Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Mears Congratulates Arizona Soldier, NCO of the Year By Sgt. Benjamin Cossel
                Ohio National Guard
 PHOENIX, Az. - As throngs of race fans swelled the Phoenix International Raceway to capacity Nov. 11 for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series-Checkers Auto Parts 500, a handful of individuals walking through the crowd clearly stood out. They were in the unmistakable uniform of the U. S. Military, specifically, the Arizona National Guard, and they were on a mission to welcome back to Arizona, National Guard NASCAR driver, Casey Mears. It used to go, "there's nothing more American than mom and apple pie." But as times change, so do the sayings and, in today's day and age, what could be more American than NASCAR and the National Guard? "NASCAR and the National Guard share many of the same patriotic values," said Arizona Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Commander Lt. Col. Keith Blodgett. Blodgett explained that nearly three years ago, the National Guard Bureau, the administrative higher headquarters of the Army and Air National Guards, decided to partner with NASCAR to help raise awareness of the National Guard. It was a strategy built on solid numbers. In terms of people watching, NASCAR pulled in more than 75 million viewers, second only to the National Football League, according to a 2006 Neilson Media Research ratings report. "With so many people watching, the National Guard had a tremendous opportunity to connect with a fan base that shares many of the National Guard's values," said Blodgett. And as NASCAR grows, so does its fan base, including the adjutant general of Arizona, Maj. Gen. David Rataczak. "I became a fan about three years ago," said Rataczack. "And I've been hooked ever since." Rataczack went on to say that he was especially impressed with the technology and engineering behind each of the 750 horsepower machines. "Just look at everything that goes into the tire alone," said Rataczack, as he stood over a rack of used Goodyear's. "There are more engineers in this sport than any other sport out there," Rataczack said. But more than just a race fan, Rataczack said it only took him one race to see the value in the partnership between the National Guard and NASCAR. "Look around, almost everyone we've passed has thanked the Soldiers they see for their service," said Rataczack. Making their way to Mears' trailer, Rataczack introduced Mears to two very special Soldiers within the group, Spc. Lionel Blair, 2007 Arizona Army National Guard Soldier of the Year and Sgt. Frank Ledesma, the NCO. In a move that caught the two Soldiers by surprise, Mears presented Ledesma and Blair with plaques recognizing their achievements. "I was totally unprepared for that," said an excited Ledesma, who admitted to being at his first race but loving every minute of it. "Bringing out special Soldiers to an event like this is just one way we can thank them for their contribution to the Arizona National Guard," said Blodgett. Rataczack, Blodgett and the other Soldiers wished Mears good luck, said their goodbyes and made their way to the stands to watch the race. Jimmie Johnson, the winner of the previous three races and overall Nextel Series points leader would take the race with Mears starting the day in the 11th position and finishing 13th. "Any opportunity we have to connect with so many people is a good time for us to be able to tell the Arizona National Guard's story," said Blodgett. "And what a good story we have to tell."
 SHARE
 PRINT
 
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course
 By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith,
  38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise
 By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry,
  Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska
 By 156th Wing
  More
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course Guard News • 5 hours ago
 38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise Guard News • 13 hours ago
 Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska Guard News • 13 hours ago
 Air National Guard Conducts Sentry Savannah Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 Hawaii Air National Guard Hosts Sentry Aloha Joint Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 2024 (196)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil