MAXWELL, Texas - NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon made a special visit to a select group of National Guardsmen at the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) facility here in central Texas April 15.
Gordon flew by National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to the training facility, where he unveiled the new paint scheme of his No. 24 car for this weekend's race at Texas Motor Speedway.
He also met Soldiers from the National Guard Special Forces detachment here and experienced some of the training that his hosts go through. The training plan included familiarization with sniper systems, pistol and rifle tactics, and close quarter combat.
Gordon said he has been learning about the National Guard and its programs over the last two years, but "this was the first opportunity I've had to interact with the Soldiers -- the elite guys with the Special Forces," he said. "It was a lot to take in."
He said that just as auto racing had become second nature to him, what Special Forces Soldiers do becomes second nature to them. And while they can have some fun, it is serious business, and safety is very important during training.
"We saw him slipping into a team environment much like his own team," said Capt. Daniel Edwards, the operational detachment commander at the facility, referring to Hendrick Motorsports team to which Gordon belongs as a racecar driver. "It's a world-class organization; we're a world-class organization, and we're proud to have our name on his car."
Gordon said the Guardsmen's dedication, professionalism and "how they carry themselves" impressed him. "[There is] a lot of pride in what they do and what they represent," he said.
The National Guard has sponsored the No. 24 car for the past two racing seasons, but this is the first race for it to display "National Guard Special Forces" and the Special Forces insignia.
"I take a lot of pride carrying the National Guard [logo] around the race track," said Gordon. "When I get to carry the National Guard logo, it's a great reminder for me ... and for many others."