Chemung Speedrome's "Honorary Veteran of the race"

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Last night 5/9, we were honored to recognize Randy Barrett. Randy is US Navy-Petty Officer,First Class-E6-Retired. Randy served 20 years, 5 gold stripes. His guest was his sister Mary Potter, who nominated him. Randy, we thank you for your service.

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Friday, May 30th it was our priviledge to honor John Zack. John served in the Air Force in the early sixties. He was stationed in England and worked in the motorcade as a vehicle mechanic. John was nominated by his grandson Zack Curren. Thank you to this American Hero from all of us at Chemung Speedrome.

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Last night 6/6, we honered Army Sgt. Kyle Sill. Kyle served from2003 thru 2009. He saw combat in Iraq and Afganistan. He recieved numerous medals and awards during his time serving, including, a Purple Heart for injuries recieved when the humvee he was riding in was blown up in a roadside bombing. A soldier and friend that was also involved in the bombing was killed. Kyle was nominated by his son Talon and his cousin Michael Tyson.
Kyle rode in the pace car during the modified feature and he and his son helped present trophys to the feature winners. Many drivers asked to have pictures taken with Kyle and Talon. What an honor and priviledge it was for us to meet and have Kyle with us last night and to see him recieve a rousing standing ovation from the crowd before the National Anthem on the 70th anniversary of "D" Day. We were truly in the presence of a HERO last night. Kyle, thank you for your service to this country and for spending the evening with us.

[trackyacker]

I am very pleased to announce that S+W Awards has stepped up and offered plaques to present to our "Veteran of the race" each week. I just recieved the first ones and they are awesome. They donated 20 of these plaques and that allows me to get plaques to those we have already honered as well as upcoming heros each week. Scott from S+W tells me that they work from their home and do trophy's and such for at least a dozen tracks covering NY / NJ and PA. His phone # is (607) 725-0266. I am also told that Greg from "Pro Signs" will be donating a banner for a background for photos. Thank you guys,for these awesome contributions to this very worthy cause. If there are any other businesses out there that would like to donate gift certificates to our beterans, please let me know and we will make it happen. Thanks again for all the support and positive comments that we have recieved.

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Last night 6/13, we were pleased to honor Michael Tyson. Mike served in the US Army and then in the Florida Army National Guard from 10/94 thru 6/2001 as a specialist. Mike was stationed at Fort Sill, Ok. And Baumholder, Germany, home of the 1st Armored Division. He saw combat in Tuzla, Bosnia as part of Taskforce Eagle during Operation Joint Endeavor. Mike recieved 2 Army Achievement Medals and 1 Army Commendation Medal while deployed to Bosnia. Mike was nominated by his very proud father Wayne Tyson. We presented Mike with a plaque, donated by S+W Awards.  Thank you Mike for your service. I am proud to call you a friend.

[frontstretch]

I am very impressed with this program that Chemung has put together. My hat's off to whoever's idea it was. Thank you for the support of our veterans and a special thank you to all our past, present and future veterans.

[Joe11]

Great job, Dano, keep up the good work!!

[trackyacker]

Thanks Frontstretch,Joe. The Elmira Jackals do this and i was so impressed I knew it would be something we could do. When i aproached John,Kathy and Ray, it was an immediate yes. Each week as I sign the veterans and their guest in, Kathy comes out of her office to personally meet and thank them. The veterans have told me that the staff and fans really make them feel welcome. I hope as time goes by we will be able to offer them more, but we are off to a great start. Last week as I was reading the bio of Kyle Sills and the part about his purple heart medal, i see out of the corner of my eye, an elderly gentleman stand up and start clapping, way before i was ready and man I started to lose it. We are so honored and "thank you"sometimes doesnt feel adequate. They all are heros.

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Last night,6/20 we honored Ben Mullen from Waverly, NY. Ben was a US Army Sargent (E5) from 11/02 thru 5/12. He was stationed first at Fort Sill, Ok. Ben was deployed to Iraq 2 times in 04 and 05. He then moved to Ft. Drum , NY and was deployed to Iraq then Afghanistan in 2011. Ben recieved the Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star. 3 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Meritorious Unit Commendations, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, Mechanic & Marksman Badge w/ Rifle Bar. Ben is now employed at Hilliard Corp. as a welder.  I am proud to have nominated Ben myself as he is a longtime friend. He is married to Stephanie and they have 2 boys and a baby on the way!  Thank you Ben for your service. We could not be more proud to honor you and call you friend.

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Last night, 6/27, we honored Bill Chandler from Owego, NY. Bill served in the US Marines from 1972 thru 1975. Bill was nominated by Steve Tennant of  Greensboro, NC. After spending time with Bill and listening to all the things he is involved with, i realized just how appropriate it turned out to be that we could honor someone that spends countless hours organizing and participatimg in functions and projects that honor others. He is involved in memorial walls in Owego and motorcycle rallies all over the east coast. He leads many projects with the VFW post there. He and his family also have a long time association with local racing as his dad, Bill himself and Bills son have raced at the old Shangrila Speedway and also at Chemung. Thank you to Steve for bringing this great man to our attention and thank you Bill for all you do for others. We are better for knowing you.

[racewear]

Thanks for all you do to honor our Veterans, you doing what many others should be doing!

[Carol520]

Filling in for Dano here....
On July 4th Chemung honored Pete Turner, who served our country in the Vietnam War.  Turner is active in assisted veterans needing services through the VA Hospital.
On July 11th Chemung honored 2 cousins.  Jessica Hobbs served in the Navy from 1998 to 2001 and spent time on the USS BonHomme Richard ship out of San Diego.  She received numerous awards and service ribbons including Expert Pistol Shot Medal and the Navy “E” ribbon.  Justin Faulkner served in the Air Force from 2001 to 2007, with 5 of those years at Travis AFB.  He also served in Qatar (2004) and Iraq (2007).  Justin received numerous awards and medals including Iraqi Freedom, and a Defense Service Medal.
All 3 received beautiful plaques donated by S&W Awards.

Thanks to my buddy Dano for introducing this program that is going over so well with the fans!

[trackyacker]

Last night 7/18 , we were honored to pay tribute to a Korean War Veteran named Gordon Carpenter. Gordan served in both the US Navy Reserves and then as a Sargent in the Army from 1947 thru 1954. He was a squad leader and a survivor of " Outpost Harry " in June of 1953. Gordon was nominated by his son David and it was my priviledge to meet Gordon and hear his story. Once again, we were in the presence of a true American Hero.

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Once again we want to thank S+W Awards for their plaques and support.  Thank You Scott.

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Paul Bennet was our Veteran of the race Friday night 7/25. I stole this directly from Carols write-up on the website. Thanks Carol!!  Notes: Paul Bennett, owner of Paul Bennett’s Garage in Elmira, was the honorary Veteran of the Race. While in the Army from 1992 to 1995 he was stationed in Germany as a mechanic. During his service time he received a Sharpshooter award. Paul’s business is a sponsor of Zack Curren’s #94 Sunoco Modified, which won the 75-lap feature in dominating fashion.