Updated 5-26-09, 7:31 AM ET: In the photo, ARCA RE/MAX Series car owner Wayne Peterson is eye-to-eye with retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. R Lee Ermey, who gained fame with his roles in many movies including "Full Metal Jacket", "Apocalypse Now" and "Saving Silverman". The two military men also share a great deal of common ground. Peterson is a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam. He was not drafted; he voluntarily enlisted. He is one of many US veterans who are ARCA members. To all the men and women who have served our country - some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice - this one's for you. We'd also like to encourage everyone to pause this weekend in honor/remembrance/respect for all the American soldiers who suffered and died for their country so that we may live in freedom. On behalf of ARCA, we are eternally grateful. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

NOTE: Unlike most veterans from the American Revolution up through modern-day Iraq, the soldiers returning home from Vietnam were not necessarily hailed as heroes - too often quite the opposite really ..... at times with contempt.

"It was a difficult time in our nation's history," said Wayne Peterson. "It was not a popular war by any means. And there was a movement in the country in young people who despised the war.

"I enjoyed my time in the military, but it was no picnic over there. It was infested with mosquitoes, the floods from the Monsoon rains were horrible, always up to your ears in mud, the food was terrible, and we lost a lot of people, good, strong, capable Americans."

Peterson, who's been racing in ARCA since 1982, runs his race team out of his three-car garage at his house in Pulaski, Tennessee with a close-knit mob of volunteers. His longtime partner Gerald Smith also has a small race shop an hour away in Boaz, Alabama that serves as race central from time to time.

"I used racing as an outlet when I returned from Vietnam. In some ways, racing saved me when I got back. I still use it as an outlet. I'd love to run up front; I know what it takes to run up front, know how to make the car run up front; I just don't have the money. But even if I had the money, I wouldn't be willing to spend it all on racing anyway. We make a lot of our own stuff. We do what we can with what we give it, which if it isn't a lot of money, it's a lot of man hours; that's for sure."

Wayne Peterson's Incredible Military Career: Enlisted/volunteered for active duty in the Army as a junior in high school. That summer, he was through boot camp and on to War in Korea. After Korea, he was allowed to finish high school, before continuing the Military training as a Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret. He was trained as a radio operator and learned several Asian languages as a translator. He was a Jump Master at Fort Bragg providing training and oversight of Cuban Nationals for the Bay of Pigs invasion. Wayne transferred to the Navy Seabees for early deployment in Vietnam in 1964 through 1972. The Seabees are the Construction Battalions (CBs) of the United States Navy. After Vietnam, he continued his carrier in the Seabees with assignments at bases all over the world. The Seabees built and repaired Navy bases in Okinawa, Puerto Rico, Japan, Guam, Greece, Sicily, Spain and their largest peacetime construction on Diego Garcia, a small atoll in the Indian Ocean. He retired from the military after tactical support duties for the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1981.

Team owner Wayne Hixson, US Marine, fields the 23 and the 28 in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition.  

Wayne Hixson: Enlisted into the Marine Corp in July of 1967 at the age of 20. After completing Boot Camp at Paris Island, Wayne reported to Vietnam. Wayne served with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. During his tour of duty, Wayne was wounded in combat during the TET Offensive. He would be wounded two more times before leaving Vietnam, earning three Purple Heart citations. Wayne credits a radio he had on his back during one attack for saving his life, as a mortar explosion sent a foot-long piece of shrapnel through the radio and into his back, but the radio only allowed it to penetrate his back about 3 inches. While he was with the 9th Marines, the unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. While in Vietnam, Wayne once went on a 56 day patrol, during which there were no showers or changes of clothes. After leaving Vietnam, Wayne concluded his enlistment as a Prison Guard on Guam, and was Honorably Discharged on July 19th, 1972. 

Roy Shipley, Team Manager Hixson Motorsports: Roy Shipley graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May of 1994, where he was an offensive tackle for the ARMY Football team. After attending Infantry Officer Basic Course and Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA, Roy was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska with the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade. While in Alaska, Roy served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Anti-Tank Platoon Leader, and Assistant Operations Officer. The 1st/501st PIR is the only Arctic Airborne Unit in the entire world, and specializes in cold weather operations. Roy has nearly 40 static line parachute jumps to his credit, and jokes that even at a much slimmer 250 pounds, he was still quite large for a paratrooper, and could be the 11th person to exit the plane and still be the first one on the ground. Roy left active duty in March of 1999, but still holds the rank of Captain in the Individual Ready Reserve.

John Gagne: Hi Don, I've met you once or twice, so I hope you remember me. I'm John Gagne, a volunteer mechanic from Bob Schacht Motorsports. I am a 15-year military veteran, who served in the United States Air Force at Plattsburgh Air Force Base from 1981-1995. I served as a KC-135 crewchief, in the Special Operations unit. Our tasking was air to air refueling, with a secondary of cargo and troop movement. My tours of duty include supporting the raid in Grenada back in 1983, the raid in Libya in 1985, Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Provide Comfort in 1991. I took the early retirement from the Air Force in 1995. As far as interesting moments, I would have to say just all the many places I was fortunate enough to visit, along with all the incredible people I was fortunate enough to serve with and meet. Being more specific, I would have to rate speaking to my mother and father over the phone during SCUD attack while I was in Saudi Arabia as one of my least favorite moments, along with the closure of Plattsburgh Air Force Base. As far as my favorites, having my pilot let me fly my jet while on a temporary duty assignment to RAF Mildenhall, UK would be among the highlights. Coming home after almost one year in Saudi Arabia and having the city of Plattsburgh and upstate New York welcome us the way they did is something I will never forget. Also, being able to refuel an F-16 while on a duty assignment to Eglin AFB, Florida. Meeting Mark Thompson while I was still on active duty and having him, Randy Gentry and Mickey Reed ask me to help them out on the #66 Midway Islands / Phoenix Air Ford due to my military background is a major highlight, and the reason I am in ARCA. Finally, the support of my Mom and Dad, in everything I did while I was in the military. Funny things - the mounds of snow that would be in front our hanger in MAY because of all the snow Plattsburgh would receive. Also, seeing it snow on July 4th in Plattsburgh one year! I'm sure there is much more that I am forgetting. Being a KC-135 crewchief was the best job I ever had.

ARCA Official Jack Gritter: I was a member of the 285th MP unit from 1968 to 72 and was in Bamholder, Germany. Lots of stories to tell but not on here. Jack the one the only the great one Gritter.

Allen Moore, Cunningham Motorsports: USAF from April 1977 through April 1981. Jet mechanic, Robbins Air Force Base (GA).

Dave Goodman, Director of Media & Marketing Services, Cunningham Motorsports: Master Sergeant Medical Corps, US Army from March 1975 through December 2002.

Jim Finfrock, Andy Belmont Racing: I served in the Army from August 1964 till August 1967. I was at Fort Knox, Kentucky for boot camp then off to Redstone Arsenal Al for radar training. From there, it was off to Germany for a while before returning to Redstone Arsenal. 

Wayne Bradley, Darrell Basham Racing: Proud to be able to serve my country in Vietnam. Proud to be an American and live in the United States of America. God bless all Veterans and Active Military.

Dave Williams, Cunningham Motorsports/Hixson Motorsports: I work with Mark Gibson and the Cunningham Motorsports bunch, along with Mr. Wayne Hixson and the Hixson Motorsports bunch. My wife and I work with both teams in one of the "not so race critical" jobs. We feed everyone and score for Cunningham Motorsports. We make sure everyone is fed and doesn't go hungry at the track and occasion, host sit down dinners at our camper at the track. I am retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of wonderful and sometimes hair raising service. One night in particular was the night we invaded Panama, in December 1989 in Operation Just Cause. I flew C-141 Cargo planes out of Charleston Air Force Base, and we were the number 29 airplane in a formation of 31. We were among over 200 planes in the air that night and only by the hand of God, everyone avoided each other. We flew high level then dropped down below certain radars and then climbed up to cruising altitude, all in the cover of darkness and bad weather. We dropped supplies to troops that were in the planes ahead of us and with precise timing and accuracy, we were a successful. When we landed at a neutral country,  I phoned my parents in Tennessee and told them to get up and watch the TV, because President Bush Sr. was about to come on and make an announcement to the world what had occurred that night. It was with great pride, I served in Operation Just Cause that night, along with being on the ground in Saudi Arabia the night the shooting started between Desert Shield and Desert Storm. We were preparing for takeoff from a location when we were directed to "take off and fly south". Our flight plan instructed us to go north, but the controller instructed us to go south. When we took off, we were followed by dozens of fighter, surveillance, refueling and other aircraft that were deployed that night. We flew as instructed and upon landing in Germany 8 hours later, we found out what happened earlier. We were in the middle of the invasion that was then dubbed, "Desert Storm". During that operation as you may have seen on TV, there seemed to be "scud" attacks almost daily, and almost every time we went in country, we were required to evacuate to the bomb shelter and put on ALL of our Chemical warfare gear. In the midst of 120 degree heat we had to put all of this gear on and wait for what seemed hours at a time in bomb shelters till the all clear was given, then it was a mad dash to the aircraft, and get out of dodge as soon as possible. I miss the flying, the money and the friends, but mostly the money. Since I retired, my wife and I enjoy the relaxing times we spend at the tracks until it comes time to feed the guys, then it seems like the "mad rush toward the bomb shelter" all over again sometimes, but we love it. Hope you find something you can use. Enjoy and have a Happy Memorial Day weekend, Dave, Paula and Cleo.

Wahoo Sampson, Eddie Sharp Racing #81 team: I am a Marine veteran from 1986-1993. I was in Special forces as Force Recon, and was with a surveillance reconnaissance intelligence group. I had many tours of duty including Beirut, Kuwait, Desert Storm, Somalia, Honduras, South Africa, Congo, Korea DMZ. I have even been written about in a book on combat strategies/warfare. I am the truck driver and also the gas man on race day. Thanks.

Buck Hinkle "Uncle Buck": Hi Don, Thanks for asking about our service time. I'll keep it short and sweet. I've been helping Norm Benning for the last couple of years and moved to Brad Smith Motorsports this year. USMC 1964-1968. Served in Vietnam in 1965-1966 and 1967-1968. Before I go though I do want to thank you and all the ARCA family for the great job you do each and every event. See you at Pocono.

Milton Wood, Buckley Racing, Brad Smith Motorsports: S/P 5 US Army 1965-1968. 618th ordinance in Vietnam 1965-1966. I spent 1 year and 19 days in Vietnam. The rest of my service time was at Fort Hood, Texas in the 2nd Armer Division. I was a mechanic and worked on trucks and tanks

Nick Gullatta (left), driver, ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series: After graduating high school '88, I entered the US Navy, where I served as an aviation electronics technician at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA. I was responsible for troubleshooting IFF, Radar, Radio, Weapons Delivery and HUD's on A-7 aircraft @ VA-122 until the A-7 Corsair was decommissioned in 1990. From there I was transferred to VF-25 were I served in the same capacity on F/A 18's during the Persian gulf conflict (90-91) until my Honorable Discharge in December 1993. It's important to note that without the Navy's GI Bill, I never could have afforded college and had the opportunities that It has given me.

Rich Frantz, former Toledo Sportsman driver, current Flat Rock Street Stock driver: US Army 1982-1985. Served 18 months in Mainz, West Germany and served 18 months in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Most awesome experience: eye to eye with Communist soldiers at the East / West German border (which no longer exists). Their discipline was amazing.

My name is (Mr.) Sandy Monaghan (Alexander Monaghan III) crew member for the #46 Toledo Speedway Sportsman car. I served in the U.S. Air Force 1962-1966. My specialty was Weapons Mechanic (bomb loader). I loaded nuclear weapons on B-47 bombers and conventional ordnance on A1E Skyraiders in Vietnam (1966). Of interest, I spent 6 weeks in northern Thailand (Udorn) helping to load our A1E's which were providing downed pilot protection over North Vietnam and Laos. Later aircraft were nicknamed "Sandys" while performing those missions. Of further interest, the A1E aircraft on display in National Museum of the United States Air Force (Dayton, OH), was one of many we helped load. It was piloted by Major Bernard Fisher who was awarded the Medal of Honor for the heroic rescue of his wingman who was shot down at a special forces camp (the full story is readily available). Thanks for your interest in those of us who served!

My name is Robert Weenink, I am the designer/webmaster for Brad Smith Motorsports. I am also retired military with 8 years active duty and 21 years reserve. All Navy. My Navy career spanned duty on the USS Saratoga, an aircraft carrier to repair and training at 2 Navy bases state side. After leaving active duty, I spent 21 year with the Navy CB's at duty stations across the US. Although active duty during Vietnam and active reserve during Desert Shield/Storm, I was never deployed to a combat zone. The main responsibility of my assignments was to prepare personnel for these deployments. In addition to Brad's site, I also maintain a few local sites for Brooklyn business as well as personal & military sites.

Mike Bridge, ARCA Flagman: I served in the U.S. Army way back in the early eighties. I went to basic training (Military Police) in Anniston, Alabama during the summer months and was lucky enough to get a weekend pass so I took three of my fellow recruits and headed for Talledaga. Bob Loga took care of getting the four of us in for the ARCA Permetex Series race. Plus I got to see my dad for the first time in three months. After basic and AIT, I boarded the jet and headed for Meunster, Germany. Spent 2 years there before being Honorably Discharged in August of 1985. To this day, I am proud of myself and highly encourage any high school graduate to look into serving their country. Good pay, free room, board, food, and see the world. 

Michael Brandon Deatrick (left): Hi Don...Its me Kimberly Kimmel-Meadors. My son is in the ARMY. He inlisted in December 08, went to boot camp at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. He graduated boot camp with a promotion to Private 2nd class and now he is currently going to school to become a Medic in Texas (San Antonio Fort Sam Houston). He also was recognized for being 1 of 25 out of 2000 for becoming a Combative Specialist. I am so proud of him. He is really a great kid.

Charles "Gator" Miller here; I served in the U.S. Navy From 1988-1996, and was a Wounded Combat Veteren of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Serving onboard the USS White Plains (AFS-4), and on the USS Wisconsin Battleship (t.a.d.). I was with the U.S. Navy Special Forces. Charles "Gator" Miller, Gator Racing and Graphics, Springfield, Illinois, 2009 ARCA Rookie Driver (Debut Aug. 23rd, Ill. State Fairgrounds)

Jeff Kurzyniec, ARCA Street Stock 62: 1986-1991 US NAVY, 1986-1987 schools and training, 1987-1991 onboard USSCaron DD 970, onboard did med cruise and a lot of special deployments due to the USSCaron was the number, 1 spy ship on the east coast at that time, got to see many different countries in that time span.

Shawn Szep, Driver, ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series: I served in the US Air Force from 1989 - 1997 as a Munitions Systems Craftsman building, inspecting, and testing munitions such as small arms, rockets, missiles, and special guided weapons. Tours of duty include Upper Heyford, England in support of Desert Storm/Desert Shield (1989-1992), Fairchild AFB, Washington (1992-1994), Osan AB, Korea (1994-1995), and Nellis AFB, Nevada (1995-1997). I am proud to have served my country and with this experience, have realized more than ever, how great of a country we live in and how fortunate we all are. 

Tom Breeze, spotter for Duane Bischoff Racing, ALWTS: 1968-1970 US Marine Corps, thanks to the rest of all the vets in racing.

Terry Strange, James Hylton Racing: I served in the USAF from 1973 til 1977 as a structural repair technician (aircraft). I served in the states, served in Europe on temporary duty twice in support of our mission, and spent a year in Thailand at the conclusion of the Vietnam era. My father retired from the USAF after 20 years service, and his father fought in France during WW1 (his first wife died of a brain hemorage while he was there - he didn't learn of her passing for a month). I've been helping James Hylton in one capacity or the other since 1966, and am still with him today. Terry Strange, Crew Chief / fabricator / truck driver / chassis specialist / floor sweeper / engine specialist / tire specialist and Abe Lincolnologist (can't touch you at that one).

My name is Cal M Caladinio. I am an ARCA member and an ARCA car owner for three years now. I own the no. 7 figure 8 car, driven by Sam Hall. I am a Vet of US ARMY. I served In the U S ARMY Reserve for 16 years from 1980 till 1996 mostly in the Michigan/Ohio area. Sorry I read this too late but I had surgury on my shoulder, but we will be there racing every weekend. Thank you for thinking about vets; it means so much....

 P.O.W./M.I.A.   ~~You Are Not Forgotten~~~  God Bless

If you're a past/present ARCA member and would like to share your military story/career, we'd be happy to publish it here. Just email dradebaugh@arcaracing.com; and thanks.