Two young men manned high-pitched drill guns as they tried to beat the posted record time. They failed, but tried several more times. Later, they were seen speaking to two recruiting soldiers dressed in desert camouflage uniforms, clad in near-full battle dress.
The soldiers shared stories of military service with the 20-somethings before the two went on their way, wearing personalized dog tags and wide smiles cutting through the long lines that had formed for the rock climbing, flight simulator and pit stop exhibit.
Like the Air Force, the Army does get its share of recruits at these events.
"We do get some that are highly motivated and ready to go," Croteau said. Many, he said, "are looking for something different, and we try to help them out." Many others, he added, are patriotic and looking to serve as soon as they can.
For 21-year-old Barbara Flaherty, that statement couldn't be truer. Later this month she will attend Air Force basic training with hopes of landing a job in intelligence.
"The benefits are awesome, and more than I can get anywhere," Flaherty said. "I'll be well taken care of," she added.
And the thought of military service for a nation at war does not intimidate Flaherty. "That doesn't bother me at all - they can send me wherever they want," Flaherty said. The daughter and granddaughter of military veterans, Flaherty said she intends to "make a career out of it," but if circumstances force her to leave the Air Force, she knows her time in uniform will make her more "marketable."
Before the Pepsi 400 started, Gen. Lance Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, swore in Flaherty and other Air Force recruits in front of the chopper as race fans looked on.
"There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the change you can effect in young people," Ringold said.
The recruits and recruiters later were guests of the race and met with Army, Air Force and National Guard team crews and drivers. Some also met Pepsi 400 grand marshal, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.
