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Streeter Lecka | Getty Images
Memorial Day weekend marks a very special time in the NASCAR community, the beginning of the NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola campaign that runs through the July 6th race at Daytona International Speedway. In honor of Memorial Day, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers and accompanying on-track vehicles in the Coca-Cola 600 (6 p.m. ET, FOX, PRN, SiriusXM) will carry the name of a fallen military member on their cars. Read more about the heroes who gave their lives defending the United States of America.
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No. 00 car: Cpl. Kyle Richard Schneider
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 1-8-1988
Date of death: 6-30-2011 (Helmand Province, Afghanistan)
Schneider joined the United States Marine Corps in 2008. He survived a direct IED blast while on patrol in May of 2011 and was awarded a Purple Heart Medal. He posthumously awarded a second Purple Heart after he was killed in action.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 1-8-1988
Date of death: 6-30-2011 (Helmand Province, Afghanistan)
Schneider joined the United States Marine Corps in 2008. He survived a direct IED blast while on patrol in May of 2011 and was awarded a Purple Heart Medal. He posthumously awarded a second Purple Heart after he was killed in action.
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No. 1 car: Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 11-18-1947
Date of death: 9-11-2001 (Pentagon)
Maude was the highest ranking U.S. military officer killed in the September 11 attacks. He had been serving as the U.S. Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and was at a meeting when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 11-18-1947
Date of death: 9-11-2001 (Pentagon)
Maude was the highest ranking U.S. military officer killed in the September 11 attacks. He had been serving as the U.S. Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel and was at a meeting when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon.
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No. 2 car: Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class (SEAL) Joseph Clark Schwedler
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 5-1-1979
Date of death: 4-6-2007 (Balad, Iraq)
Schwedler graduated from BUD/S training in 2003 and first served in Iraq in 2005. He was part of a dedicated team fighting the insurgency in Iraq and was killed by enemy fire while participating in his team’s assault on a home occupied by terrorists who were involved in the recent downing of a Coalition helicopter.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 5-1-1979
Date of death: 4-6-2007 (Balad, Iraq)
Schwedler graduated from BUD/S training in 2003 and first served in Iraq in 2005. He was part of a dedicated team fighting the insurgency in Iraq and was killed by enemy fire while participating in his team’s assault on a home occupied by terrorists who were involved in the recent downing of a Coalition helicopter.
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No. 3 car: Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Chad Wilkinson
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 8-28-1975
Date of death: 10-29-2018 (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Wilkinson was a Navy Seal that was based out of Naval Air Station Oceana. Wilkinson's name is on Dillon's car in partnership with the Gold Star & Surviving Families organization.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 8-28-1975
Date of death: 10-29-2018 (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Wilkinson was a Navy Seal that was based out of Naval Air Station Oceana. Wilkinson's name is on Dillon's car in partnership with the Gold Star & Surviving Families organization.
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No. 4 car: Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Allen Hoover
Military branch: Pennsylvania Army National Guard
Date of birth: 4-19-1981
Date of death: 6-11-2010 (Shajoy, Afghanistan)
Hoover was a 10-year veteran at the time of his death serving four years in the Marine Corps prior to his service with the PA Army National Guard. Hoover was killed by a suicide bomber in the Zabul Province in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Military branch: Pennsylvania Army National Guard
Date of birth: 4-19-1981
Date of death: 6-11-2010 (Shajoy, Afghanistan)
Hoover was a 10-year veteran at the time of his death serving four years in the Marine Corps prior to his service with the PA Army National Guard. Hoover was killed by a suicide bomber in the Zabul Province in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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No. 6 car: Sgt. James Michael Nolen
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-31-1984
Date of death: 11-22-2009 (Afghanistan)
Born in Texas, Nolen was killed in action as a member of Charlie Company, 2/508 PIR, 4 BCT, 82nd Airborne based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was killed months before his second child -- a baby girl -- was born.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-31-1984
Date of death: 11-22-2009 (Afghanistan)
Born in Texas, Nolen was killed in action as a member of Charlie Company, 2/508 PIR, 4 BCT, 82nd Airborne based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was killed months before his second child -- a baby girl -- was born.
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No. 8 car: Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Kyle J. Milliken
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 1-5-1979
Date of death: 5-5-2017 (East Africa)
Milliken was a Navy Seal that was based out of Naval Air Station Oceana. Milliken's name is on Hemric's car in partnership with the Gold Star & Surviving Families organization.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 1-5-1979
Date of death: 5-5-2017 (East Africa)
Milliken was a Navy Seal that was based out of Naval Air Station Oceana. Milliken's name is on Hemric's car in partnership with the Gold Star & Surviving Families organization.
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No. 9 car: Sgt. Bradley W. Marshall
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-28-1969
Date of death: 7-31-2007 (Kalsu, Iraq)
Marshall was a paratrooper and a Forward Observer Field Artilleryman from Little Rock, Arkansas. He served in the Army from 1990 to 1994 and re-enlisted in 2006. Marshall and his sons attended races together and his son Wes -- who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 -- is not only a race fan but a Chase Elliott fan as well.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-28-1969
Date of death: 7-31-2007 (Kalsu, Iraq)
Marshall was a paratrooper and a Forward Observer Field Artilleryman from Little Rock, Arkansas. He served in the Army from 1990 to 1994 and re-enlisted in 2006. Marshall and his sons attended races together and his son Wes -- who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 -- is not only a race fan but a Chase Elliott fan as well.
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No. 10 car: Warrant Officer John Patrick Bartone
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 11-21-1949
Date of death: 7-15-1970 (South Vietnam, Tay Ninh Province)
Bartone was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and the Armed Forces Honor Medal. He is the Uncle-in-Law of the team's race engineer, Marc Hendricksen.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 11-21-1949
Date of death: 7-15-1970 (South Vietnam, Tay Ninh Province)
Bartone was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and the Armed Forces Honor Medal. He is the Uncle-in-Law of the team's race engineer, Marc Hendricksen.
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No. 11 car: Ensign Sarah Mitchell
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 9-27-1994
Date of death: 7-8-2018 (Red Sea)
Mitchell was critically injured during maneuvers while serving on the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109). The Pennsylvania native was a graduate of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Class of 2017.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 9-27-1994
Date of death: 7-8-2018 (Red Sea)
Mitchell was critically injured during maneuvers while serving on the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109). The Pennsylvania native was a graduate of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Class of 2017.
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No. 12 car: Spc. Alexander Rosa Jr.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-22-1985
Date of death: 5-25-2007 (Muqdadiyah, Iraq)
Rosa was based out of Fort Hood and was deployed with Marcus Heyward. Ryan Blaney and Heyward became friendly after Heyward won a campaign to honor military people by sponsor BODYARMOR. Heyward suggested his fallen friend for the windshield.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-22-1985
Date of death: 5-25-2007 (Muqdadiyah, Iraq)
Rosa was based out of Fort Hood and was deployed with Marcus Heyward. Ryan Blaney and Heyward became friendly after Heyward won a campaign to honor military people by sponsor BODYARMOR. Heyward suggested his fallen friend for the windshield.
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No. 13 car: Cpl. Robert Hugh Steele
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 4-30-1944
Date of death: 8-28-1967 (Quang Nam Province, Vietnam)
Steele is from the same hometown -- Naples, Florida -- of Germain Racing team owner Bob Germain, his sister Becky and the team's general manager Larry Rogers. They all went to school together and lived several houses down from each other.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 4-30-1944
Date of death: 8-28-1967 (Quang Nam Province, Vietnam)
Steele is from the same hometown -- Naples, Florida -- of Germain Racing team owner Bob Germain, his sister Becky and the team's general manager Larry Rogers. They all went to school together and lived several houses down from each other.
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No. 14 car: Master Sgt. Gary Ivan Gordon
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-30-1960
Date of death: 10-3-1993 (Mogadishu, Somalia)
Gordon posthumously received the Medal of Honor for actions above and beyond the call of duty at a helicopter crash site as he worked to reach and save the injured pilot and personnel before being fatally wounded himself. Sgt. 1st Class Shughart, who was killed in the same incident, is honored on the No. 41 car.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-30-1960
Date of death: 10-3-1993 (Mogadishu, Somalia)
Gordon posthumously received the Medal of Honor for actions above and beyond the call of duty at a helicopter crash site as he worked to reach and save the injured pilot and personnel before being fatally wounded himself. Sgt. 1st Class Shughart, who was killed in the same incident, is honored on the No. 41 car.
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No. 15 car: Staff Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 7-13-1983
Date of death: 3-28-2008 (Iraq)
Maupin had been listed as missing-captured since April 16, 2004 after his convoy came under attack by individuals using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire April 9, 2004. His remains were found nearly four years later.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 7-13-1983
Date of death: 3-28-2008 (Iraq)
Maupin had been listed as missing-captured since April 16, 2004 after his convoy came under attack by individuals using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire April 9, 2004. His remains were found nearly four years later.
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No. 17 car: Capt. John Graziano
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 4-17-1990
Date of death: 11-13-2018
Graziano died during an aircraft accident at Laughlin AFB, Texas. He was a T-38C Talon instructor with over 1300 hours in the cockpit, who had a passion for flight and a dream to be an Air Force fighter pilot as a child. He never wavered from that goal, always doing what was necessary to realize his dream.
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 4-17-1990
Date of death: 11-13-2018
Graziano died during an aircraft accident at Laughlin AFB, Texas. He was a T-38C Talon instructor with over 1300 hours in the cockpit, who had a passion for flight and a dream to be an Air Force fighter pilot as a child. He never wavered from that goal, always doing what was necessary to realize his dream.
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No. 18 car: Sgt. Dale Russel Griffin
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-16-1980
Date of death: 10-27-2009 (Afghanistan)
Griffin grew up in Indiana and enlisted in the Army in 2005. He died on his first tour of duty from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an IED.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-16-1980
Date of death: 10-27-2009 (Afghanistan)
Griffin grew up in Indiana and enlisted in the Army in 2005. He died on his first tour of duty from wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an IED.
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No. 19 car: Chief Petty Officer Nicholas H. Null
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 3-30-1981
Date of death: 8-6-2011 (Afghanistan)
Null enlisted in the Navy in 2000 and served as a chief explosive ordnance disposal technician. He was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards including (2) Bronze Star Medal with Valor and Exceptional Heroism, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Valor and (2) 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 3-30-1981
Date of death: 8-6-2011 (Afghanistan)
Null enlisted in the Navy in 2000 and served as a chief explosive ordnance disposal technician. He was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards including (2) Bronze Star Medal with Valor and Exceptional Heroism, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Valor and (2) 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
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No. 20 car: Cpl. Richard Ellis Eckkert
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 4-5-1923
Date of death: 4-12-1945 (Okinawa)
Eckert was based out of Camp Elliott in San Diego. He was killed in Okinawa while trying to rescue a friend who had been shot.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 4-5-1923
Date of death: 4-12-1945 (Okinawa)
Eckert was based out of Camp Elliott in San Diego. He was killed in Okinawa while trying to rescue a friend who had been shot.
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No. 21 car: Spc. David E. Hickman
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 1-16-1988
Date of death: 11-14-2011 (Iraq)
Hickman, a Greensboro, North Carolina native, enlisted in 2009 and was known as a gym rat -- earning a black belt in taekwondo. He was killed by a roadside bomb that ripped through the armored truck he was in.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 1-16-1988
Date of death: 11-14-2011 (Iraq)
Hickman, a Greensboro, North Carolina native, enlisted in 2009 and was known as a gym rat -- earning a black belt in taekwondo. He was killed by a roadside bomb that ripped through the armored truck he was in.
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No. 22 car: Radioman 3rd Class James Wallace Tisinger
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 2-28-1920
Date of death: 11-3-1942 (Cape Town, South Africa)
Tisinger worked for the Coca-Cola Company in Arizona prior to his enlistment. He was lost at sea aboard the cargo ship, Cargo Vessel East Indian, owned by Ford Motor Company.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 2-28-1920
Date of death: 11-3-1942 (Cape Town, South Africa)
Tisinger worked for the Coca-Cola Company in Arizona prior to his enlistment. He was lost at sea aboard the cargo ship, Cargo Vessel East Indian, owned by Ford Motor Company.
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No. 24 car: Capt. Mark Weber
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 7-31-1988
Date of death: 3-15-2018 (Iraq)
Weber died in the line of duty supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was known as a composed leader who touched the lives of many. He attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated in 2011. He received his coveted maroon beret in July 2016.
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 7-31-1988
Date of death: 3-15-2018 (Iraq)
Weber died in the line of duty supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. He was known as a composed leader who touched the lives of many. He attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated in 2011. He received his coveted maroon beret in July 2016.
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No. 27 car: Sgt. Jerome C. Bell Jr.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 1-8-1979
Date of death: 9-19-2008 (Afghanistan)
Bell died while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom as a motor transport operator. He enlisted in the Marines in 1996 before leaving in 2004. He later re-enlisted after his two daughters were old enough for school -- asking his mother for permission to do so.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 1-8-1979
Date of death: 9-19-2008 (Afghanistan)
Bell died while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom as a motor transport operator. He enlisted in the Marines in 1996 before leaving in 2004. He later re-enlisted after his two daughters were old enough for school -- asking his mother for permission to do so.
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No. 32 car: Staff Sgt. Alex Conrad
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 5-11-1992
Date of death: 6-8-2018 (Somalia)
Conrad was an eight year veteran who grew up in Chandler, Arizona. He completed two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Niger and Somalia. For his service, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal among others.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 5-11-1992
Date of death: 6-8-2018 (Somalia)
Conrad was an eight year veteran who grew up in Chandler, Arizona. He completed two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Niger and Somalia. For his service, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal among others.
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No. 34 car: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Farmer
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 4-27-1981
Date of death: 1-16-2019 (Manbilj, Syria)
Farmer, a Boynton Beach, Florida native, joined the Army in 2005. He served six overseas combat tours. He died of wounds sustained during an attack while conducting a local engagement in Syria. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 4-27-1981
Date of death: 1-16-2019 (Manbilj, Syria)
Farmer, a Boynton Beach, Florida native, joined the Army in 2005. He served six overseas combat tours. He died of wounds sustained during an attack while conducting a local engagement in Syria. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
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No. 36 car: Sgt. 1st Class Joshua "Zach" Beale
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-1-1986
Date of death: 1-22-2019 (Uruzgan Province Afghanistan)
Beale was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was killed while conducting combat operations.
A native of Carrollton, Virginia, he had more than seven years of service in the Army. as he enlisted in 2011. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal as well as posthumously promoted to Sgt. 1st Class.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-1-1986
Date of death: 1-22-2019 (Uruzgan Province Afghanistan)
Beale was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was killed while conducting combat operations.
A native of Carrollton, Virginia, he had more than seven years of service in the Army. as he enlisted in 2011. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal as well as posthumously promoted to Sgt. 1st Class.
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No. 37 car: Sgt. 1st Class David Moore
Military branch: United States Army National Guard
Date of birth: 9-25-1965
Date of death: 2-4-2008
Moore enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1986 and served 20 years. He passed away from complications after being exposed to chemicals while deployed. He served in the United States Army National Guard with the No. 37 team's lead engineer, Brian Burns.
Military branch: United States Army National Guard
Date of birth: 9-25-1965
Date of death: 2-4-2008
Moore enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1986 and served 20 years. He passed away from complications after being exposed to chemicals while deployed. He served in the United States Army National Guard with the No. 37 team's lead engineer, Brian Burns.
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No. 38 car: Cpl. William G. Taylor
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 12-18-1978
Date of death: 11-30-2005 (Iraq)
A Georgia native, Taylor joined the Marines in 2002. He was killed by enemy small arms fire outside Fallujah just 18 days before his 27th birthday.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 12-18-1978
Date of death: 11-30-2005 (Iraq)
A Georgia native, Taylor joined the Marines in 2002. He was killed by enemy small arms fire outside Fallujah just 18 days before his 27th birthday.
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No. 41 car: Sgt. 1st Class Randall David Shughart
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-13-1958
Date of death: 10-3-1993 (Mogadishu, Somalia)
Shughart posthumously received the Medal of Honor for actions above and beyond the call of duty at a helicopter crash site as he worked to reach and save the injured pilot and personnel before being fatally wounded himself. Master Sgt. Gordon, who was killed in the same incident, is honored on the No. 14 car.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 8-13-1958
Date of death: 10-3-1993 (Mogadishu, Somalia)
Shughart posthumously received the Medal of Honor for actions above and beyond the call of duty at a helicopter crash site as he worked to reach and save the injured pilot and personnel before being fatally wounded himself. Master Sgt. Gordon, who was killed in the same incident, is honored on the No. 14 car.
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No. 42 car: Sgt. Jeannette Lee Winters
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 5-4-1976
Date of death: 1-9-2002 (Pakistan)
A native of Gary, Indiana, Winters joined the Marines in 1997 and became a satellite communication technician. Winters was killed in the crash of a KC-130 refueling plane which struck a mountainside in Pakistan, killing all onboard. She became the first female member of the U.S. military to be killed in combat since the 1991 Gulf War.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 5-4-1976
Date of death: 1-9-2002 (Pakistan)
A native of Gary, Indiana, Winters joined the Marines in 1997 and became a satellite communication technician. Winters was killed in the crash of a KC-130 refueling plane which struck a mountainside in Pakistan, killing all onboard. She became the first female member of the U.S. military to be killed in combat since the 1991 Gulf War.
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No. 43 car: Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 6-11-1993
Date of death: 11-27-2018 (Ghazni Province Afghanistan)
Elchin enlisted in 2012 and served as a special tactics Airman and was killed when his vehicle hit an IED. His role was to advise the Ground Force commander, direct close air support aircraft, and deliver destructive ordnance on enemy targets in support of offensive combat operations. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 6-11-1993
Date of death: 11-27-2018 (Ghazni Province Afghanistan)
Elchin enlisted in 2012 and served as a special tactics Airman and was killed when his vehicle hit an IED. His role was to advise the Ground Force commander, direct close air support aircraft, and deliver destructive ordnance on enemy targets in support of offensive combat operations. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
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No. 47 car: Spc. William Jeffries
Military branch: Indiana Army National Guard
Date of birth: 11-7-1963
Date of death: 3-31-2003 (Rota, Spain)
An Indiana native, Jeffries enlisted in the Air Force in 1987 and had a decade of service before joining the Indiana National Guard. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard. He served in the Army with No. 37 team lead engineer Brian Burns.
Military branch: Indiana Army National Guard
Date of birth: 11-7-1963
Date of death: 3-31-2003 (Rota, Spain)
An Indiana native, Jeffries enlisted in the Air Force in 1987 and had a decade of service before joining the Indiana National Guard. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard. He served in the Army with No. 37 team lead engineer Brian Burns.
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No. 48 car: Sgt. Richard Michael Donlan
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 1-3-1946
Date of death: 2-28-1969 (Phan Thiet, Vietnam)
Donlan voluntarily enlisted in the fall of 1967 -- during his senior year at the University of Virginia. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery -- which was near where his parents lived in Alexandria, Virginia at the time of his death.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 1-3-1946
Date of death: 2-28-1969 (Phan Thiet, Vietnam)
Donlan voluntarily enlisted in the fall of 1967 -- during his senior year at the University of Virginia. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery -- which was near where his parents lived in Alexandria, Virginia at the time of his death.
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No. 51 car: Sgt. Lee C. Wilson
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 11-11-1976
Date of death: 9-7-2007 (Iraq)
Wilson died from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He had taken someone else's spot on the mission the day he was killed so that the other person could rest.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 11-11-1976
Date of death: 9-7-2007 (Iraq)
Wilson died from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He had taken someone else's spot on the mission the day he was killed so that the other person could rest.
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No. 52 car: Sgt. James Allen Slape
Military branch: North Carolina Army National Guard
Date of birth: 2-21-1995
Date of death: 10-4-2018 (Helmand Province of Afghanistan)
Slape joined the North Carolina National Guard in 2013 and graduated from the Explosive Ordnance School as an Explosive Ordnance Specialist in 2015. His unit was deployed in April of 2018. After his death, Governor Roy Cooper posthumously promoted Slape to sergeant.
Military branch: North Carolina Army National Guard
Date of birth: 2-21-1995
Date of death: 10-4-2018 (Helmand Province of Afghanistan)
Slape joined the North Carolina National Guard in 2013 and graduated from the Explosive Ordnance School as an Explosive Ordnance Specialist in 2015. His unit was deployed in April of 2018. After his death, Governor Roy Cooper posthumously promoted Slape to sergeant.
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No. 53 car: Cpl. William O'Brien
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-30-1988
Date of death: 3-15-2008 (Baghdad, Iraq)
O'Brien grew up in a patriotic family with a history of service as he became the third son to join the Army. He was also an avid golfer and a junior PGA player. He died from wounds sustained when he was attacked by small arms fire during combat operations.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 3-30-1988
Date of death: 3-15-2008 (Baghdad, Iraq)
O'Brien grew up in a patriotic family with a history of service as he became the third son to join the Army. He was also an avid golfer and a junior PGA player. He died from wounds sustained when he was attacked by small arms fire during combat operations.
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No. 66 car: Lt. Col. Timothy D. Howerton
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 3-7-1960
Date of death: 3-15-2019 (Florida)
Howerton enlisted in the Air Force in 1981 and served for 37 years. He was lovingly known as "Hawkeye" to all of his military family and enjoyed being on the lake in his boat, watching NASCAR and Nebraska football and playing cards with his wife Tammy.
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 3-7-1960
Date of death: 3-15-2019 (Florida)
Howerton enlisted in the Air Force in 1981 and served for 37 years. He was lovingly known as "Hawkeye" to all of his military family and enjoyed being on the lake in his boat, watching NASCAR and Nebraska football and playing cards with his wife Tammy.
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No. 77 car: Lt. Bantee L. Hall
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 12-3-1969
Date of death: 6-8-2001 (Alabama)
Hall grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and was an integral part of the Greensboro Youth Council. He joined the Navy in 1995 after graduating from North Carolina A&T. He was killed in a Navy plane crash near Mobile, Alabama.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 12-3-1969
Date of death: 6-8-2001 (Alabama)
Hall grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and was an integral part of the Greensboro Youth Council. He joined the Navy in 1995 after graduating from North Carolina A&T. He was killed in a Navy plane crash near Mobile, Alabama.
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No. 88 car: Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Jon T. Tumilson "JT"
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 7-1-1976
Date of death: 8-6-2011 (Wardak Province, Afghanistan)
Tumilson grew up in Rockford, Iowa and joined the Navy in 1995 with the dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. He was deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was killed coming to the aid of others when the Chinook he was traveling on was shot down by an RPG.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 7-1-1976
Date of death: 8-6-2011 (Wardak Province, Afghanistan)
Tumilson grew up in Rockford, Iowa and joined the Navy in 1995 with the dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. He was deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was killed coming to the aid of others when the Chinook he was traveling on was shot down by an RPG.
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No. 95 car: Spc. Daniel A. Desens Jr.
Military branch: North Carolina Army National Guard
Date of birth: 9-1-1983
Date of death: 6-24-2004 (Baqubah, Iraq)
Desens was born in Camp Lejeune and spent most of his childhood there. He and his father attended many NASCAR races when he was a kid. He joined the North Carolina Army National Guard in 2001 and was deployed to Iraq in March of 2004.
Military branch: North Carolina Army National Guard
Date of birth: 9-1-1983
Date of death: 6-24-2004 (Baqubah, Iraq)
Desens was born in Camp Lejeune and spent most of his childhood there. He and his father attended many NASCAR races when he was a kid. He joined the North Carolina Army National Guard in 2001 and was deployed to Iraq in March of 2004.
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No. 96 car: Lance Cpl. Andrew F. Whitacre
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 2-4-1987
Date of death: 6-19-2008 (Afghanistan)
Whitacre, an Indiana native, was killed while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a 2005 graduate of Jay County High School.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 2-4-1987
Date of death: 6-19-2008 (Afghanistan)
Whitacre, an Indiana native, was killed while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a 2005 graduate of Jay County High School.
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Grand Marshal #1: Staff Sgt. Jason Hicks
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 5-1-1977
Date of death: 3-23-2003 (Afghanistan)
Hicks joined the Air Force in 1996 and was married just days before he deployed for the final time in January of 2003. He was one of six U.S. airmen killed in a helicopter crash while trying to pick up two children with life-threatening head injuries.
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 5-1-1977
Date of death: 3-23-2003 (Afghanistan)
Hicks joined the Air Force in 1996 and was married just days before he deployed for the final time in January of 2003. He was one of six U.S. airmen killed in a helicopter crash while trying to pick up two children with life-threatening head injuries.
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Grand Marshal #2: Maj. James M. Brophy
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of death: 12-6-2018 (Sea of Japan)
Brophy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in December 2005 and served as an aviator over the course his military career. His personal awards include the Air Medal with two Strike Flight Awards, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of death: 12-6-2018 (Sea of Japan)
Brophy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in December 2005 and served as an aviator over the course his military career. His personal awards include the Air Medal with two Strike Flight Awards, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
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Grand Marshal #3: Cpl. William Carter Ross
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 3-17-1997
Date of death: 12-6-2018 (Sea of Japan)
Ross came from a long line of servicemen and enlisted in the Marines in 2016. He was involved in a military mishap involving a mid-air collision during a routine training exercise in Iwakuni, Japan.
His awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 3-17-1997
Date of death: 12-6-2018 (Sea of Japan)
Ross came from a long line of servicemen and enlisted in the Marines in 2016. He was involved in a military mishap involving a mid-air collision during a routine training exercise in Iwakuni, Japan.
His awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
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Grand Marshal #4: Cpl. David M. Sonka
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 11-28-1989
Date of death: 5-4-2013 (Afghanistan)
Sonka was born in Aurora, Colorado and enlisted in the Marines in 2008. He was killed when an Afghan Army soldier opened fire at a United States Special Operations Forces Team headquarters element inside an Afghan Army Battalion headquarters located on an Afghan camp.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of birth: 11-28-1989
Date of death: 5-4-2013 (Afghanistan)
Sonka was born in Aurora, Colorado and enlisted in the Marines in 2008. He was killed when an Afghan Army soldier opened fire at a United States Special Operations Forces Team headquarters element inside an Afghan Army Battalion headquarters located on an Afghan camp.
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Lead Pace Car: Sgt. Jason C. Denfrund
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 2-23-1982
Date of death: 12-25-2006 (Baghdad)
Denfrund was from Cattaraugus, New York. He died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 2-23-1982
Date of death: 12-25-2006 (Baghdad)
Denfrund was from Cattaraugus, New York. He died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol.
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Splitter Pace Car: Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of death: 12-6-18 (Sea of Japan)
Herrmann was a decorated aviator whose personal awards include the Air Medal with twenty-four Strike Flight Awards, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Appalachian State University in May 2002.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of death: 12-6-18 (Sea of Japan)
Herrmann was a decorated aviator whose personal awards include the Air Medal with twenty-four Strike Flight Awards, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Appalachian State University in May 2002.
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Air Force Tundra: Staff Sgt. Zackary S. Barton
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 10-29-1989
Date of death: 10-13-2013 (South Dakota)
Barton had a lifelong dream of being in the Air Force and joined upon graduating high school in 2008. He excelled in bowling and loved to hunt. He passed away at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Military branch: United States Air Force
Date of birth: 10-29-1989
Date of death: 10-13-2013 (South Dakota)
Barton had a lifelong dream of being in the Air Force and joined upon graduating high school in 2008. He excelled in bowling and loved to hunt. He passed away at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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Marine Tundra: Cpl. Daniel Baker
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of death: 12-6-2018 (Sea of Japan)
Baker grew up in Tremont, Illinois and enlisted in the Marines in 2016. He was one of five KC-130J crewmen lost in a nighttime aerial refueling mishap over the Sea of Japan.
Military branch: United States Marine Corps
Date of death: 12-6-2018 (Sea of Japan)
Baker grew up in Tremont, Illinois and enlisted in the Marines in 2016. He was one of five KC-130J crewmen lost in a nighttime aerial refueling mishap over the Sea of Japan.
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Navy Tundra: Gunner's Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 9-12-1997
Date of death: 6-17-2017 (Sagami Bay)
Rigsby of Palmyra, Virginia, was one of the seven U.S. Navy Sailors killed when the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) collided with a container ship off the Japanese coast. Rigsby enlisted in 2016 and prior to joining the Navy, served as a volunteer firefighter.
Military branch: United States Navy
Date of birth: 9-12-1997
Date of death: 6-17-2017 (Sagami Bay)
Rigsby of Palmyra, Virginia, was one of the seven U.S. Navy Sailors killed when the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) collided with a container ship off the Japanese coast. Rigsby enlisted in 2016 and prior to joining the Navy, served as a volunteer firefighter.
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Coast Guard Tundra: Lt. Adam Bryant
Military branch: United States Coast Guard
Date of death: 10-29-2009 (Coast of San Clemente Island, California)
Bryant was a 2003 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy. He died following an air collision between a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft and a Marine Corps AH-1W helicopter.
Military branch: United States Coast Guard
Date of death: 10-29-2009 (Coast of San Clemente Island, California)
Bryant was a 2003 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy. He died following an air collision between a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft and a Marine Corps AH-1W helicopter.
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Army Tundra: Staff Sgt. Kenneth "Kenny" McAninch
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 7-31-1982
Date of death: 10-21-2010 (Yahya Khel Afghanistan)
McAninch enjoyed telling stories, the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He was based out of Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
Military branch: United States Army
Date of birth: 7-31-1982
Date of death: 10-21-2010 (Yahya Khel Afghanistan)
McAninch enjoyed telling stories, the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He was based out of Fort Campbell in Kentucky.