NASCAR honors fallen service members
Alex Bowman, middle, American professional stock car racing driver poses with leadership of the 290th Military Police Brigade, left, and Gold Star delegation members prior to NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina, May 28, 2023. Chad Corbett and Richard Ritenour Jr, attended as Gold Star delegation members in honor of Sgt. Nicholas Tomko, a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier who died November 9, 2003, while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. “It was truly an honor to be able to meet with and escort these Gold Star families as we honored their sacrifice,” said Col. Johnathan Bennett, commander of the 290th. “Sharing memories of time spent in Baghdad with them and hearing their stories about Sgt. Tomko was cathartic and felt like a great way to honor his memory.” Events like these allow service members to build and strengthen relationships within their communities and beyond. (Courtesy photo)