Please don't take this the wrong way but as it's intended - to open our eyes.
Michael
Subj: Perspective
Date: 2/22/2001 6:25:35 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Acftmaintofficer
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Subject: NASCAR and Perspective
19 February 2001
On 18 February 2001, while racing for fame and fortune, Dale Earnhardt
died in the last lap of the Daytona 500. It was surely a tragedy for his
family, friends and fans. He was 49 years old with grown children, one,
which was in the race. I am new to the NASCAR culture so much of what I
know has come from the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and earned
everything he had. This included more than "$41 million in winnings and
ten times that from endorsements and souvenir sales". He had a beautiful
home and a private jet. He drove the most sophisticated cars allowed and
every part was inspected and replaced as soon as there was any evidence of
wear. This is normally fully funded by the car and team sponsors. Today,
there is no TV station that does not constantly remind us of his tragic end
and the radio already has a song of tribute to this winning driver.
Nothing should be taken away from this man, he was a professional and the
best in his profession. He was in a very dangerous business but the
rewards were great.
Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers died in a training accident when
two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided during night maneuvers in Hawaii.
The soldiers were all in their twenties, pilots, crewchiefs and
infantrymen.
Most of them lived in sub-standard housing. If you add their actual duty
hours (in the field, deployed) they probably earn something close to
minimum wage. The aircraft they were in were between 15 and 20 years old.
Many times parts were not available to keep them in good shape due to
funding. They were involved in the extremely dangerous business of flying
in the Kuhuku mountains at night. It only gets worse when the weather
moves in as it did that night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or
red flag to slow things down when it gets critical. Their children where
mostly toddlers who will lose all memory of who "Daddy" was as they grow
up. They died training to defend our freedom.
I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt but ask you to perform this simple
test. Ask any of your friends if they know who was the NASCAR driver
killed on 18 February 2001. Then ask them if they can name one of the
seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two weeks ago.
18 February 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame and glory at the
Daytona 500. The nation mourns. Seven soldiers died training to protect
our freedom. No one can remember their names.
James V. Torney
CW4, US Army, Retired
****************************************
I have to say "well said" on this one...I'm pretty tired of hearing how bad
it is to lose celebrities...many people face losing pretty special people
every day. Mic, I'm sure you can identify with this as well...does anyone
know how many law enforcement officers we lose every year? What about all
those teachers out there...you know the ones that are good, that really teach
our children and get through...know how many of those we lose every
day/month/year?
Laurie
- [RR] Dale Enhardt Spirit Rider
- NTexRR194
