Our Military - Their Race Cars

[Lew Silverman]

Originally Posted by Ron Ortiz

I would also like to add, if any young man or woman comes out of high school and is really not sure of what to do with their lives, the military is a sure bet to be a better person overall. It is real, growing up fast, learning to take care of yourself and others, to take responsibility, to learn, to be a better person mentally and physically. It is an experience that changes you for the better. I encourage young people to join and be a big part in America's future. It is an adventure.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA proud to be an American.

I couldn't agree with you more, Ron! It's been my opinion for many years that some program of "compulsory National Service" be started and properly funded to allow ALL young people to get involved supporting our democracy. Everyone should be able to serve in some capacity; the Military, if they are qualified, for a short period of training and service would be a good place to start, as would any number of National and local service organizations that are dedicated to making America a better place to live. Creating a pool of pre-trained personnel would also be beneficial in any National emergency, and giving EVERYONE an opportunity to "share the load" would allow more people to understand what sacrifices a small group of our fellow American's now make for the rest of us.

It was an honor and a privilege to wear the uniform of our great military and serve our Nation. I followed in my Father's footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in July, 1967. After 6-years and a short break-in-service, I joined an Army Reserve field artillery battalion in 1975 as a Track Vehicle Mechanic. I retired from Active Duty as a Transportation First Sergeant (E8) in 2008, with 38 years time-in-service. My race car commemorates that service, and honors the countless men and women who, past, present and in the future will be there when our Nation calls. "SPEARHEAD!".