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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2009 No. 09-033 KANSAS GUARDSMAN TO BE HONORED AS “HOMETOWN HERO” AT KANSAS SPEEDWAYKansas Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Jerrod Hays will be honored as a “Hometown Hero” during the IndyCar Series Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 racing event at the Kansas Speedway on Sunday, April 27. Hays will receive a VIP tour of the pit areas at the Speedway and ride in the pace car for a Parade Lap around the track. “If you have ever met Jerrod, you know he deserves the title of ‘Hometown Hero,’ ” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting. “Despite what he’s gone through, he has a positive attitude that is an inspiration to all his fellow Soldiers.” The National Guard Bureau Hometown Heroes Program is designed to honor local heroes who truly demonstrate the essence of the National Guard in their communities. The hero promotes pride and represents the National Guard in the public’s eye by living the Army values, wearing the uniform proudly and setting example for others to follow. The hero not only represents the National Guard, but also represents his/her home state. Hays, of Wellington, Kan., was wounded in Iraq while serving with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hays, who was injured in 2006 in the explosion of an improvised explosive device, received a Purple Heart medal from President George W. Bush while undergoing treatment for his injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. Follow the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KSAdjutantGen -30- |
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