Not meant to slight the NASCAR fans in any way,
but consider the message here.( Message submitted by Eric
Nelson, US ARMY)
Thoughts on the two different events shared by
James V. Torney
CW4, US Army, Retired
Keeping it all in perspective:
On 18 February 2001, while racing for fame and fortune, Dale Earnhardt
died in the last lap of the Daytona 500. It was surely a tragedy for his
family, friends and fans. He was 49 years old with grown children, one,
which was in the race. I am new to the NASCAR culture so much of what I
know has come from the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and earned
everything he had. This included more than "$41 million in winnings
and ten times that from endorsements and souvenir sales". He had a
beautiful home and a private jet. He drove the most sophisticated cars
allowed and every part was inspected and replaced as soon as there was any
evidence of wear. This is normally fully funded by the car and team
sponsors. Today, there is no TV station that does not constantly remind us
of his tragic end and the radio
already has a song of tribute to this winning driver. Nothing should be
taken away from this man, he was a professional and the best in his
profession. He was in a very dangerous business but the rewards were
great.
Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers died in a training accident when
two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided during night maneuvers in Hawaii.
The soldiers were all in their twenties, pilots, crewchiefs and
infantrymen. Most of them lived in sub-standard housing. If you add their
actual duty hours (in the field, deployed) they probably earn something
close to minimum wage. The aircraft they were in were between 15 and 20
years old.
Many times parts were not available to keep them in good shape due to
funding. They were involved in the extremely dangerous business of flying
in the Kuhuku mountains at night. It only gets worse when the weather
moves in as it did that night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or
red flag to slow things down when it gets critical. Their children were
mostly toddlers who will lose all memory of who "Daddy" was as
they grow up. They died training to defend our freedom.
I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt but ask you to perform this
simple test. Ask any of your friends if they know who was the NASCAR
driver killed on 18 February 2001. Then ask them if they can name one of
the seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two weeks ago.
18 February 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame and glory at the
Daytona 500. The nation mourns. Seven soldiers died training to protect
our freedom. No one can remember their names.
Copyright 2001
James V. Torney
CW4, US Army, Retired
