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Military
VIPs see ‘Greatest Spectacle’
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff
Lowry, Indiana National Guard
Posted: May 29, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS
-- Three senior military leaders attended the 92nd Indianapolis
500, Sunday, May 24, as the National Guard sponsors the Panther
Racing Team car driven by Vitor Meira.
The top three were Secretary of the Army Pete
Geren, Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., and Army National Guard
Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn
"It's a great honor to be a part of the Panther
team," said Renuart, commander of North American Aerospace Defense
Command and U.S. Northern Command. "They represent the military very
well."
Both Panther Racing co-owners, John Barnes and
Mike Griffin, have military affiliations. Their fathers served in
World War II and both had uncles who served in the war too.
Renuart also commented on the deployed 76th
Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers. "They will be real excited to
see their friends and their family having fun at the race," he said.
Renuart, an
Indiana
University
graduate, commended Indiana's
devotion to the military.
"Indiana
is one of the top states in the union; Hoosiers have always had a
strong show of patriotism," said Renuart.
Geren agreed with the general.
"They're great patriots," said Geren, of Hoosier
citizens.
"It's heartwarming to see the fans cheer for the
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen as they marched down the track," said
Geren. He said the race car drivers received polite applause during
the introductions, but the service members received loud cheers and
applause. "It's heartwarming to see that support in a time of war."
Meira didn't have to stand up and cheer; he
thanked the National Guard Soldiers in person during pre-race
festivities.
"I really appreciate everything you guys do," he
said. "If I do half as good as you guys do Panther Racing will have
a great day."
Meira finished second in the race, started eighth
and led for 12 laps.
This was Geren's first Indy 500, and he said he
was overwhelmed by the spectacle of it all. "You can't appreciate it
until you see it in person," he said.
Vaughn also praised the race's historical and
cultural impact. "It's a piece of history," he said. "As many folks
watch this today, the more people will think about the National
Guard.”
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