In the Army hospitality hauler at the United Association Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, IL this weekend sat a picture of Tony Schumacher and a 12 year old boy.  It is one of thousands of photos the driver of the U.S. Army top fuel dragster takes each season.

What makes this photo special is the impact meeting Tony Schumacher and watching the Soldiers supporting the event 8 years ago had on the life of Corbin Mehrbrodt.

“I saw Tony eight years ago and decided a drag racer is what I wanted to be.  I also saw the Soldiers at the race and admired the way their carried themselves.  They never walked around with their heads down.  They were proud of what they were doing,” Corbin told a crowd in the Army pit on Saturday.

Corbin went on to become a drag racer joining the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Junior Dragster program and eventually buying a Super Comp Dragster.  But the dragster has been put away for a while as Corbin leaves for Army Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY on June 30.

Don Schumacher Racing made Corbin an honorary crewmember this weekend and the NHRA recognized his decision as part of Sunday’s pre-race ceremonies.  He’s a well-spoken and motivated young man and I am sure he will make a great Soldier.

One of toughest parts of this job is laying out the intangibles of the sponsorships and programs we are involved with. 

We can measure leads, contracts, Center of Influence pledges of support and media impressions.  We can count the number of students at our educational programs and show car visits and the number of schools impacted.  What we can’t measure are the young Americans who decide to join the Army because of what we’re doing or the parents to recommend the Army when their sons and daughters ask about the military.

We know that motorsports fans are very loyal to sponsors.  Studies have proven that NASCAR and NHRA fans are buying the beverages, motor oil, candy and cookies, and other products promoted by their favorite driver and teams.  Hardware and outdoor equipment is flying off the shelf at the chains represented on the side of a car and across the chest of a driver.

The Army is not a beverage, a snack food, an auto part or sporting goods or hardware store.  It is a way of life.   Many who enlist years after being a fan of an Army sponsored team or event probably won’t realize that being an Army racing fan or meeting Soldiers at motorsports events helped create the positive image that led them to want to be a part of the Army.  So, how do we measure the long term impact ?

Congratulations to Corbin and best wishes for a great Army career.

Tuesday is my daughter Sarah’s birthday.  She always loved being an Army brat even though she didn’t really handle the moving and making new friends piece too well.   I just wanted to let her know I’m very proud of her.