***Pardon the lateness of these post. I just found out about this site. Nevertheless, I hope my experiences impact your life in a positive way***
                WHAT A RUSH!! From the delicious free food at the Pre-Race Party to meeting three Medal of Honor Recipients, one being an Old Grad, I had the privilege of experiencing, NASCAR, The Coca Cola Consolidated Bottling Company CCBCC, and distinguished military veterans this holiday weekend. In less than 24 hours I met with, laughed with, and learned from some very remarkable people. People like SFC Greg Stube (RET) who should have died six-times over. Overcoming injuries sustained by an IED, he has purposefully set forth a movement to educate men and women, old and young, civilian and military personnel on leadership principles, values, and servant-hood that he has learned in fight and in the hospital. As well-spoken motivational speaker, SFC Stube has a book coming out within the next year and a television show titled “Coming Home with Greg Stube” airing in the Fall/Winter. He is one of the most humble men that I have ever met in my life. Another great man, I had the honor of meeting was MSG William “Spanky” Gibson. Currently working at the Pentagon, MSG Gibson lost his leg to a terrorist sniper in Iraq. Nevertheless, that did not keep him from serving his country. Both of these wartime heroes taught me something very important, service beyond sacrifice. They realized that their duty and their life was not about them, it was about who they can serve others. I am forever grateful to have met these men. I will never forget them. 
                 I also had the privilege to experience the bootlegger’s pastime known as NASCAR at the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the Coke 600 Pre-Race Party in downtown Charlotte. I saw the evolution of the racecars. I experienced a portion of what it felt like to lift the car, change one tire, fill the tank, and lower the car, all less than 30 seconds. The professional pit crews do it in less than 15. On Sunday, race day, we were shuttled to the track where we were then escorted to suite seats overlooking turn four—the last turn before the finish line—with food and beverages provided. Then we proceeded to go down to the pit, meet some of the crew, and take pictures with some of the cars that are part of the Coca-Cola race team—a group of drivers that Coke sponsors. We saw the pre-race show right in front of us; as we were standing on the track. All the while, we were approached by a stealth bomber that flew over the stadium at the conclusion of the National Anthem. Next we went back to the Suite to enjoy each other’s company, food, and the longest race in NASCAR. At the conclusion of the race, we were congregated in the Winner’s Circle as Kevin Harvic, driver for No. 29 Budweiser/Armed Forces Chevrolet, was awarded the Coke 600 Memorial Day Trophy. 
                  I have never been a part of such a grand event by doing so much. It was a great way to end the weekend; especially when my younger brother texted that he saw me on television. But the biggest feeling of comfort was interacting with this group of people who acted like family. These people were not co-workers, they were relatives. That was something I have never seen in any organization (other than the Army Men’s Track and Field Team) nor did I expect it.