered the speedway and hovered 20 feet above the track as the A-team from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) fast-roped to the ground and established a perimeter.
With half of the team “securing the perimeter,” the other six Soldiers hopped into a Ground Mobility Vehicle and zoomed to the event’s main stage to prepare for the arrival of a third MH-60 carrying country music singer John Michael Montgomery.
As Montgomery sang the last chorus of his hit song, “Letters from Home,” a flight of four 160th Black Hawks flew in a diamond formation over the track and executed a “star-burst” maneuver as they exited the field.
“I look at it as an honor to represent the Army and honor the fallen,” said Chief Warrant Officer Mel Sorenson. As the flight lead for this mission, it was Sorenson’s responsibility to ensure that all 160th aircraft arrived at specific locations at times designated by a tightly choreographed prerace script. “Showcasing what we do is something that we don’t get a chance to do normally,” he added.
His crew chief, Sgt. Paul R. Jackson, agreed. “It’s good for the people to show them what their (tax) dollars buy in the way of equipment and training. It’s good to connect with the people.”
Even before their grand entrance onto the speedway, the special operations Soldiers and their equipment were a big hit with the more than 100,000 NASCAR fans. During early morning rehearsals, the roar of the crowd as the helicopters flew overhead could be heard three miles away at the staging base located at Concord Regional Airport.
On pit row, the pre-positioned GMV was as popular as the race cars. Fans stood in line to talk with Soldiers sporting their Green Berets and to have their photographs taken inside the fully-outfitted GMV. Maj. Anthony Dill, officer-in-charge of the USASOC contingent at the race, spent a significant amount of time with the vehicle on pit row. Dill stated that he found the reception from NASCAR fans refreshing and he thoroughly enjoyed talking with fans of all ages.
The second, nationally-televised portion of the Memorial Day salute was more somber. 160th Chief Warrant Officer Charlie King sang “Amazing Grace” as 3rd SFG Capt. Douglas M. Legan removed the American flag from his desert camouflage uniform and passed it to Sgt. 1st Class Mark Mounce of the U.S. Army Accessions Command. Mounce, dressed in the Army Dress Blue uniform, solemnly paraded across the infield holding the flag, a symbol of all fallen Soldiers. He placed the flag onto the dashboard of the Army No. 01 car, where it remained until after the race.
As the flag was lowered into its place of honor, a rifle team from the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment executed a 21-gun salute. Then, as the mournful tones of “Taps” were played by Staff Sgt. Robert Nichols, 82nd Airborne Division Band, a five-ship formation of 160th helicopters flew overhead and executing a “missing man” formation.
The prerace ceremony transitioned to race time with an Air Force B-2 Stealth bomber flyover and Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division in Iraq shouting the traditional, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”
With that cue, all Soldiers went from performers to spectators as they mingled with fans on top of campers in the infield and with the estimated 100,000 NASCAR fans in the grandstands.
http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-018-TN.jpg
high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-018.jpg)
An MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne) headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, flies over the crowd during prerace activities during the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-022.jpg)
During prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Soldiers from a 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) A-team out of Fort Bragg, N.C., fast rope from an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-023-TN.jpg
high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-023.jpg)
During prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Soldiers from a 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) A-team out of Fort Bragg, N.C., fast-rope from an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-038-TN.jpg
high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-038.jpg)
During the Memorial Day Salute to Veterans at the Coca-Cola 600, Green Berets from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., “secure the perimeter” for the arrival of country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-052-TN.jpg
high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-0403A-052.jpg)
During the Memorial Day Salute to Veterans at the Coca-Cola 600, Green Berets from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., “secure the perimeter” for the arrival of country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Gillian M. Albro, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-001.jpg)
Green Berets from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) from Fort Bragg, N.C., provide escort for country music recording star John Michael Montgomery during pre-race activities for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-002.jpg)
Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) of Fort Bragg, N.C. race around the Lowe’s Motor Speedway to “secure” center stage for the arrival of country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery during the first part of the Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans, the prerace show for the 20th anniversary running of NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 in Concord, N.C. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-004.jpg)
During prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Soldiers from a 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) A-team out of Fort Bragg, N.C., fast-rope from an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
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high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-005.jpg)
MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of Fort Campbell, Ky. approach the infield of Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. during prerace activities for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)
http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-006-TN.jpg
high res (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04JUN/040530-A-9745S-006.jpg)
MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of Fort Campbell, Ky. take off from their operating base at the Concord Regional Airport to begin their “starring role” in the Lowe's Motor Speedway’s Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans. The tribute was part of the prerace activities before the 20th anniversary running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. (Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO)