Tuesday, May 6, 2009

I think of military and those that serve our country with a lot of pride. I grew up hearing stories about both of my grandfathers. My mom’s dad was in the Navy and was on an aircraft carrier. My dad’s father was in World War II. I remember being told about him being in a tank and actually being one of the first Americans to burst through one of the infamous concentrations camps.

Everyone in NASCAR and especially our Lowe’s team try to show our appreciation regularly. Thank you so much for your dedication to our country. I tell military members this all the time at the race track and I truly mean it: We may be the ones driving race cars and going to the track every week, but you are our heroes.

-- Jimmie Johnson, Driver, No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet

This weekend my niece set a new land speed record in the Charlotte airport to get to her father, Lt. Colonel Paul Updegraff.  He was overseas at Camp Victory, Iraq for a year.  He missed a year of the lives of his 4 yr old daughter and 2 year old son to keep them and the rest of us safe.  Try to put yourselves in his shoes. 

This Memorial Day, let's think about the sacrifice these men and women are making! As his brother-in-law Toby Mellott is a crew member on RPM’s #19 NASCAR team, we are grateful for Lowe’s dedication to our troops.

-- Liz Mellott 

Monday, May 11, 2009

Well my daughter has just begun basic training.  I all ready miss her and she signed on for four years. She is the first person on the Knox side of the family.  I wish her mom was around to see what one of our daughters became.  Their mom died about  nine years ago.  I know this has affected her but she has done so many positive things in her life.   Please people, keep our troops in mind.

-- Thank you, Mike Knox                                                

On Feb 10, 2009, my husband SSG. Gilligan returned from his third tour in Iraq, and if all goes well that will have been his last deployment.  During this recent deployment we went to the Texas Motor Speedway Dickies 500 weekend in November of 2007.  My Husband was able to see his  driver Jimmie Johnson win at the first NASCAR race  we have ever been to.  In November 2008, instead of coming straight home for his two weeks of leave we met at Texas Motor Speedway for another weekend of racing action. Since returning back home, we are now getting ready to leave Texas and make PCS (military move) to Virginia.

-- Daenah R. Gilligan

This picture is of our son, YN2 (SS) Robert Johnson who is stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in Bangor, WA.  He is on his 2^nd enlistment in the U.S. Navy having served first on the USS Michigan.  Rob is a Jimmie Johnson fan.  He started following Jimmie several years ago and is proud to tell people he is a Jimmie Johnson fan.  Robert tells us that he sees a lot of Jimmie fans up in the Seattle area where he lives.  Robert is 3^rd generation military and 2^nd generation Navy.  His Grandfather Johnson was career Air Force and his father is retired Navy. Robert’s brother Christopher is also in the Navy and serves as a Nursing Officer at the Naval hospital in San Diego. 

-- Thanks for supporting our military!  Go Jimmie, Chad and Team 48!  Team Lowes Racing Rocks! 

This is a picture of me. I am a Sonar Technician 3rd Class Petty Officer stationed in Pearl Harbor. I'm proudly wearing my '08 Chad Knaus Pit Cap.

-- Mike Ray

My daughter serves our country as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force and is stationed in Germany with her husband and new baby. I was able to be there when my grandbaby was born and spent the 1^st month with her. I was so upset to think that I was going to miss the races when I was in Germany, but then found out that the military network covers the races on their channels. I took this picture when I was tending to my grandbaby one night to show her Mommy and Daddy that she was now officially a Jimmie Johnson fan. Thank you to all of our men and women serving our country to protect us and to sacrifice so much to serve your country. May God bless all of our military!

My husband, Jeremy, is a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army.  The past few years have been rough for us.  My husband deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 for a year, and after being home for just two months, he went away again for school. Just days before he finished his school, our daughter (as a result of R&R) was born, and then a month later we PCS'd from Ft.Bragg to Ft.Drum.  And then just 4 months later he re-deployed to Iraq for a year.  It's been very hard for all of us, especially our 4 year old son who just doesn't understand where Daddy is, but he knows he is a hero.
 
Good things come out of hard times though - we discovered NASCAR!!  He volunteered to work at the April Richmond Race last year as part of his schooling.  I had always just thought that the race were cars driving around and around and around and occasionally crashing, but I stayed up to watch the race, and it was just so exciting that we were hooked ever since.  Our son learned all the names and numbers of all the drivers, and like his Mommy is a Jimmie Fan. We even managed to take him to the Chase Race at Lowe’s which was so exciting for all of us. For his 5th birthday he wants a NASCAR party!
 
NASCAR manages to keep my husband and I close even though we're apart.  He stays up to watch the races and then calls me the next day to discuss the race.  When I'm having a hard week, I always know that there is a reward at the end of the week where I can watch a race. I'm always thankful for all the prayers for the troops that are sent out every week to keep our soldiers safe.  And I can't wait until my husband and I are finally reunited so that we can go to another race with the family. We'll be the ones at Homestead cheering Jimmie on!!
 
I'm proud of my husband, and of my family for staying strong throughout these deployments. And I'm proud to be that girl driving around with a number 48 sticker right next to my Army Wife sticker!!
 
-- Rachel Deck

This is a tribute to my son, Timothy, now serving our country in our fight for freedom in Mosul, Iraq. This is Tim's second tour of duty serving with the First Cavalry Division stationed out of Ft Hood, Texas. Tim is leaving behind his wife, Tasha and new little son, Kaleb, 22 months old.

God Bless our troops.  POW's / MIA's ~~~ You are NOT Forgotten !!!

-- Jenny-Marie Jones

My son Jeremy is in Afghanistan right now and is to return in August.  He has now missed the last two summers with his family and we are very proud of him for what he and his fellow troops are doing for our great country. We have had the opportunity to talk to him on the phone and love to hear his voice and his plans for when he returns to the states. May God bless all those serving our country and their families for a safe return home.

-- Scott Olivero

These are pictures of my Marine Son. The airport picture is the four generations. My grandfather, who was injured in WWII in the Army, my mother, me and my son. It was taken the day of his MCRD graduation at San Diego airport.

I am tremendously proud of my son. He is back home in the states now safe and sound, thanks to all the prayers that were said for him.

I love my soldier and he inspired me to start my own non profit organization named "Shirts 4 Soldiers, Inc.".  Thank you for this opportunity to show my pride and thank not only my son but all servicemen and women who have served our country!!!!

-- Angi Kay Meadows

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

This holiday is about honoring all veterans who served in wars, both past and present. My brother, who served in Vietnam, is and always has been my "hero". He now lives in Tampa, FL and is an active member of a VFW post, along with an elite group of retired veterans. Every year, they perform a patriotic tribute to the military. They also take donated, old and worn out flags and ceremoniously burn them the correct way, as old flags should never just be thrown away!

Support our troops and thank a veteran for our freedom, whenever you can!

-- Mary, Hamilton, NJ

My brother John is a Mark Martin fan, and has been for years, which is now part of your team.  His birthday is the weekend of the Coca Cola 600, and normally he always makes the race with his family........since he has been deployed so many times he is going to miss this year trying to get his new home finished.  He has done a lot for his country.  He is a Senior Msgt. in the 130th Airlift Wing out of CharlestonWV.  We lost our mother in October and he deployed to Afghanistan shortly after that.  He has been back and forth more times than I can count, as the 130th helps all troops.  

Please recognize him for his hard work and time he has given our country. He has been in the Saudi War, and now he is fighting for our country again.  He joined at age 18 and is now 45 with two children, 10 and 8, and a loving wife, and of course his sister Brook who always makes the race. Thanks,

-- Brook Caroll-Greathouse

My son Bobby went into the Air Force at 17 years old. He is now 21 and we are very proud of him. He and his wonderful wife are stationed in Germany. I am glad you’re honoring our military people. Thanks,

-- Tracey Lieder

This is a picture of myself and my daughter Brittany at her graduation from Navy basic training. She is now at Pensacola NAS waiting to start her school for Aviation Structural Mechanic.

I am a C-5 Flight Engineer in the West Virginia ANG. I also have a son, Geoffrey, who is leaving for Air Force basic in July. He is going into C-5 maintenance in the West Virginia ANG. I am very proud of both my kids for serving their country. I have been a big NASCAR fan for 35 years. Thank you Lowe’s for supporting our troops and giving them the spotlight during the Memorial Day holiday.

 -- Msgt. Tim Blankenship

Like Those before me who gave their lives for this great country........

I done my Time with Pride,

And to those who do it today......

I salute them with Pride,

And would still stand up if asked to,

My body is getting older but, my Pride is young and Vibrant.

I have that same pride in the company I work at,

And Yes without a doubt, It is Lowe’s Store 1646 at DaltonGa.30721

WHOO-RAHHH  

Friday, May 15, 2009

This is my daughter Mallory. She is stationed at Fort Bliss, TX. She is a big NASCAR fan and proudly serves her country as an intelligence analyst. She plans to make a career of the Army and will be deploying to Iraq in November. We are very, very proud of her...

-- Charles Pfieffer

Sunday, May 17, 2009

This is my husband of 31 years, Bill Hobson. He will be retiring this December after serving his country in the Navy and the Air Force. I salute Bill, and all the members of the military and their families!  Being a military family is full of challenges that only another military family can understand!  This is our 20^th home in 31 years, and we will retire here in Florida and stay in the same home for more than five years in a row!!! Nascar racing has been a solid part of our weekly entertainment for many years! In fact, Bill got to escape the cold of MinotND a few years in a row to attend the Daytona 500 with his Dad and brothers! We truly love to watch the races begin with the Star Spangled Banner and watch the drivers and their wives with their hands over their hearts! The flyovers are truly awesome. Let’s go racing, boys!! 

-- Lillian Hobson

Wisconsin Dells would like to send a big THANK YOU to all the men and women serving our wonderful country.  A special thank you to the 3,500 members of the 32^nd RED ARROW Infantry Division from Wisconsin, currently serving in Iraq, and the best Son In Law anyone could ever have, Captain Jason Reiman, serving his second tour.

Thank you and God Speed to our Heroes.

-- Jim & Lana Goldsmith, Wisconsin Dells, WI

My Dad retired after he served 24 years in the USAF and now is working for Lowe’s in Kerrville, Texas.  As pictured at the North Korean border, I have spent the last 16 years in the Navy, with 10 of those out of Japan.  My first NASCAR race was in 2003 at the Lowe’s track and I had a blast!  Just back from five years overseas, I took my 7-year-old to Daytona this year for her first race.  Rain and all, we loved it.  Both my girls watch the race every week with me now that I am on shore duty in Jacksonville, FL.  It brings us together and has helped us reconnect.
 
I will always have fond memories at sea in the Western Pacific trying to watch Jimmie race.  Once we were 14 time zones ahead and lost the signal during the final 20 laps.  I bet Chad could have fixed the receiver in time!
 
-Thanks for the memories!
FCC(SW) Kelli Edward Baker, USN

Hey! Im SGT(P) Michael Eakes. I’ve served in two combat tours, one in each theater. Recently I spent 15 months in Iraq and I missed out on the entire 08' NASCAR season. I hear a lot of people say how proud they are that we give so much for all of the American people and our kids. However I don’t hear a lot of them talk about the people that are receiving the help and support. There IS a reason we are there. Also I’ll be at the Coca-Cola 600...can’t wait...OUT

My oldest son, David, is serving aboard the USS Boxer, LHD-4, in the Indian Ocean. He is a Hospital Corpsmanc2nd Class. Boxer is the flagship for the anti-pirate taskforce.

David was married last year and was recently home for two weeks to meet his brand new son, Ryan, born April 2. He has been in the Navy since January 2006. My father was a US Navy Seabee, serving 3 years in the Pacific during World War II.  Here is David with his wife, Debbie, the Irish chick. David is a JJ fan and has managed to get his wife to like circle track racing. She has become a JJ fan too!

-- Paschal Dobbins

My name Is Randy Huffman. I was injured in Iraq in 2005, when I can back state side I couldn't wait to get to the track to watch a race. I was attending the Fall California race in 2006 which happened to be the moment of a lifetime. Me and some buddies were on pit road next to Jimmie Johnson's pit just talking about war stories and were overheard by Jimmie's crew. They invited us to their pit area and we told our stories and they told us theirs. Awesome. Just wanted to thank them for making a Soldier happy. ( On the Left in Pic)

-- Randy Huffman

Returned from Iraq, Home for Christmas December 2007 – meeting his nephew Noah Hobson, the biggest NASCAR race fan in the family!!!

This is SFC William Hobson Jr.  He is currently stationed at Camp Zama, Japan.  Bill’s father and I are very proud of him. He has been in the Army for over 11 years, spent a few tours in Iraq, Kuwait, and Korea during those years.   Special birthday shout-out to him as he just celebrated his 30^th birthday in Japan!  We love you Billy. 

-- Lillian Hobson (SFC William Hobson’s mother)

It was a long day…the day our son told us he wanted to join the Air Force. But we listened to him and supported his decision to fight for his country; for our country. Six months later, he was on a plane headed for basic training and during that time signed up for 2 additional years. That was 2 years and 1 month ago; not that I’m counting.

This is a picture of our son, Airman 1st Class Brad Petrulak, taking a break with a local bagpiper in Newfoundland while on his way to Qatar for a tour of duty. He specializes in Integrated Avionics. For now he is stationed in Fayetteville, NC, and will be heading to Germany in August. It’s always harder when he is out of the country. God Bless our Troops and let us all Pray for Peace.

-- Denise Rice

My husband, Mark Worrell, worked for Lowe's in Lafayette, IN.  He left in June, 2008 to go to Ft. Jackson, SC to attend Chaplain Basic.  Upon graduation in September we moved to Ft. Bliss, TX and he recently deployed to Iraq where he is serving as a Chaplain with 2/13 CAV unit.  I am so proud of him.

-- Because He Lives, Shelly

Friday, May 22, 2009

We would like to salute our wonderful Son, Cpt. Jason M. Reiman, Wisconsin National Guard, and his wonderful family.  We are so proud of all three of them and the sacrifice they are making for their country.  We have met so very many young men and women and their families through our son and wonderful daughter-in-law.  These people are selfless, honorable, and the kind of human beings we should all strive to become.  REMEMBER OUR TROUPS and their families. This is Jason's second deployment to Iraq.  The first time he was deployed with his brother who was in Kuwait.  Jason is deployed with 3,500 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers.

PLEASE, remember these brave and sacrificing people and pray to God that they ALL come home ASAP.

Thank You, Lonnie and Chuck Reiman, Proud parents of Jason Reiman, Wisconsin Rapids , Wisconsin    

My husband, Carl, served in the Navy for 20 years, mainly as a medic bubbleman.  We understand and appreciate daily the sacrifices made by our service members.  We pray for all of you each day.  God bless you and keep you safe. 
 
-- Phyllis VanNostrand

Our Son Daniel Dunmore is presently serving in Iraq on his second tour of duty with A.Co. 1-505 82nd Airborne. We are so proud of him and all of our service people for their dedication to protecting our great country. When he is home, one of his favorite things to do is to watch NASCAR racing. We look forward to enjoying that experience with him again next season. Until then he will be cheering from afar.  God bless and protect all our service personnel and thank you, great men and women of this country, for all you are doing and your great sacrifice. We love you and pray for you all daily.

-- Yvonne Dunmore

Growing up, I listened many times to my Dad telling the stories of his experiences with the U.S. Army Air Corps.  You read that right.  During World War II there was not a separate Air Force and Army but one combined unit.  He served with the 42nd Air Borne Division and was stationed at an air force base in England prior to D-Day.  It was there he learned how to repair any engine that was put in front of him and from there he deployed to Normandy for the liberation of Europe.  These stories never grew old no matter how many times I heard them and instilled a pride in me that I carry to this day for every man and woman who serves in our armed forces to protect our freedoms.  My dad has been gone for ten years but he will always be my hero and I will proudly be a member of his VFW Post, Town of Newburgh, N.Y.  I salute you, Casimir S. Otlowski, and all who have gone before you and all you will come after you. 

God Bless All Our Service People, Their Families and Friends - May We Never Forget Those Who Gave Their Lives That We May Live In Freedom

-- Sue Moszak

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Hi. My name is Edwin Burt. I was in the U.S.Navy from 1985-1993. I was a cook and loved my job. I was every one's friend on a ship. I have been working for Lowe's store 1839 since we opened. I really enjoy Lowe's and there people. I really want to thank Jimmie Johnson and Team Lowe's for recognizing all of us who were in the Military and the ones that are in there now, defending our country. Thanks again for your support.

-- Edwin Burt

Our son, Chief Petty Officer Brian S. McGee, was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during combat while serving in Iraq for the year 2008.  He has been in the military since 1984.  He considered it "His Job" to help make the world safer for his daughters, Meredith and Grace Ann and his country.  He and his dad have been racing fans for many years and attended when possible.  He is presently stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. Thank you for this opportunity to recognize him.

-- Parents, Glenn and Martha McGee, and sister, Lisa McGee

My husband is SPC TJ George, currently stationed at Fort HoodTexas.  He is the center of our universe here.  He will be departing on his 4th deployment later this year.  He is an amazing solider and an amazing man.  My job is difficult but his is bigger than anyone could imagine.  I didn’t marry a solider but 9/11 changed ALOT of lives.  Our fighting force is something to revered and honored.  We are HUGE NASCAR fans.  Jeff and Jimmie are our favorites.  Thanks 48 team, Lowe’s and NASCAR for all you do.  I am a former Lowe’s employee and cannot say enough about it.  Blessings.

-- Briana George

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all our service men and women stationed around the world protecting and defending our Great and Beautiful nation.  I had 4 uncles who fought for us during WWII and they have all gone before us, but I remember them telling us stories of the time they spend fighting for us.  My last uncle who died 4 years ago who was a veteran of WWII died on Memorial Day 2004 the original Memorial which was May 30 and I told him that was a beautiful day for a vetern to die. He lived to be 82 years old. God bless each and everyone of us in this GREAT and BEAUTIFUL NATION.

-- Kate Stein  Tiffin, Ohio

This photo was taken just before the tall fellow in the back was shot in the stomach by a .50 Cal (died later) and the fellow in front of him (reading magazine) was shot by a .30 cal carbine in the right arm. I have not seen any of these men since. I was standing between them. This is the last photo taken of the fellow in the back and I can not locate his family to share it with them. I am kneeling in the front with a Budweiser. We were part of a .50 mortar unit assigned to 2nd Btn, 1st Marine Div., Co G.

-- Ted Barber

My love and prayers go out to all who have served our country and who are serving in all the branches of our military force at this time.  Thank you Lowe’s for remembering our veterans past, present and future.  My brother served in the Air Force and was tragically killed in 1993.  My son-in-law is presently serving in the Army and has had two tours of duty in Iraq with a third tour to begin in September, 2009.  I personally thank the warriors who give their all for our country's freedoms and also thank the members of their families who stay back and keep the home front secure. May God protect you all and bring you safely home --- THANK YOU

-- Karen Linton, Proud mom of an Army soldier, Lancaster, PA

My name is Rachel. I am a Jimmie Johnson fan. Also I am a native from Southern California. I have family and friend who are serving in the military right now. My older brother is a LT in the US Coast Guard. My family members have served in the military, as well. I give our troops a lot of respect for saving our lives. There is not a day that goes by when I am not thinking about our men and women in uniform.

I'm glad NASCAR does a prayer for every race. Plus get involved with the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I was a volunteer for the USCG Auxilery for awhile. God is defintley watching over our men and women. I am a fan of Bobby Labonte's too.  Keep up the good work. Way to go Jimmie, Chad and crew. Let's get another Championship!!! 

-- Rachel Pickering, Spokane , WA  

First, I would like to personally thank the Lowe’s Racing Team for creating a beautiful car for the Memorial Day weekend race.  It is so nice that NASCAR and its drivers remember our servicemen and women.  No other sport shows as much support and enthusiasm for our military.  As the wife of an Army officer I cannot thank you enough. 

My husband, CW3 John O. Korneder, is currently serving his third tour overseas.  He has left behind his wife and two daughters to serve his country.  I cannot express my love, gratitude, and pride for him and every serviceman and woman serving overseas.  They give so much and expect so little.  It is really nice when company’s, such as Lowe’s Racing Team, honor them in dignified manner.  Thank you so much!

-- Jami L. Korneder

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

As a NASCAR fan and the wife of a veteran Lowe's employee, what an honor it was to see the veterans honored this way. We were able to find his name and where it was exactly on the racecar. Thank you for this respect shown by the #48 race team.  Thank you for remembering all of our armed forces the way you do every year on all of the Hendrick's race teams.

-- Sharon Sparrow ( wife of 1st SGT. Charles Sparrow, ret)

Our son-in-law, SrA Edwin C. Moser is serving his fifth year with the USAF and is stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, GA.

Dear Lord, maker of heavens above

earth and sea below

hear our prayer

for the men and women

of the United States Armed Forces

as they answer

  our Country's call

to serve, defend, and protect

all we hold dear.

Accept their sacrifices

of time, energy, effort, blood, and life.

In times of peace

and in times of strife

be with them and with their

families, and loved ones

whom they want to be with

but must leave to serve and defend.

Give them hope, peace,

and joy without end,

Bless America

with Your Grace and Love.

 -- Bob and Janet Grantz, Northampton, PA

My precious daughter, Shawna, is currently serving her country, in Basra, Iraq. She deployed in February, 2009, with the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, out of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, for a one year tour.  We are so proud of Shawna and all the brave men and women serving our country.  Communication is difficult, as the Internet is minimal in that area, so we wait daily for those special phone calls from her, giving us the opportunity to hear her voice!  We miss her every moment and pray for her safe return

Shawna was working full time at Lowe's in Shakopee, Minnesota, when she was called to duty.  She looks forward to coming home next February.  Thank you, Lowe's, for supporting my daughter while she serves her country.

God Bless our Brave Men and Women Serving Here and Abroad! God Bless and Thank You to all those who have served this country: past, present and future.  We honor your sacrifice and commitment to freedom.

-- Paula Geisler & Steve, Scott, Tara and Brady Geisler

I would like to thank the people who came up with the idea to put military veterans Lowe's employees’ names on Lowe's Car 48.  I served over 22 years in the military. I have been called everything from a baby killer to a war monger. It was great to be finally recognized for what we have done and not for what we have not. Thank you very much Lowe's, Jimmie Johnson and Team 48. I was deeply touched by this and it was very special to me; I will remember this always. It made me feel very proud to have served my country.

Thanks again and may God bless you all

-- Gary L. Ditch, Store 2417, Scott Township Pennsylvania