Armed Forces Appreciation Night continues tradition at USA Raceway

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Sarah Godfrey
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- --  USA Raceway of Tucson hosted the second annual Armed Forces Appreciation Night Saturday May 15 with free attendance for Airmen and families, and a special race for its Air Force neighbors from D-M.

May is Armed Forces Appreciation Month which is celebrated with events across the country thanking Armed Forces members, veterans and families for their sacrifices.

Here in Tucson, USA Raceways celebrated with a free night for military members and their families.

"It's really cool when military leaders and community leaders can come together for a social event honoring military service members," said Chief Master Sgt. Dougherty, 355th Forward Support Squadron superintendent. "The night was a total success."

Col. Charles Hunter, 355th Mission Support Group commander, officiated the races as the honorary flagman, commencing the stockcar race with the traditional cry of, "Gentlemen start your engines," and the first flag wave.

The night culminated with a Hornet stockcar race that featured Chief Dougherty, Maj. Jason Jensen, a pilot with the 357th Fighter Squadron, Maj. John Sims, 355th Component Maintenance Squadron commander, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Brown, 355th Maintenance Group superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Donald Holmes, 55th Electronic Combat Group superintendent, and local radio personality John Justice from 104.1 The Truth.

The intensity of the race was demonstrated when Maj. Sims' rear-ended his stockcar into Chief Dougherty's, stalling the major's engine. Luckily no one was hurt and Maj. Jensen won the race for the second year in a row.

Airmen and families can look forward to this fun and free event next year but until then the major remains undefeated.