[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 108 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SOLDIERS AND NASCAR

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I will make a few remarks 
concerning NASCAR and our soldiers at Walter Reed.
  On June 3, I attended a Memorial Day dinner at the Walter Reed Army 
Hospital honoring our country's wounded soldiers. I occasionally visit 
the hospital to pay my respects to our country's wounded heroes. On 
this occasion, however, I had the opportunity to meet two of NASCAR's 
greatest drivers, Rusty Wallace and Jimmie Johnson, who were also 
participating in this event. Many of the soldiers at the hospital 
follow NASCAR, and the racers' appearance at the hospital lifted the 
spirits of both wounded soldiers and dedicated hospital staff members. 
I am sure Rusty and Jimmie would agree with me when I say that nothing 
is more humbling or gratifying than meeting these real-life heroes, the 
men and women who have served our country in such a noble manner. I 
want to personally thank Rusty Wallace and Jimmie Johnson for taking 
the time to share in this rewarding experience. They too are great 
patriots giving of their time to recognize these heroes.
  Walter Reed Army Hospital is an amazing place. I have seen firsthand 
why it is the Nation's most effective military health care facility. 
Our soldiers and those who represent all the other military services 
are the reason that America is the paramount military force in the 
world today.
  The caregivers at Walter Reed, Bethesda and military hospitals 
overseas are some of America's great unsung heroes. They are the 
doctors and nurses who are responsible for helping our soldiers get 
well and back to their families or in uniform as soon as possible. 
Their needs and concerns are equally important to me and my colleagues. 
With the help of these doctors and nurses, our military services are 
improving the quality of care provided to soldiers, their family 
members, our veterans and retirees. Most of these soldiers were doing 
well although most had received serious wounds. Their loyalty to their 
brothers at arms and to America is inspiring. We sent them there in our 
place so we would be safer at home. And they have performed superbly. 
Jimmie and Rusty understand that all of us, whether racer, politician, 
critic, or protestor, enjoy the good life in this country because of 
the courage of the soldier, their willingness to serve for us.
  NASCAR and its fans love America. Their skills and their cars reflect 
our freedom and the technological skills that make us world leaders. It 
was a great thing, that these super stars found time in their hectic 
and intense schedule to provide comfort, sympathy, and inspiration to 
these who have sacrificed for us. I thank them for it.

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