Green, KCR headline troop sendoff at Fort Campbell

Photos from Ft. Campbell

Ft. Campbell, Ky. – Mark Green and the Keith Coleman Racing team spent the day at Fort Campbell Army Base on Thursday as part of a sendoff for Troops deploying to Iraq. As the lone Nascar Busch Series driver attending the event, Green signed autographs and visited with troops and their families.

“It is just a privilege for us to be here today,” said Green. “These guys do so much for us that when we had the chance to come out here and do something for them it was really a no-brainer. I never knew this place was this big but I learned a lot about it today. I’m also learning that an awful lot of soldiers are NASCAR fans.”

The event was orchestrated by Dynamic Marketing Solutions for the base. The team stopped its hauler on the way to Nashville, Tenn., and displayed the car that Green will race on Saturday, complete with 101st Airborne Decals on the B-Post, C-post and Decklid.

“It is a way for us to show how much we support our troops,” said team owner Keith Coleman. “It’s a shame that more drivers weren’t able to attend, but when we had the chance to participate in this event we jumped at it because we think we owe it to these brave men and women. They work so hard to protect us and serve our country that it was our honor to come out here for them.”

Green also had the chance to tour the airfield and visit with the crew of a U. S. Airforce C17 that was about to leave for Mosul, Iraq.

“It was just incredible,” Green said. “These guys were about to leave for a war zone and they’re taking the time to explain to me how the plane works and asking me questions about racing. They are unbelievable group of people and I’m glad I was able to come and visit with them.”

“It means an awful lot to the soldiers,” said George Heath, Garrison Public Affairs Officer. “To know that people in NASCAR and with the KCR team care about them and will take the time to come see them off is a real boost for their morale.”

As part of the team’s show of appreciation, several dignitaries will attend the Federated Auto Parts 300 tomorrow in Nashville as guests KCR. Among the dignitaries will be Airborne Commander Gene S. Glascock, Heath and several others.

In support of the troops, the 101st Airborne decals will adorn the B-Post, C-Post and Deck lid for this race and next weekend’s race in Kentucky. In addition, three banner decals will be placed on the #23 hauler and the team will fly a 101st Airborne flag on their hauler and pit box until the division comes home sometime next year.

“It’s the least we can do,” said Tommy House, Director of Race Operations. “They are going to be half a world away and anything we can do to support them is a privilege. Hopefully the television cameras will catch a glimpse of the flag every now and then and they’ll know people at home are thinking of them and praying for their safe return.”