Beale Airmen at Sonoma Race

Thirty Airmen from Beale Air Force Base teamed with Army soldiers to present a large American flag during the singing of the National Anthem prior to the NASCAR race at Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif., June 22, 2014. The flag presentation was featured on national television. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brian Wagner/Released)

Beale Airmen at Sonoma Race

Two Airmen from Beale Air Force Base stand along the elevated walkway as NASCAR driver Aric Almirola, makes his way through the crowd June 22, 2014. Eight Beale Airmen got the opportunity to line the walkway during driver introductions prior to the NASCAR race at Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brian Wagner/Released)

Beale Airmen at Sonoma Race

Beale Air Force Base Airmen and Army soldiers hold a large American flag during pre-race ceremonies at the NASCAR race at Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif., June 22, 2014. Thirty Airmen volunteered to hold the flag during the National Anthem and got to enjoy the race afterwards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Brian Wagner/Released)

Beale Airmen attend and volunteer at NASCAR race in Sonoma

Published June 25, 2014
By Capt. Brian Wagner
9 RW Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Approximately 40 Beale Airmen volunteered at the Toyota/SaveMart 350 NASCAR race at Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif., June 22, 2014. The annual race also included multiple qualifying events and races throughout the weekend.

Master Sgt. Dale McCollum II, 9th Munitions Squadron first sergeant, was responsible for finding volunteers and coordinating the Air Force support for the event.

"For me the best part of the event was seeing the support that the Armed Forces gets, not only from the different agencies involved in the race, but from all of the fans that were in attendance," said McCollum. "Seeing that support for what we do was the highlight of my weekend."

He also was impressed by the Beale Airman's efforts. "Their professionalism and military bearing make me proud to serve with them and support them," said McCollum.

Six selected Beale Airman were also sponsored to receive a Hot Pass, which allowed access to the garage areas. Tommy Baldwin Racing, the team of drivers Michael Annett and Reed Sorenson, offered to sponsor six Airmen after hearing there was going to be hundreds of military families at the race.

More than 400 Beale Airmen and their families attended the race. Three hundred tickets were provided by Operation Care and Comfort: Tickets for Troops program and additional tickets came directly from Sonoma Raceway.