North Carolina generals meet far from home and discover common interest - NASCAR
All four generals hail from N.C. Handy grew up in Raleigh, N.C. and is an alumnus of Methodist College. The generals from the N.C. Guard were visiting Scott AFB to receive briefings about the Department of Defense’s global transportation system, and more specifically about the Air Mobility Command located here.
As of August 21, the N.C. Guard had 652 soldiers and airmen serving on active duty performing missions in support of the war on terror, fighting forest fires, and helping with homeland security. The 145th Airlift Wing from Charlotte, N.C. has 236 personnel mobilized and performing missions in support of AMC.
During an office call with Handy, Collier thanked him for a recent visit to N.C. saying it meant a lot to the guardsmen having a four-star general as their guest speaker.
“I feel like a minority stockholder,” Handy responded explaining the majority of the forces conducting USTRANSCOM’s mission are from the Guard and Reserves.
He went on to say he’s very appreciative for all they (guardsmen and reservists) contribute. Handy also expressed admiration for the support employers give while their employees are away from their other jobs serving our Nation.
The generals concluded their official business with discussions of back home, and found a common interest in NASCAR.
Before leaving, the N.C. Guard generals presented Handy with a replica of the #88 Air Force inspired Winston Cup car driven by Dale Jarrett. Jarrett autographed the scaled model of the car he drove at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 2000 at the Coca-Cola Classic 600. Ingram said the N.C. guard has received a great deal of support from the N.C. NASCAR connection.