Wing honor guard presents arms at championship race

The 482nd Fighter Wing Honor Guard presents the American flag in front of about 75,000 spectators during the singing of the national anthem at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season-ending Ford 400 race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday. The Honor Guard regularly travels to perform in high-profile events from West Palm Beach to Key West. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer)

Reservists join in pre-race ceremonies

Published Nov. 19, 2007
By 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOMESTEAD,Fla. -- Minutes before engines ignited and roars filled Homestead-Miami Speedway, 482nd Fighter Wing Airmen played a key role in the opening ceremony at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season-ending Ford 400 race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday.

The 482nd Fighter Wing Honor Guard was the center of attention as they presented the American flag on stage in front of about 75,000 spectators during the singing of the national anthem. Then, four Mako pilots performed a perfectly timed flyover as the anthem concluded, adding to the air of excitement leading to the commencement of the championship race.

The partnership between the base and the neighboring Speedway has evolved into an annual tradition raising awareness of the Air Force Reserve's presence in Homestead, and it has served as an avenue for reservists to thank the public for their continued support.