Beyond the Track

Part of my 2010 Breeders' Cup will be experiencing the races at Churchill Downs with Capt. Adam Campbell, a marine pilot and horse racing enthusiast who is attending the Cup as part of Jim Beam's Salute Soldiers with the Spirit of America program.  The program is designed to designed to "welcome home the troops returning from tours of duty, support those still on duty overseas, and give service members and their friends memorable experiences throughout the year."

Capt. Campbell was nominated by his wife, Melanie, due to "his caring nature, commitment and loyalty to his fellow service men and women, and true American pride."

One of the things that's easy to forget about our men and women in uniform is the families that they leave behind while they serve our country.  They put their lives on the line and do so a great distance away from their loved ones.  It's not just a physical sacrifice but an emotional one, as well.

Most of us know someone that is a current or former service member; I have a cousin who is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force and my father and grandfathers both served in the Army many years ago.  I look forward to meeting Capt. Campbell this weekend, thanking him for his service to out country, speaking with him about his experiences, and enjoying a great Breeders' Cup.  

I'll have an extensive write-up of the weekend when I get back from Kentucky.