New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs News - Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Guard Soldiers unveil paint scheme for Daytona NASCAR race

’Fighting 69th’ Soldier selected for NASCAR race unveiling

Story by: Sgt. Michael Baltz - 107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Florida Army National Guard
Dated: Thu, Jul 8, 2010

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Guard Soldiers unveil paint scheme for Daytona NASCAR race

The eight soldiers from 8 Soldiers and 8 Missions stand with Dale Earnhardt Jr., after the unveiling his car, June 30. On July 3, Earnhardt’s No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet will feature a special paint scheme in honor of the 8 Soldiers and 8 Missions in which they served. Photo by Sgt. Michael Baltz.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- As most NASCAR paint schemes are used as advertising platforms, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s partnership with the National Guard gives him a unique opportunity to dedicate his paint scheme for NASCAR’s July 3 race to eight National Guard Soldiers and eight missions in which they served.

The "8 Soldiers, 8 missions" paint scheme was unveiled by Earnhardt and the eight Soldiers June 30 at an event in Daytona Beach that honored their sacrifice and selfless service for others, by serving in domestic and oversea missions for their country.

"We take a lot of pride representing these eight soldiers and the entire [National] Guard, and their sacrifices," Earnhardt said.

Earnhardt entrusted the design of the paint scheme to a friend and said he was clueless as to what it would look like until it was unveiled.

"It is a good looking car. I was excited," Earnhardt said. "It was great to have eight Soldiers here and listen to their eight missions. It gave me a lot of pride that I have for the Guard."

The eight Soldiers featured on the car, which will run at the Coke Zero 400 at the Daytona International Speedway, are: Spc. Tabitha Foster from the 201st Engineer Battalion, Kentucky Army National Guard; Spc. Joseph Ruiz from Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, New York Army National Guard; Spc. Richard Ghent from the 1-172 Armor, New Hampshire Army National Guard; Staff Sgt. Justin Lampert from the 818th Engineer Company, North Dakota Army National Guard; Staff Sgt. Daniel Caldwell from Charlie Company, 1-167th Infantry, Alabama Army National Guard; Staff Sgt. Ryan Brubaker from B Company, 1-163rd Combined Arms Battalion, Montana Army National Guard; Sgt.1st Class Chris Dempsey from the Recruiting and Retention Command, Arizona Army National Guard; and 1st Lt. Reed Preece Troop C, 2-104 Cavalry, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Brubaker, the National Guard Soldier of the Year, felt honored to be one of the select few.

"It is a humbling experience to be here," Brubaker explained. "They have all of these unique stories. It feels great to be showed case."

He gives credit to his success to more than just his personal desire.

"The family support I have with my wife Heidi has been a great influence. She has been very supportive," Brubaker said. "I had a lot of help from my unit and peers along the way. I was happy to be able to give my unit recognition, since they are the reason I am here."

Foster, who treated casualties under enemy fire and went on 100 missions while in Afghanistan, is counting down until race day.

"I am really excited to be here," Foster said. "It is my first race."

As Earnhardt gets to know the Soldiers and the National Guard, he said he gets more comfortable, making it a better relationship.

"It is really emotional, and I feed off of that emotion," Earnhardt said. "It is in the back of my mind throughout the event."

Earnhardt said that he enjoys events like these because it allows people to recognize the reality of the sacrifice by National Guardsmen.

"We appreciate what they do for us," Earnhardt said. "We are really fortunate."