Faces of Vietnam Veterans to Grace Army NASCAR, NHRA Cars

FORT KNOX, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2011) – The U.S. Army, in conjunction with Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, will run special paint schemes honoring the men and women who served in the Vietnam War on the Soldiers’ race cars during Veterans Day weekend.

In honor of these Veterans’ service and sacrifice, who served during the conflict that started 50 years ago, selected photos will be featured on the hood, trunk, side panels and bumpers when Ryan Newman gets behind the wheel of the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet at the Nov. 13 Kobalt Tools 500k NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher’s U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster will don the custom paint scheme when he straps in at Pomona, Calif., for the Nov. 13 Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.

Beginning today, Vietnam Army Veterans, along with their families, friends and loved ones, can go online and submit photos of the men and women who have embraced the call of duty and helped build and protect our country at www.goarmy.com/yourphotohere. All Vietnam Veterans shown in uniform are eligible for inclusion among the photos in the special paint scheme. Images will be collected through Sept. 16.

"What a cool way for us to say ‘thank you’ and honor the Vietnam Veterans," said Newman, a 15-time NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner. "History tells us that many who served in Southeast Asia were not properly recognized upon their return. It will be our sincere privilege to commemorate the Army Strong Vietnam Soldiers who fought bravely for democracy."

For seven-time NHRA champion Schumacher, driving the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster is always a powerful reminder of what it means to be Army Strong.

"It’s truly inspiring to represent our Soldiers who served in Vietnam," Schumacher said. "Many of the Vietnam Veterans are drag-racing fans who grew up at the height of the muscle-car and hot-rod era. We see many Vietnam Vets at our NHRA races, and that’s why this paint scheme will carry a special meaning for our U.S. Army team."

The special paint scheme will serve as an extension of Veterans Day (Nov. 11) when, as a country, we honor and remember the heroism, courage and dedication displayed by our Veterans. While the nation remembers the service of its Veterans, the millions at home and at the track watching Newman and Schumacher will get a chance to see some of the faces who represent true heroes.

"Every time these guys drive with the Army colors, they represent the more than one million men and women who proudly serve our nation," said John Myers, Director, Strategic Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "For these races, with these paint schemes, we pay tribute and say thank you to our Vietnam heroes as well as all past and present Soldiers and their families. Each picture, each face, is a reminder of the sacrifice and service of the millions who have made our Army strong and our nation free."

About U.S. Army Accessions Command
The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,400 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky.