Tandem Team Lands at #Nascar

This Memorial Day weekend is filled with BBQ's, beach, and good times with family and friends. But it is also NASCARs longest race of the season. Members of the Tandem Team were invited to jump into the opening ceremonies. Charlotte Motor Speedway has traditionally taken this race to salute the members of the Armed Forces. Over 600 Soldiers were on hand to march onto the track. Little Birds flew in for a fast rope demonstration and assualt onto a mock tank. Following the demonstration it was Tandem Teams turn to shine. As the last Nascar driver was announced, Maj Blackwood and Mr Clay flew our distinctively painted UV18 Twin Otter directly overhead. Tandem Team quickly exited the Twin Otter and formed a small star formation with smoke. SSG Joe Jones and SFC Eric Heinsheimer built a biplane on breakoff. As each member squared up for their shot on the target, the crowd roared for every dead center. SFC Greg Windmiller, world record holder for speed of 95mph, wowed the crowd as he and SSG Joe Abeln swooped into the target area. After the great show, the Team lined up with the US Army #39 pit crew for the playing of Taps and the National Anthem.

 

During the evening the Team walked the pit road and was welcomed into the pits of Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart. Mr Nelson Stewart, Tony's father, showed us the pit and took us up onto the pit box. ESPN commentator Jeff Hammond, who just Friday jumped with the Team, invited us into the Hollywood Hotel for a tour. As we walked around we were thanked for our service and even met fellow Soldiers that were interested in becoming a Golden Knight.

 

It was a great nite for the Tandem Team and the US Military but we could not enjoy any of this if wasn't for the great Americans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. So please take a moment out of your celebrations today to remember those who we have lost for our freedom.

 

Photos:

 SSG Jared Zell eyes the target

 

SSG Zell gets a dead center

 

Tandem Team lines up with the #39 US Army pit crew for the National Anthem

 

Fox announcer Dick Bergrenn fwith the Team. Dick Bergrenn made a tandem jump on Friday with the Team

 

On the set with Jeff Hammond and Chris Meyers in the Hollywood Hotel