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Touch of Top Hats, taste of victory

  • Published
  • By Capt Kristin Haley
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 400 Luke AFB Airmen gathered here, Feb. 22 to meet a NASCAR driver and score free tickets to the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway, April 21.

Driver Matt Kenseth, currently in 12th place in the Nextel Cup standings, took time out of his racing schedule to visit with Luke Airmen and experience speed the real way - in an F-16 Fighting Falcon orientation flight.

The event was the second "Salute to Military Families," a program established by the raceway and funded by a variety of military-support corporate sponsors including Gatorade, Sprint/Nextel and Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que.

While NASCAR's No. 17, Mr. Kenseth, brought a level of celebrity to the event; he made sure the Airmen understood he was there to give back to them.

In a short ceremony, Mr. Kenseth thanked the Airmen for their sacrifces and for the opportunity to spend the day with them.

"I think it really meant a lot to the Airmen waiting in line that he cares about the sacrifices we make," said Lt. Col. Dennis Malfer, 21st Fighter Squadron commander, who was also in line waiting for his tickets and personal Matt Kenseth autograph. "The fact that he took time out of his schedule shows his outstanding character and support." 

Lieutenant Colonel Malfer was able to pick up two of more than 600 tickets given
away during the event, courtesy of the "Salute to Military Families" sponsors.
 
In addition to picking up tickets, Airmen enjoyed a free barbecue lunch, a chance to sit in a stock car and a one-on-one autograph session with Mr. Kenseth. 

Capt. Chris Hansen, 310th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, and Kenseth's pilot, said they gave the F-16 a good workout during the flight and showed him what real speed was. "Kenseth did great and seemed right at home in the aircraft. He was just a really nice guy. It's people like him who make you feel good about being in the military and really care about what you're doing." 

Kenseth, who won both the Busch series and Nextel Cup events last weekend in California after flying with the 310th Fighter Squadron, sent photos back to the squadron with Top Hat stickers on his car.