Feb 24, 2012
BROOKLYN, Mich. — The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) are proud to announce the continuation of the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at MIS on Saturday, August 18.
The 2012 season marks the VFW’s fourth year as a partner at MIS, including three years as the title sponsor of the VFW 200.
Founded in 1899, the VFW is America’s largest major combat veterans’ organization. The VFW offers several assistance programs to lessen the burden on active-duty military, veterans and their families; offers counsel and assistance to military veterans to navigate VA entitlement and disability claims; and actively lobbies Congress and the administration on issues that impact the lives’ of our nation’s veterans.
The title sponsorship of the race at MIS allows the VFW a national platform to recognize and salute veterans and their families around the country.
‘It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to once again partner with MIS in this most important event,” said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer. “Not only is the intent of the event to bolster the morale of our troops, but at a time when demand to meet the urgent needs of U.S. military service personnel and their families becomes more difficult, it allows us to get the word out about our various programs and services. These include free communication options for troops overseas so they can call home on a regular basis and financial assistance to their families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, food and medicine.”
“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars,” Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis said. “No has done more for veterans and their families than the VFW, and many veterans are NASCAR fans. So this is a perfect partnership because we work together to bring exposure to the needs of some of our best Americans through the power of NASCAR.”
In addition to the VFW 200 race, the VFW will honor local military families though the “Salute to Military Families” hospitality event on Sunday, August 19, for the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Guests will enjoy complimentary pre-race hospitality, pit tours, special access to drivers and pre-race ceremonies and grandstand tickets to the Pure Michigan 400.
The VFW has hosted the “Salute to Military Families” program at MIS since 2009, designed to bring awareness to the unique problems and needs of troops and their families. Through its “Unmet Needs” initiative, the VFW has provided more than $4.3 million in direct financial assistance to military families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses and basic food assistance.
Other VFW programs include “Operation Uplink’s Free Call Days,” which facilitated approximately 1.5 million free long-distance calls overseas for troops in 2011; morale boosting “welcome home” and “sendoff” events for military units; and direct, free assistance to veterans obtaining VA entitlements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
About Michigan International Speedway:
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
Media Contacts:
Veterans of Foreign Wars – Jerry Newberry, 816-968-1168, jnewberry@vfw.org
HMS Worldwide – Amy Umlor, 704-892-9808, amy@hmsworldwide.com
Michigan International Speedway – Sammie Lukaskiewicz, 517-592-1208, slukaskiewicz@MISpeedway.com