NASCAR, Walmart Join Forces In Support Of U.S. Military Families

Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 12, 2011) - As First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launch their initiative, “Joining Forces,” to support military families today in Washington, D.C., NASCAR and Wal-Mart have partnered to produce a public service announcement (PSA) campaign recognizing the sacrifices and challenges military families face throughout the United States.

These PSAs, which will feature a number of NASCAR drivers and be shown in more than 500 Wal-Mart locations, will highlight opportunities for NASCAR fans and Wal-Mart customers to support military families in their local communities.

First Lady Michelle Obama (Official Potrait)

“NASCAR has a long history of supporting our men and women in uniform and their families,” said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR managing director of public affairs. “We are proud to partner with Wal-Mart to produce a PSA campaign in support of the First Lady and Dr. Biden’s call to action in support of military families.”

Dr. Jill Biden (Official Potrait)

Scheduled to launch Memorial Day Weekend, the NASCAR-produced spots will direct viewers to a website – www.joiningforces.gov – where they can learn more about opportunities to support local efforts. Support of the “Joining Forces” initiative falls in line with a number of other important military initiatives for NASCAR.

NASCAR will host its 7th Annual Tribute to the Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in August 2011. The event includes NASCAR drivers, executives and team owners visiting soldiers and wounded warriors at Walter Reed, followed by an autograph session, dinner and performance for the service members and their families.

NASCAR, together with the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) and in support of their mission of “Serving Those Who Serve,” will continue to recognize service men and women through a newly-launched “Troops to the Track” program. Each “Troops to the Track” program offers wounded service members and those serving in particularly stressful positions in the military a respite from their daily routines for a VIP style NASCAR experience during a race weekend.

NASCAR will continue hosting a series of NASCAR watch parties at military facilities around the country in an effort to thank and honor service members while they are serving on base.