Race fans, veterans, active-duty and their families enjoyed The American Legion’s hospitality space at the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grant Prix.
As IndyCar drivers raced through the streets of Washington, D.C., for the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, The American Legion was on full display supporting veterans and their families in attendance.
The American Legion had a dedicated space for race fans, veterans, families and distinguished guests to experience the Freedom 250 Grand Prix and learn about the organization, its mission, programs and provide an opportunity to enter the Humvee sweepstakes.
“I was also incredibly proud of our Legion staff, service officers and volunteers. They didn’t just help put on a fantastic event, they spent the weekend talking with and supporting thousands of veterans, servicemembers and families,” said Mario Marquez, American Legion Executive Director of Government Affairs. “That is The American Legion at its best – creating an unforgettable experience while never losing sight of why we were there in the first place: to serve.”
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix marks the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the streets of Washington, D.C., and was part of the national celebration surrounding America’s 250th anniversary. As an Official Charity Partner of INDYCAR, The American Legion invited veterans and active-duty military personnel who received complimentary tickets to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix to register for American Legion Hospitality, Fueled by Droplight.
The American Legion hospitality experience provided an opportunity for veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and military families to play games; learn about the organization’s support of veterans, youth and families; and speak with American Legion accredited service officers about veteran benefits and services and missions like Be the One to bring awareness and prevention to veteran suicide.
“One of our greatest opportunities is finding new ways to connect with veterans, servicemembers and the American public,” Marquez said. “The Freedom 250 Grand Prix allowed people to experience The American Legion in a completely different setting – our people, our programs, our history and our commitment to service. That is incredibly valuable.”
A featured attraction of the Legion’s hospitality space was the Drive 4 Freedom Humvee Sweepstakes, which provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an entrant to receive a unique piece of military equipment: a restored Humvee. One entrant will be randomly drawn to receive it. Race fans and many veterans had the opportunity to take photographs inside the Humvee.
Amongst the thousands of veterans and military guests The American Legion hosted, others who experienced the organization’s hospitality space included ambassadors, sponsors and distinguished guests like the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and senior Department of Defense staff.
“What impressed me most was that this became about much more than a race. It brought together patriotism, military service, veterans and the American public in a very natural way,” Marquez said. “I think this weekend showed us what is possible when we look for new and creative ways to tell our story.”
- News