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2022 600 Miles of Remembrance
By By Terrin Waack | Published: May 26, 2022 39
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
Memorial Day weekend marks the culmination of the NASCAR Salutes Together with Coca-Cola campaign, which celebrates the service and sacrifice of U.S. service members and their families during Military Appreciation Month. The initiative began May 1 at Dover Motor Speedway and will conclude Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On Memorial Day itself, NASCAR Cup Series drivers and accompanying on-track vehicles in the Coca-Cola 600 (6 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM) will carry the name of a fallen military member on the windshield. Read on to learn more about the heroes who gave their lives defending America.
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No. 1 car: Joseph R. Ray
Military branch: United States Army, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
Date of birth: Feb. 27, 1977
Date of death: March 12, 2006
Age: 29
Ray was assigned to the 391st Engineer Battalion at the Army Reserve in Asheville, North Carolina. He was killed, along with three other men, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near their armored Humvee during combat operations west of Asadabad, Afghanistan. Ray had a wife, stepson and daughter.
Military branch: United States Army, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
Date of birth: Feb. 27, 1977
Date of death: March 12, 2006
Age: 29
Ray was assigned to the 391st Engineer Battalion at the Army Reserve in Asheville, North Carolina. He was killed, along with three other men, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near their armored Humvee during combat operations west of Asadabad, Afghanistan. Ray had a wife, stepson and daughter.
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No. 2 car: John M. Sullivan
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Hixson, Tennessee
Date of birth: April 3, 1984
Date of death: Dec. 30, 2006
Age: 22
Sullivan enlisted in the Army in 2003. He was killed during a mission with his platoon in Zafaraniya, a neighborhood in southeast Baghdad, Iraq. A roadside bomb struck their Humvee. Sullivan's wife gave birth to their baby boy the next day. Sullivan was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Hixson, Tennessee
Date of birth: April 3, 1984
Date of death: Dec. 30, 2006
Age: 22
Sullivan enlisted in the Army in 2003. He was killed during a mission with his platoon in Zafaraniya, a neighborhood in southeast Baghdad, Iraq. A roadside bomb struck their Humvee. Sullivan's wife gave birth to their baby boy the next day. Sullivan was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
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No. 3 car: Scott Stout
Military branch: United States Navy, Chief Warrant Officer Third Class (SEAL)
Date of birth: Jan. 23, 1975
Date of death: July 2, 2021
Age: 46
Stout was stationed at OCEANA Dam Neck Annex, located five miles south of Virginia Beach in Virginia, with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His recorded location of death is Chesapeake, Virginia. No further information was provided on this soldier.
Military branch: United States Navy, Chief Warrant Officer Third Class (SEAL)
Date of birth: Jan. 23, 1975
Date of death: July 2, 2021
Age: 46
Stout was stationed at OCEANA Dam Neck Annex, located five miles south of Virginia Beach in Virginia, with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His recorded location of death is Chesapeake, Virginia. No further information was provided on this soldier.
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No. 4 car: Phillip G. West
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: American Canyon, California
Date of birth: Jan. 27, 1985
Date of death: Nov. 19, 2004
Age: 19
West joined the Marine Corps in 2002 and deployed to Iraq two years later. He was ambushed during a building sweep, which he had done hundreds of times before, and sustained severe injuries protecting his fellow Marines. West died later that day in a nearby hospital. He received three exceptional performance accommodations for his heroic behavior.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: American Canyon, California
Date of birth: Jan. 27, 1985
Date of death: Nov. 19, 2004
Age: 19
West joined the Marine Corps in 2002 and deployed to Iraq two years later. He was ambushed during a building sweep, which he had done hundreds of times before, and sustained severe injuries protecting his fellow Marines. West died later that day in a nearby hospital. He received three exceptional performance accommodations for his heroic behavior.
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No. 5 car: Rel Allen Ravago IV
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Glendale, California
Date of birth: Jan. 30, 1982
Date of death: Nov. 23, 2003
Age: 21
Ravago joined the military in 2000 after graduating Hoover High School, where he was known as a skilled break-dancer, cymbalist and artist. He was shot in Mosul, Iraq, when hostiles attacked a vehicle he was in. Back home, he had both his parents and a sister, along with a large extended family.
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Glendale, California
Date of birth: Jan. 30, 1982
Date of death: Nov. 23, 2003
Age: 21
Ravago joined the military in 2000 after graduating Hoover High School, where he was known as a skilled break-dancer, cymbalist and artist. He was shot in Mosul, Iraq, when hostiles attacked a vehicle he was in. Back home, he had both his parents and a sister, along with a large extended family.
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No. 6 car: Bert E. Hoyer
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Ellsworth, Wisconsin
Date of birth: Oct. 28, 1980
Date of death: March 10, 2004
Age: 23
Hoyer was the fourth member to die in his unit, the 652nd Engineer Company, where he'd been a member for more than two years. He was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) hit his convoy in Baqubah, Iraq. His parents were presented with the four medals Hoyer earned, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Ellsworth, Wisconsin
Date of birth: Oct. 28, 1980
Date of death: March 10, 2004
Age: 23
Hoyer was the fourth member to die in his unit, the 652nd Engineer Company, where he'd been a member for more than two years. He was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) hit his convoy in Baqubah, Iraq. His parents were presented with the four medals Hoyer earned, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
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No. 7 car: Rylee McCollum
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Bondurant, Wyoming
Date of birth: Feb. 26, 2001
Date of death: Aug. 26, 2021
Age: 20
McCollum died on his first deployment to Afghanistan. He was manning a checkpoint at the Kabul airport when a bomb went off, killing him and 12 other American troops. McCollum's wife gave birth to their baby daughter about a month after his death.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Bondurant, Wyoming
Date of birth: Feb. 26, 2001
Date of death: Aug. 26, 2021
Age: 20
McCollum died on his first deployment to Afghanistan. He was manning a checkpoint at the Kabul airport when a bomb went off, killing him and 12 other American troops. McCollum's wife gave birth to their baby daughter about a month after his death.
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No. 8 car: Albert F. Tristan
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist Four
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Date of birth: March 26, 1949
Date of death: July 6, 1970
Age: 21
Tristan was born in Mexico but emigrated with his parents to America in 1955 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1969, three months after he enlisted in the Army. He was killed during action in Vietnam. Tristan was awarded multiple accolades: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal.
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist Four
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Date of birth: March 26, 1949
Date of death: July 6, 1970
Age: 21
Tristan was born in Mexico but emigrated with his parents to America in 1955 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1969, three months after he enlisted in the Army. He was killed during action in Vietnam. Tristan was awarded multiple accolades: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Commendation Medal.
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No. 9 car: Noah Harris
Military branch: United States Army, First Lieutenant
Hometown: Ellijay, Georgia
Date of birth: June 25, 1981
Date of death: June 17, 2005
Age: 23
Harris committed to serving as an infantry officer in the Army after 9/11 upon his graduation from the University of Georgia, where he was the ROTC program’s executive officer. He died as a platoon leader, on a rescue mission in Iraq, making him the first UGA ROTC cadet to be killed in action. Harris received numerous recognitions: Airborne Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Arms Award, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War Expedition Medal and Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal.
Military branch: United States Army, First Lieutenant
Hometown: Ellijay, Georgia
Date of birth: June 25, 1981
Date of death: June 17, 2005
Age: 23
Harris committed to serving as an infantry officer in the Army after 9/11 upon his graduation from the University of Georgia, where he was the ROTC program’s executive officer. He died as a platoon leader, on a rescue mission in Iraq, making him the first UGA ROTC cadet to be killed in action. Harris received numerous recognitions: Airborne Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Arms Award, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War Expedition Medal and Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal.
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No. 10 car: Adam L. Marion
Military branch: North Carolina Army National Guard, Private First Class
Hometown: Mounty Airy, North Carolina
Date of birth: Jan. 19, 1982
Date of death: April 28, 2008
Age: 26
Marion enlisted in the National Guard in 2007. He operated a Husky vehicle, which led convoys to clear improvised explosive devices (IED), and participated in more than 100 route-clearance missions in the Baghdad, Iraq, area. Marion was the first soldier of the 171st Engineer Company who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned multiple honors: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Service Ribbon and multiple others.
Military branch: North Carolina Army National Guard, Private First Class
Hometown: Mounty Airy, North Carolina
Date of birth: Jan. 19, 1982
Date of death: April 28, 2008
Age: 26
Marion enlisted in the National Guard in 2007. He operated a Husky vehicle, which led convoys to clear improvised explosive devices (IED), and participated in more than 100 route-clearance missions in the Baghdad, Iraq, area. Marion was the first soldier of the 171st Engineer Company who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned multiple honors: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Service Ribbon and multiple others.
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No. 11 car: Jared M. Schmitz
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Wentzville, Missouri
Date of birth: Feb. 25, 2001
Date of death: Aug. 26, 2021
Age: 20
Schmitz joined the Marines in 2019, right after graduating from high school. His first deployment was to Jordan and was soon sent to Afghanistan. His location of death is recorded as Abbey Gate, part of the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Wentzville, Missouri
Date of birth: Feb. 25, 2001
Date of death: Aug. 26, 2021
Age: 20
Schmitz joined the Marines in 2019, right after graduating from high school. His first deployment was to Jordan and was soon sent to Afghanistan. His location of death is recorded as Abbey Gate, part of the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
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No. 12 car: Brad D. Squires
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Corporal
Hometown: Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Date of birth: Feb. 21, 1979
Date of death: June 9, 2005
Age: 26
Squires was killed by an improvised explosion device (IED) while conducting combat operation in Haqlaniyah, Iraq, along with four other Marines. His memorial was held in his home state of Ohio at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he and his wife were married seven months prior to his death.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Corporal
Hometown: Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Date of birth: Feb. 21, 1979
Date of death: June 9, 2005
Age: 26
Squires was killed by an improvised explosion device (IED) while conducting combat operation in Haqlaniyah, Iraq, along with four other Marines. His memorial was held in his home state of Ohio at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he and his wife were married seven months prior to his death.
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No. 14 car: Larry Robert "Robby" Bowman
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina
Date of birth: May 26, 1977
Date of death: April 13, 2007
Age: 29
Bowman enlisted in the Army in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq in 2006. He was serving his second tour there when his vehicle struck a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad, Iraq, during a mission. Bowman died three months before he was supposed to return home. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, along with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina
Date of birth: May 26, 1977
Date of death: April 13, 2007
Age: 29
Bowman enlisted in the Army in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq in 2006. He was serving his second tour there when his vehicle struck a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad, Iraq, during a mission. Bowman died three months before he was supposed to return home. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, along with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
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No. 15 car: Gary Harper Jr.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant First Class
Hometown: Virden, Illinois
Date of birth: April 23, 1976
Date of death: Oct. 9, 2005
Age: 29
Harper joined the Army in 1993 and then deployed to Iraq. He was killed when enemy forces ambushed his unit during a reconnaissance mission near Baghdad, Iraq. Harper and his wife had three children.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant First Class
Hometown: Virden, Illinois
Date of birth: April 23, 1976
Date of death: Oct. 9, 2005
Age: 29
Harper joined the Army in 1993 and then deployed to Iraq. He was killed when enemy forces ambushed his unit during a reconnaissance mission near Baghdad, Iraq. Harper and his wife had three children.
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No. 16 car: Samantha W. Huff
Military branch: United States Army, Private First Class
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Date of birth: July 12, 1986
Date of death: April 18, 2005
Age: 18
Huff died from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near her combat vehicle. Her patrol was returning from the al Dora police station in Baghdad, Iraq. Huff was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal.
Military branch: United States Army, Private First Class
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Date of birth: July 12, 1986
Date of death: April 18, 2005
Age: 18
Huff died from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near her combat vehicle. Her patrol was returning from the al Dora police station in Baghdad, Iraq. Huff was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal.
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No. 17 car: James Zimmerman
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, First Lieutenant
Hometown: Smyrna Mills, Maine
Date of birth: May 18, 1985
Date of death: Nov. 2, 2010
Age: 25
Zimmerman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 -- on March 21 specifically, the first day of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, where he was killed in action by small arms fire while leading his men, engaging the enemy. Zimmerman had a wife, whom he married in 2008.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, First Lieutenant
Hometown: Smyrna Mills, Maine
Date of birth: May 18, 1985
Date of death: Nov. 2, 2010
Age: 25
Zimmerman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 -- on March 21 specifically, the first day of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, where he was killed in action by small arms fire while leading his men, engaging the enemy. Zimmerman had a wife, whom he married in 2008.
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No. 18 car: William R. Thiem
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Loretto, Nebraska
Date of birth: March 4, 1948
Date of death: Nov. 27, 1968
Age: 20
Thiem enlisted in the Army in 1967. He was killed in action the next year while in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. Thiem's name can be found on Panel 38W, Line 080 on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Loretto, Nebraska
Date of birth: March 4, 1948
Date of death: Nov. 27, 1968
Age: 20
Thiem enlisted in the Army in 1967. He was killed in action the next year while in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. Thiem's name can be found on Panel 38W, Line 080 on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
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No. 19 car: Jeremy D. Vrooman
Military branch: United States Army, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Date of birth: Feb. 27, 1980
Date of death: July 15, 2008
Age: 28
Vrooman served his first tour in 2003 for the Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died during his second tour from wounds sustained by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on a combat mission in Kn'an, Iraq. Vrooman was supposed to return home four months later to his wife and two children.
Military branch: United States Army, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Date of birth: Feb. 27, 1980
Date of death: July 15, 2008
Age: 28
Vrooman served his first tour in 2003 for the Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died during his second tour from wounds sustained by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on a combat mission in Kn'an, Iraq. Vrooman was supposed to return home four months later to his wife and two children.
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No. 20 car: Jeromy D. West
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Aguanga, California
Date of birth: Sept. 21, 1986
Date of death: Nov. 25, 2006
Age: 20
West joined the Marines after graduating high school, prompted by the events of 9/11. His first deployment was to Afghanistan. He was then assigned to relieve a group of fellow soldiers under constant attack in the Anbar Province of Iraq, where he was killed in action.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Aguanga, California
Date of birth: Sept. 21, 1986
Date of death: Nov. 25, 2006
Age: 20
West joined the Marines after graduating high school, prompted by the events of 9/11. His first deployment was to Afghanistan. He was then assigned to relieve a group of fellow soldiers under constant attack in the Anbar Province of Iraq, where he was killed in action.
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No. 21 car: Jason Scott Ramsey
Military branch: United States Air Force, Captain
Hometown: South Boston, Virginia
Date of birth: April 4, 1970
Date of death: Sept. 13, 1997
Age: 27
Ramsey died during a mid-air collision between an Air Force C-141 and a German Tupolev 154 off the coast of Africa. The crash claimed 33 lives total, including Ramsey's. The German plane was flying at the wrong altitude, an Air Force investigation board concluded.
Military branch: United States Air Force, Captain
Hometown: South Boston, Virginia
Date of birth: April 4, 1970
Date of death: Sept. 13, 1997
Age: 27
Ramsey died during a mid-air collision between an Air Force C-141 and a German Tupolev 154 off the coast of Africa. The crash claimed 33 lives total, including Ramsey's. The German plane was flying at the wrong altitude, an Air Force investigation board concluded.
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No. 22 car: Joel A. House
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Lee, Maine
Date of birth: Nov. 21, 1984
Date of death: June 23, 2007
Age: 22
House was on his second tour when he died from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off near his vehicle in Taji, Iraq. Three other soldiers were killed alongside House. House, based out of Fort Hood, Texas, served during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Lee, Maine
Date of birth: Nov. 21, 1984
Date of death: June 23, 2007
Age: 22
House was on his second tour when he died from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off near his vehicle in Taji, Iraq. Three other soldiers were killed alongside House. House, based out of Fort Hood, Texas, served during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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No. 23 car: SSG Craig W. Cherry
Military branch: Virginia Army National Guard, SSG
Hometown: Winchester, Virginia
Date of birth: April 15, 1965
Date of death: Aug. 7, 2004
Age: 39
Cherry was killed when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in Ghazikel, Afghanistan. He had been in the country for only two weeks -- and six months after he was scheduled to retire from the military. He left behind a wife and three children.
Military branch: Virginia Army National Guard, SSG
Hometown: Winchester, Virginia
Date of birth: April 15, 1965
Date of death: Aug. 7, 2004
Age: 39
Cherry was killed when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in Ghazikel, Afghanistan. He had been in the country for only two weeks -- and six months after he was scheduled to retire from the military. He left behind a wife and three children.
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No. 24 car: Ronald A. Grider
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant First Class
Hometown: Alton, Illinois
Date of birth: Sept. 18, 1980
Date of death: Sept. 18, 2010
Age: 30
Grider enlisted in the Army in 1998. He was deployed multiple times to either Iraq or Afghanistan. He died while serving in Afghanistan. Grider had a wife and daughter. He was honored with multiple awards, such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Arm Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal and many, many more.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant First Class
Hometown: Alton, Illinois
Date of birth: Sept. 18, 1980
Date of death: Sept. 18, 2010
Age: 30
Grider enlisted in the Army in 1998. He was deployed multiple times to either Iraq or Afghanistan. He died while serving in Afghanistan. Grider had a wife and daughter. He was honored with multiple awards, such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Arm Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal and many, many more.
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No. 31 car: Ryan A. Balmer
Military branch: United States Air Force, Technical Sergeant
Hometown: Mishawaka, Indiana
Date of birth: April 13, 1974
Date of death: June 5, 2007
Age: 33
Balmer was a special agent to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He and another soldier died due to wounds sustained when their vehicle came in contact with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kirkuk, Iraq. Balmer was supposed to return to his home base 15 days later. He had a wife and three children.
Military branch: United States Air Force, Technical Sergeant
Hometown: Mishawaka, Indiana
Date of birth: April 13, 1974
Date of death: June 5, 2007
Age: 33
Balmer was a special agent to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He and another soldier died due to wounds sustained when their vehicle came in contact with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kirkuk, Iraq. Balmer was supposed to return to his home base 15 days later. He had a wife and three children.
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No. 34 car: Eugene William Kimmel
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Captain
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Date of birth: Aug. 20, 1938
Date of death: Oct. 22, 1968
Age: 30
Kimmel joined the service right after high school in 1956 and trained with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He enlisted again after college in 1963, this time with the Marine Corps. Kimmel died when his aircraft crashed while attempting to mark hostile targets, which were firing at him. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross the day of his death. He had a wife, son and daughter.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Captain
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Date of birth: Aug. 20, 1938
Date of death: Oct. 22, 1968
Age: 30
Kimmel joined the service right after high school in 1956 and trained with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He enlisted again after college in 1963, this time with the Marine Corps. Kimmel died when his aircraft crashed while attempting to mark hostile targets, which were firing at him. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross the day of his death. He had a wife, son and daughter.
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No. 38 car: Conrad Anthony Robinson
Military branch: United States Army, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Date of birth: March 12, 1982
Date of death: May 24, 2018
Age: 36
Robinson joined the Army in 2001 and spent 17 years in the service. His first deployment was in 2002 to Kuwait and Afghanistan. His final deployment was in 2018 to Kosovo, where he died in Camp Bondsteel. Robinson earned multiple medals throughout his tenure, including but not limited to Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and more.
Military branch: United States Army, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Date of birth: March 12, 1982
Date of death: May 24, 2018
Age: 36
Robinson joined the Army in 2001 and spent 17 years in the service. His first deployment was in 2002 to Kuwait and Afghanistan. His final deployment was in 2018 to Kosovo, where he died in Camp Bondsteel. Robinson earned multiple medals throughout his tenure, including but not limited to Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and more.
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No. 41 car: Joshua McKay Moore
Military branch: United States Army, Corporal
Hometown: Lewisburg, Kentucky
Date of birth: Nov. 30, 1986
Date of death: May 30, 2007
Age: 20
Moore was on his second deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, when he died. He, along with three others, were killed when their Hummer ran over an improvised explosive device (IED). No other details on this soldier's service were shared.
Military branch: United States Army, Corporal
Hometown: Lewisburg, Kentucky
Date of birth: Nov. 30, 1986
Date of death: May 30, 2007
Age: 20
Moore was on his second deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, when he died. He, along with three others, were killed when their Hummer ran over an improvised explosive device (IED). No other details on this soldier's service were shared.
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No. 42 car: Christopher Nelms
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant Major
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Date of birth: Dec. 21, 1971
Date of death: July 1, 2018
Age: 46
Nelms joined the Army in 1990 and deployed multiple times throughout his tenure to the Philippines, Iraq, Afghanistan and Niger. He died from wounds received while training in Laurinburg, North Carolina, when his parachute failed to fully open during a jump. Nelms was a highly decorated special operations office with an awards list that included but was not at all limited to two Silver Stars and six Bronze Stars. He was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant Major
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Date of birth: Dec. 21, 1971
Date of death: July 1, 2018
Age: 46
Nelms joined the Army in 1990 and deployed multiple times throughout his tenure to the Philippines, Iraq, Afghanistan and Niger. He died from wounds received while training in Laurinburg, North Carolina, when his parachute failed to fully open during a jump. Nelms was a highly decorated special operations office with an awards list that included but was not at all limited to two Silver Stars and six Bronze Stars. He was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit.
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No. 43 car: Kenneth Stonebraker
Military branch: United States Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel
Hometown: Hopkinsville, Indiana
Date of birth: Dec. 25, 1938
Date of death: Oct. 28, 1968
Age: 29
Stonebraker was the navigator aboard a RF-4C Phantom II when it disappeared during a single aircraft reconnaissance mission over enemy targets in North Vietnam. Another solider was with Stonebraker, and both remain unaccounted for. Stonebraker is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Military branch: United States Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel
Hometown: Hopkinsville, Indiana
Date of birth: Dec. 25, 1938
Date of death: Oct. 28, 1968
Age: 29
Stonebraker was the navigator aboard a RF-4C Phantom II when it disappeared during a single aircraft reconnaissance mission over enemy targets in North Vietnam. Another solider was with Stonebraker, and both remain unaccounted for. Stonebraker is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
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No. 45 car: Shannon Kent
Military branch: United States Navy, Senior Chief Petty Officer
Hometown: Oswego, New York
Date of birth: May 11, 1983
Date of death: Jan. 16, 2019
Age: 35
Kent enlisted in the Navy in 2003, prompted by the events of 9/11 and her family's history of service. She was proficient in Spanish, Arabic and other languages, which led to her career as an intelligence professional. In 2018, she was deployed to Syria. Kent was killed the next year during a special operation against the Islamic State when a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Manbij, Syria. She had a husband and two sons.
Military branch: United States Navy, Senior Chief Petty Officer
Hometown: Oswego, New York
Date of birth: May 11, 1983
Date of death: Jan. 16, 2019
Age: 35
Kent enlisted in the Navy in 2003, prompted by the events of 9/11 and her family's history of service. She was proficient in Spanish, Arabic and other languages, which led to her career as an intelligence professional. In 2018, she was deployed to Syria. Kent was killed the next year during a special operation against the Islamic State when a suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Manbij, Syria. She had a husband and two sons.
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No. 47 car: Gail “Hal” Halvorsen
Military branch: United States Air Force, Colonel
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Date of birth: Oct. 10, 1920
Date of death: Feb. 16, 2022
Age: 101
Halvorsen earned his private pilot's license in 1941 and joined the Air Force in 1942. He was in charge of humanitarian airlift missions for Berlin, Germany. He sparked Operation Little Vittles -- dropping candy on parachurches to children, a way to boost morale. This led to the nickname, candy bomber. Halvorsen retired from the military but continued inspiring others toward a life of service before his passing.
Military branch: United States Air Force, Colonel
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Date of birth: Oct. 10, 1920
Date of death: Feb. 16, 2022
Age: 101
Halvorsen earned his private pilot's license in 1941 and joined the Air Force in 1942. He was in charge of humanitarian airlift missions for Berlin, Germany. He sparked Operation Little Vittles -- dropping candy on parachurches to children, a way to boost morale. This led to the nickname, candy bomber. Halvorsen retired from the military but continued inspiring others toward a life of service before his passing.
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No. 48 car: Matthew E. Baylis
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Oakdale, New York
Date of birth: May 21, 1987
Date of death: May 31, 2007
Age: 20
Baylis decided at age 14 he wanted to join the military, soon after 9/11. He officially did so in 2005 and was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2006. He died when his platoon came under heavy fire -- and he stepped up to defend. Baylis was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Oakdale, New York
Date of birth: May 21, 1987
Date of death: May 31, 2007
Age: 20
Baylis decided at age 14 he wanted to join the military, soon after 9/11. He officially did so in 2005 and was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2006. He died when his platoon came under heavy fire -- and he stepped up to defend. Baylis was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
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No. 50 car: Eugene Williams
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Highland, New York
Date of birth: April 30, 1978
Date of death: March 29, 2003
Age: 24
Williams enlisted after graduating from high school and went on his first deployment to Kuwait in 2022. He, along with three other soldiers, was killed when a taxi pulled up to a roadside checkpoint and detonated a bomb. He and his wife already had one daughter and were expecting another.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Highland, New York
Date of birth: April 30, 1978
Date of death: March 29, 2003
Age: 24
Williams enlisted after graduating from high school and went on his first deployment to Kuwait in 2022. He, along with three other soldiers, was killed when a taxi pulled up to a roadside checkpoint and detonated a bomb. He and his wife already had one daughter and were expecting another.
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No. 51 car: Jefferson Davis
Military branch: United States Army, Master Sergeant
Hometown: Watauga, Tennessee
Date of birth: Oct. 22, 1962
Date of death: Dec. 5, 2001
Age: 39
Davis enlisted in 1984 as a medical specialist and served in Korea for three years before promotions. He participated in Operation Desert Storm and numerous others throughout Southwest Asia. Davis was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom. He had a wife, daughter and son. His tenure led to many awards: Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Special Forces Tab and more.
Military branch: United States Army, Master Sergeant
Hometown: Watauga, Tennessee
Date of birth: Oct. 22, 1962
Date of death: Dec. 5, 2001
Age: 39
Davis enlisted in 1984 as a medical specialist and served in Korea for three years before promotions. He participated in Operation Desert Storm and numerous others throughout Southwest Asia. Davis was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom. He had a wife, daughter and son. His tenure led to many awards: Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Special Forces Tab and more.
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No. 77 car: James Ray Davenport
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Danville, Indiana
Date of birth: Dec. 31, 1985
Date of death: Nov. 22, 2006
Age: 20
Davenport joined the Marine Corps in 2005. The next year, he was sent to the Anbar Province of western Iraq for a seven-month tour. He, along with two others, died when his Humvee ran over an improvised explosive device (IED).
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
Hometown: Danville, Indiana
Date of birth: Dec. 31, 1985
Date of death: Nov. 22, 2006
Age: 20
Davenport joined the Marine Corps in 2005. The next year, he was sent to the Anbar Province of western Iraq for a seven-month tour. He, along with two others, died when his Humvee ran over an improvised explosive device (IED).
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No. 78 car: Joseph Peter Collette
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio
Date of birth: Aug. 17, 1989
Date of death: March 22, 2019
Age: 29
Collette served in the Army for more than eight years as an EOD technician. He died fourth months after getting married. Along with his wife, Collette had a daughter, son and two stepdaughters.
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio
Date of birth: Aug. 17, 1989
Date of death: March 22, 2019
Age: 29
Collette served in the Army for more than eight years as an EOD technician. He died fourth months after getting married. Along with his wife, Collette had a daughter, son and two stepdaughters.
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No. 99 car: Darin Taylor Hoover
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant
Date of birth: July 24, 1990
Date of death: Aug. 26, 2021
Age: 31
Hoover served in the Marines for 11 years. He, along with 12 other American troops, were killed in a suicide bombing near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, as they were trying to evacuate people from the country.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant
Date of birth: July 24, 1990
Date of death: Aug. 26, 2021
Age: 31
Hoover served in the Marines for 11 years. He, along with 12 other American troops, were killed in a suicide bombing near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, as they were trying to evacuate people from the country.
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Also being recognized:
Pace car: Patrick Werme
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Sergeant
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Date of birth: Jan. 24, 1991
Date of death: July 3, 2018
Age: 27
Pace car: Thomas J. Sullivan
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Gunnery Sergeant
Hometown: Springfield, Massachusetts
Date of birth: March 22, 1975
Date of death: July 16, 2005
Age: 30
Grand marshal: Trevor B. Adkins
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Spring Lake, North Carolina
Date of birth: April 24, 1991
Date of death: July 8, 2012
Age: 21
Grand marshal: Dennis R. Murray
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant First Class
Hometown: Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee
Date of birth: Aug. 5, 1973
Date of death: Nov. 21, 2011
Age: 38
Grand marshal: Peter "Chris" Bohler
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Willow Spring, North Carolina
Date of birth: March 30, 1984
Date of death: Dec. 18, 2013
Age: 29
Grand marshal: Gene A. Vance Jr.
Military branch: West Virginia Army National Guard, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Morgantown, West Virginia
Date of birth: Nov. 30, 1963
Date of death: May 19, 2002
Age: 38
Pace car: Patrick Werme
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Sergeant
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Date of birth: Jan. 24, 1991
Date of death: July 3, 2018
Age: 27
Pace car: Thomas J. Sullivan
Military branch: United States Marine Corps, Gunnery Sergeant
Hometown: Springfield, Massachusetts
Date of birth: March 22, 1975
Date of death: July 16, 2005
Age: 30
Grand marshal: Trevor B. Adkins
Military branch: United States Army, Specialist
Hometown: Spring Lake, North Carolina
Date of birth: April 24, 1991
Date of death: July 8, 2012
Age: 21
Grand marshal: Dennis R. Murray
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant First Class
Hometown: Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee
Date of birth: Aug. 5, 1973
Date of death: Nov. 21, 2011
Age: 38
Grand marshal: Peter "Chris" Bohler
Military branch: United States Army, Sergeant
Hometown: Willow Spring, North Carolina
Date of birth: March 30, 1984
Date of death: Dec. 18, 2013
Age: 29
Grand marshal: Gene A. Vance Jr.
Military branch: West Virginia Army National Guard, Staff Sergeant
Hometown: Morgantown, West Virginia
Date of birth: Nov. 30, 1963
Date of death: May 19, 2002
Age: 38