<\/p>\n
\n <\/tr>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n PUBLIC DOMAIN \u00a0
\n ![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/public_domain_logo.png\"\/){kind=logo}
<\/p>\n
Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was on hand to witness NASCAR\u2019s commitment to U.S. troops firing on all cylinders at the Pocono International Raceway here yesterday. <\/p>\n
During daylong events, NASCAR officials and fans here to watch the Pennsylvania 500 welcomed Pace, his family and scores of distinguished military guests. NASCAR donated 10,000 tickets to wounded servicemembers and their families and hosted a swearing-in ceremony for recruits from all five branches of the armed forces. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe NASCAR fan, the NASCAR competitor and the industry in general is Americana, and I don\u2019t know anything more American than American soldiers,\u201d NASCAR President Mike Helton said. \u201cWhenever we have the opportunity to be associated with and honor the American military, we take advantage of that.\u201d <\/p>\n
Inside the two-and-a-half-mile track before the race, as pit crews and drivers made last-minute engine calibrations and 11th-hour tune-ups, buzzing sounds from pneumatic tools mixed with the sharp smell of gasoline fumes. <\/p>\n
Walking on a tarmac-like strip of pavement between garages and sleek trailers that delivered the muscular stock cars, the chairman and his desert camouflage-clad entourage made frequent stops to shake hands with fans eager to voice their support for troops. <\/p>\n
\u201cIs that a four-star general? Would he take a picture with me?\u201d a curious fan asked the chairman\u2019s wife, Lynne, whose husband complied and smiled widely for the camera. <\/p>\n
\u201cThanks,\u201d the fan said. \u201cMy father\u2019s an ex-Marine.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cFormer Marine,\u201d Lynne corrected her congenially. \u201cThere\u2019s no such thing as an ex-Marine.\u201d <\/p>\n
For Pace, who steps down as chairman Oct. 1 and retires from the military after serving 40 years, yesterday likely was one of the last times he will attend a NASCAR race in uniform. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredible, people walk by and they see a uniform, they don\u2019t know what your rank is — they don\u2019t know if you\u2019re a private or a general — they just stop and say \u2018thank you,\u2019\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
The Pace family initially paid attention to NASCAR in the mid-1990s when the general\u2019s nephew began working for the organization, daughter Tiffany Pace said. But like roughly 75 million Americans, the family is now hooked. <\/p>\n
The chairman\u2019s wife said she and the general have attended seven NASCAR events, including a recent Memorial Day visit to Charlotte, N.C., for NASCAR\u2019s Coca-Cola 600. She’s noticed that at NASCAR events, more than at any other sport she’s attended, people truly respect the moment of silence for fallen troops. <\/p>\n
But the scene was far from silent as starting time neared. The raceway revved with the sounds of an estimated 140,000 fans. Spectators were treated to performances by the Marine and Air Force drill teams and a fly-by from a C-17 Globemaster III. <\/p>\n
Before the race, Pace appeared on the victory circle stage to swear in about 150 fresh recruits from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. Standing on the elevated platform that rises above the black-and-white checkered section of concrete marking the finish line, Pace faced the rows of enlistees at attention between him and a sea of fans in bleachers. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my great privilege and honor to equip the armed forces of the United States with these great young recruits here,\u201d Pace said. \u201cI want to thank you for being willing to serve your country at a time when we deeply need your service.\u201d <\/p>\n
At Pace\u2019s cue, the young servicemembers raised their right hands and vowed in unison to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ll remember this day for the rest of their lives,\u201d Dr. Joseph Mattioli, the Pocono International Raceway track owner, told Pace after the general swore in the recruits and shook each enlistee\u2019s hand. <\/p>\n
Later, Pace would wave the ceremonial green flag, signaling drivers to open throttle and begin the race, and afterward he presented the trophy to Kyle Busch and his Bud Light-sponsored team following their dominating victory. <\/p>\n
But before this, the chairman offered gratitude to NASCAR fans and officials who show steadfast support to U.S. servicemembers. <\/p>\n
\u201cI thank all of you fans for the incredible support NASCAR has provided to our armed forces over the years,\u201d Pace said.<\/p>\n
A chaplain in a black robe then approached the podium and ushered in a moment of silence for servicemembers who died serving the United States. And for that brief moment, no sound was heard<\/p>\n
Story by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/tr>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/tr>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/tr>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/tr>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/tr>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n <\/tr>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n PUBLIC DOMAIN \u00a0
\n
<\/p>\n