In the Pits- GINN

Mr. Martin goes to Washington

U.S. Army driver visits Walter Reed, Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery

This June, Mark Martin spent two days in the nation’s capital as a guest of the U. S. Army, his primary sponsor in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.
     The Washington, DC trip included stops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to meet with wounded soldiers, a tour of the Pentagon and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where he, his wife, Arlene, and son, Matt, had the solemn honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
     “It was just an awesome experience all around,” said Martin. “I’ve been involved in a lot of sponsorships in my career, but this one with the U.S. Army is very special. It’s an honor to drive the car for the soldiers and it’s an honor to get to do things like this.
     “Visiting the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed was an experience that I will never forget,” added Martin. “They are truly an inspiration to me. They have given so much and yet are so positive and upbeat. They have the best attitudes that you can imagine, and when you see it you have a newfound respect for everyone involved in the fight for freedom. I was there to visit them, but it was those guys who inspired me.”
     Martin and his family were also in-spired following a private tour of the Pentagon that they received.
     “The Pentagon is really cool,” said Martin. “I’d never been there before. My son Matt is a huge military history buff, and I know that he had a good time looking at all of the historical artifacts. There is so much history there, and we had a lot of fun enjoying that together.”
     Regarding the emotional visit to Arlington National Cemetery Martin said, “That was really an honor for all three of us. When you look out across the cemetery at all of those thousands of headstones, it really hits you. So many have given so much for our country and our freedom, and I know that we all take that for granted sometimes. It was a great trip, as it allowed us to appreciate the effort and sacrifices made by so many.”

Photo caption:
Driver Mark Martin (second from left), his son, Matt and wife, Arlene, place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier