Stay on Track - Latest News
August 21, 2008
Food City Family Race Night
State Street, Bristol, VA/TN
Once again, NCPRS and the Tennessee National Guard teamed up to participate in Food City Family Race Night on
State Street in Downtown Bristol. This event has taken place for over 25 years, and is host to between 40,000
to 50,000 people from all over the country.
First Sergeant Michael Miller brought the Counterdrug Task Force’s Drug Education Trailer and spent all day,
and into the night, talking with children and families about the signs and dangers of drug use. He also spoke
with them about the Stay on Track program and its overwhelming success in Tennessee, and across the nation.
As Director of Community Outreach for NCPRS, it has been an honor to organize missions such as these when the
rewards are so great. Getting the message out is always first and foremost, but it is not always easy to find
the right event to showcase Stay on Track. However, Food City Family Race Night is perfect! It is
so awe-inspiring to be surrounded by thousands of race fans in a small community where “family” is the key word
and has been for decades. This year at Food City Family Race Night, hundreds of informational pamphlets; drug
prevention awareness posters; Stay on Track Activity books; and Pledge to be Drug Free stickers were
handed out to children and their families before they passed through the Drug Education trailer for a unique
look into the not so glamorous world of drug abuse.
Families came to enjoy a fun-filled evening packed with driver autograph sessions, show cars, simulators, souvenir trailers, entertainment, and a smorgasbord of free food samples. Food City had several big name drivers and attractions, including former driver Ernie Irvan, who was honored from 5:30-6:00 p.m. Among other confirmed drivers were Sprint Cup drivers Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Bobby Labonte, David Ragan, Marcos Ambrose, Casey Mears, and Juan Pablo Montoya.
Nationwide Series drivers included Jamie McMurray, Eric McClure, Jason Keller, Morgan Shepherd, Kenny Wallace,
Bobby Hamilton Jr., and Brad Coleman.
Confirmed Truck Series drivers included Todd Bodine, Stacy Compton, and Dennis Setzer. UARA Series drivers Josh Hale, Jake Crum, Caleb Roark, Wayne Hale, and Nate Monteith were also in attendance. Special appearances were also made by former driver, and ESPN lead analyst, Rusty Wallace, and NASCAR artist Sam Bass.
Thanks again to Linda Williams and First Sergeant Michael Miller for bringing Stay on Track and the Drug Education Trailer back to Food City Family Race Night and for making a difference in our future and the future of our children.
The Tennessee National Guard and the National Center for Prevention and Research
Solutions (NCPRS) recently supported Food City Kids Day in Blountville, Tennessee. With hundreds of
people in attendance, this was a perfect opportunity to focus community attention to the Stay on Track
initiative with the National Guard as primary role models in a well publicized event.
Captain Linda Williams, Tennessee National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Administrator, sent their impressive Counterdrug Taskforce Drug Education Trailer. The trailer is designed to educate children and families about the dangers of drug use. Staff Sgt. Billy Yatesmatoy and Pfc. Ciji Laws spent the day talking with families and sharing information about the Stay on Track program and its implementation in over 85 counties throughout the state. Their knowledge and ability to captivate the crowd brought valuable insight and awareness to all in attendance.
Chief Warrant Officer Scott Mason arranged to have the Kiawa Warrior, OH 58 military helicopter land in the
Food City parking lot. The helicopter, piloted by Chief Warrant Officer Chris Campbell and Chief Warrant Officer
Charles E. Bumpas, was greeted by a sea of waving hands and cheers from below. Both children and adults were
given the opportunity to climb into the cockpit and have their pictures taken. The dedication of the National
Guard was tremendously appreciated!
Sharon Clarke from NCPRS brought and distributed prevention materials, Stay on Track Activity Books, and Pledge Books which encourage kids to make the decision to live a drug free life. Many parents commented on how appreciative they were for the National Guard's efforts, while some shared tearful stories about how drugs have destroyed the lives of family members. These moments throughout the day had a profound impact on everyone participating, and served as a reminder of the importance of the National Guard Drug Demand Reduction mission.
This unique opportunity to spotlight the National Guard’s Counter Drug efforts was a result of the parallel missions that Food City Stores, Stay on Track, and the National Guard share-a focus on the health and well-being of our youth.
Brandy Pendergrass and Ron Bonacci, of Food City, invited Mrs. Clarke to participate in Kids Day 2008, and as a result, are interested in working together and spotlighting Stay on Track in many future events throughout Virginia and Tennessee. It is a mutually beneficial partnership, and one that is greatly appreciated!
Sharon Clarke
Director of Community Outreach
Click here to hear an interview
with
Sharon Clarke promoting the event.
Tennessee and Florida National Guard were honored at the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500 on February 17, 2008
NCPRS has participated in the parade lap at the legendary Daytona 500 for over 13 years. This year it was an honor to have representatives from the Tennessee and Florida National Guard ride around the track in a two and a half ton military truck adorn with the Stay on Track and National Guard banner. It was a unique opportunity for them to witness over 300,000 excited NASCAR fans rise to their feet and thunderously cheer them on with genuine appreciation for their dedication and service to our country.
"The support the Army National Guard received from the fans was at most times overwhelming" said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Winchester. "It was a once in a lifetime experience."
Many of the Guard were able to take photos next to the Rick Hendrick #88 car, driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. From the pit area they were able to watch the race in style and witness the excitement and adrenaline first hand.
NCPRS would like to thank the National Guard for their participation in the parade lap. Stay on Track is fortunate enough to have the best role models in the country partnering with us to help youth across America live life to the fullest - drug free!
-Sharon Clarke
OPORDS for the 2009 School Year are due to SMSgt Vanessa Riley-Moore on or before 31 May. To emphasize, the goal is quality, not quantity.