JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 128th Aviation Brigade and 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), along with members of the Joint Base Langley-Eustis community experienced a day in the fast lane during a visit from NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick at Fort Eustis, Aug. 20.
Harvick stopped at Fort Eustis to learn about the installation's different missions, as well as to thank Soldiers for their service. His visit included tours of the 128th Avn. Bde., and 3rd Port, as well as stops at the 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex.) Resolute Dining Facility and the Fort Eustis Exchange.
During his tour with B Company, 1st Battalion, 210th Avn. Regiment, 128th Avn. Bde., Harvick simulated flying an Apache helicopter using the Virtual Interactive Environment simulator, which mechanics use to solve problems pilots might experience during flight.
"I was a little shocked at how advanced the technology is. It's very similar to what we do from a simulation side, all the things we have available for our cars," said Harvick. "To see the processes and the Soldiers going through them is something that is a bit more advanced than I expected, which is great to see."
For U.S. Army Pvt. Christian McCain, B Co., 1-210th Avn. Rgt., 128th Avn. Bde. Armament/Electrical/Avionic Systems Repair student, the tour allowed students to showcase their installation and maintenance capabilities, and was a great way to reinforce their training.
"We're in school for so long, it's really [impactful] to have people come and see what we do," said McCain. "I felt honored and appreciated, because [Harvick] is famous, and for him to come and thank us for what we're doing means a lot."
After touring the 128th Avn. Bde. and visiting with Soldiers and families at the Exchange, Harvick boarded the Landing Craft Utility 2001 "Runnymede" at 3rd Port. There, he spoke with Soldiers and received a tour and capabilities brief from Lt. Col. Kimberly Nash, 10th Trans. Bn., 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex) commander.
"While on the vessel, [Harvick] told Soldiers when his grades weren't good, his parents didn't let him race, so it gave him a sense of purpose.," said Nash. "Our Soldiers [also] come into the Army with a sense of purpose, a mission, and they are part of the team. I love the fact that Soldiers were able to speak with him and share stories, because it shows them anything is possible, and is also an opportunity for them to show their capabilities to people who don't see it every day."
At the end of his visit, Harvick expressed an appreciation for the Soldiers and gratitude for being able to learn about the different missions they are involved in.
"It was great learning about the facilities, the ships and Apaches, and seeing [what] it takes to make every different division [come together]," said Harvick. "Meeting the Soldiers and being able to hear where they're from, hear their stories and talk about what they do [demonstrates] that in the end, it's the people who make it all go around. The [Soldiers] are the ones who let us do what we do, who make those sacrifices, and we can't thank them enough."