NHRA News: Army dragster makes pit stop at post (06/01/2001)

Army dragster makes pit stop at post

By Christie Vanover, U.S. Army Public Affairs Office
06/01/01

FORT RILEY, Kan.- Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher slowed down from his record-breaking 330.23-mph pace May 23 to visit Fort Riley.

Last Labor Day, the U.S. Army announced its partnership with "the Sarge" at the season's biggest race, the NHRA U.S. Nationals. Although he has never served in the Army, the 1999 NHRA Top Fuel champion proudly wears the Army's name and the chevrons of a noncommissioned officer. Since the partnership began, "the Sarge" has visited Fort Knox, Fort Benning, the Pentagon and West Point.

Wearing an Army Kevlar and load-bearing equipment, Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher, signed autographs for soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas.
(Photo by Spec. Daniel Hobson)

"We want Tony to know as much about the Army as possible because it makes him a better spokesperson and makes him feel more a part of the Army," said Tom Tiernan, promotions and event marketing manager, United States Army Recruiting Command.

During his tour of Fort Riley, Schumacher visited the 1st Brigade Combat Team's blood drive where he recognized citizens who were giving more than military service to the country. Spec. Brandon Edge, Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry was among the soldiers giving blood.

Edge appreciated "the Sarge's" visit. "It's a morale booster," he said. "We got a little extra out of giving blood."

Schumacher also was appreciative that the soldiers were taking the time to donate.

"In a time of crisis, the majority of the population looks to good people like this in order to live through a tragedy," he said.

As of May 23, the blood drive had already collected 232 pints. Following the blood drive, Schumacher toured 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry's motor pool where he met first hand with military mechanics, the Army's pit crew.

"When he gets out and talks to soldiers and he has great things to say about the Army, we think that makes soldiers feel good about their decision to enlist," said Tiernan.

Fort Riley soldiers, Spec. Ron Langford and Sgt. George Wible, Jr., check out the engine of the Sarge's dragster May 23 during his visit to the installation.
(Photo by Christie Vanover)

"The reaction to Tony from the soldiers has been marvelous. When they get a chance to meet him, they get fired up and they feel good about the Army, which reconfirms that they are part of a great organization," he added. Sgt. Teddy Allen, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery met "the Sarge" and got a close look at his dragster. "I wish I was the one driving," he said.

Schumacher said he runs into a lot of guys who would like to get behind the wheel, but he is just as impressed with the vehicles they work with daily. "They have vehicles I want to drive, too. They're all unique. I run into a lot of troops who really want to show their equipment off," Schumacher said. While visiting with soldiers is one aspect Schumacher enjoys, he also enjoys talking to students. Every Thursday, he spends three hours with high school and college students.

"Every kid in the world loves playing with the GI Joe. Now, to have a racecar out there is just awesome," he said.

He often reminds them, "You live in a free country for one reason -- we (the Army) make it free."

"The Sarge's" fame and interaction has also helped with recruiting. During every race, he reaches more than 30,000 people, and in less than one year, his presence has generated more than 15,000 leads and 131 enlistment contracts.

Sgt. Jeffery Patterson, a supply sergeant with the Installation Support Unit and Camp Atterbury, Ind., and one of Schumacher's show car drivers, poses with one of the Army Team's show cars.
(Photo by Spec. Daniel Hobson)

"Tony is the hardest working driver for his sponsor of any driver in any motor sports program," said Tiernan.

According to Schumacher, he gets support from servicemen and women from all branches of the Armed Forces and although they may be part of another service they still shout, "Go Army!"

"Essentially, it's all the same team," he said.

Schumacher understands the importance of teamwork because he depends on his crew during every race. "It (racing) relates so well to the military. If you make a mistake, someone's going to get hurt. I've got 10 guys on my team and the Army's got half a million."

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