Phantom News Vol. I, Issue 10 Telling the TF Phantom story February 25, 2007 From slavery to freedom, heroes are honored Story, photos by Spc. Laura M. Bigenho 28th Public Affairs Detachment

Members of Multi-National Corps-Iraq celebrated Afri- can-American/Black History Month with an observance in the Al Faw Palace Rotunda Feb. 13. The theme for the celebration was “From Slavery to Free- dom, the Story of Africans in the Americas.” It included spe- cial readings by MNC-I Soldiers, music from the 1st Cavalry Division Band, a performance by the Liberty Gospel Choir and a poetry reading. Guests gathered afterward for a ca- tered dinner. Chaplain (Col.) Michael Tarvin, MNC-I command chap- lain, was guest speaker for the evening. He spoke about his exposure to racism and his upbringing in a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood. He also shared stories of African- Americans who inspired him throughout his life. Tarvin said he saw firsthand the evils of racism during his military service in the 1970s. Until then, he did not have Chaplain (Col.) Michael Tarvin, Multi-National Corps-Iraq chaplain, speaks to the crowd at the African-American/ a clue how serious the problem was. Black History Month observance Feb. 13 at Al Faw Palace. “I clearly remember shocking experiences for me,” he said. what it would be. As America matured into what it should He witnessed racism as a new platoon leader sitting in be — a leader of liberty and justice for all,” said Chief War- his company commander’s office. He remembered seeing a rant Officer Vinita Hughes, MNC-I inspector general. young black Soldier being chased down a hallway by two Tarvin said there were many African-Americans who in- white Soldiers with knives. He continued witnessing racism spired him in their own lives’ journeys from slavery to free- after he joined the ministry as a pastor. dom. Kip Keino, an Olympic gold medalist from Kenya, was “Clearly, the story of the Africans stands out as the stron- a prime example of the qualities Tarvin admired most. After gest testament of a unique group of people — tried and test- Keino’s Olympic success, he and his wife opened an elemen- ed — who through it all persevered, and by their example tary school on their farm for abandoned children. have shown a nation in the earliest years of our republic “Keino could have had the world and lived a life of lux- ury,” Tarvin said. “Instead he chose the path of true selfless service.” Tarvin said Keino made the world a better place by teach- ing values to hundreds of young people while demonstrat- ing what it means to be free — placing others ahead of one- self. “We commemorate the lives of those slaves and those Af- ricans who laid the foundation for a country that would pro- duce men and women in which all of our ancestors would be extremely proud,” Hughes said. “Praise the Lord for the thousands of (African-Ameri- cans) who would not give up — but were willing to pay the price,” Tarvin said. “Today, as the journey and struggle to A Soldier attending reads a program detailing African- freedom continues, I call on all of us to be courageous like American history at the ceremony Kip Keino, placing God and others first.” Page 2 Commentary February 25, 2007 The lighter side of a muddy, muddy life Sgt. Jacob Boyer Christmas, about a of goop up the very top of the soil. I 28th Public Affairs Detachment month after the bulk began to think maybe the appropriate- of the III Corps folks ly-named rainy season was behind us. This was going to be a commentary got here. I heard the Maybe I’d get through a week or two about something important, but it mud was a bit of a without having to hose off my boots came back. problem. I remember before entering Al Faw Palace. Heck, I was going to write about some is- thinking mud seemed just the other night, I remember saying Boyer sue that was burning its way through like a strange problem to a friend that it seemed it was all the ranks here at scenic Camp Victory, given past experience. over — and for that, I must apologize but it decided a month away was too Then it rained about a quarter inch to every denizen of Camp Victory. long. the third or fourth day I was here. You see, I jinxed us. Not an hour What is it? As we all know, it doesn’t take much after making that fateful statement, I There is truly only one annoyance to make this wonderful clay turn to heard that unfriendly sound moving that can keep me from ranting about sludgy goop. It also doesn’t take much southwest from the far end of Free- one uniform violation or another: for that goop to become the best mor- dom Village. I actually found myself Camp Victory’s mud epidemic. tar a bricklayer ever saw. wishing it was the more familiar The last time I wintered in this part For a week or two there, it seemed sound of mortars or gunshots, but that of the world, I spent that period south like we’d never dig ourselves from was not to be. of here, in Wonderful Kuwait, waiting the mud’s sticky grip. Every time it My statement had angered the mud to make that fateful March 2003 trip seemed like things were just about to gods, and they were about to wreak from the border to Baghdad. I don’t dry out, we’d get another half-hour vengeance. As we all know, we spent recall it raining much in those months. drizzle, which would lead to two or last weekend splish-splashing our way My big weather-related memory has three days of combat boots almost lost around post, mopping floors every more to do with the dust storms that to the mud’s icy grip and scraping the hour or so, and generally flying into Spring. mire’s remains off the trailer floor. fits of Mud Rage. We may have had one rainstorm But suddenly, things started getting I never thought the Global War on that left an impression. pretty good. We’d get 1/16th of an Terror would include a far smaller Lo- This year is obviously a smidge inch every now and then, but it was cal War on Mud, but I’m declaring one different. I arrived two days after never enough to do more than sort right here and now. Chaplain’s Corner eating at our house.” “I’ll say,” agreed the customer. Abba, “That’s our house,” Johnny ex- “She’s been praying for a Cadillac.” plained. “But this is Grandma’s house, Three guys wash up on the shore Father and she knows how to cook!” of an uncharted island. They had Chaplain James Lucas A famous author was autographing survived a hurricane which blew their 38th DISCOM garrison chaplain copies of his new novel in a depart- fishing boat way off course and then ment store. One gentleman pleased sank it. The men began to explore When little Johnny received his him by bringing up not only his new the island, but found no sign of life. plate he started eating right away. book for signature, but reprint edi- However, as they walked along, they “Johnny! Wait until we say our tions of his two previous ones as well. spotted something in the dirt, which prayer,” his mother scolded. “My wife likes your stuff,” the man turned out to be a strange-looking “I don’t have to,” replied the tyke, said, “So, I thought I’d give her these bottle. his mouth full of mashed potatoes. autographed copies for a birthday One of men said, “I wonder how “Of course, you do,” his mother in- present.” this got here,” and began rubbing sisted. “We always say a prayer before “A surprise, eh?” said the author. See FATHER, page 4

Phantom News is an authorized electronic publication for MNC-I Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno Phantom News welcomes columns, commentaries, articles members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this MNC-I Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. James Hutton and letters from our readers. Send submissions electronic publication are not necessarily the official views of MNC-I PA Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Eric E. Parris or comments to [email protected]. The or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Department of MNC-I Command Info Chief: Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Hayes editorial staff reserves the right to edit for security, accuracy, Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the respon- Editor: Sgt. Jacob Boyer propriety, policy, clarity and space. sibility of the Public Affairs Office of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Staff: Spc. Laura M. Bigenho, Spc. D. A. Dickinson, Spc. Beatrice Florescu-Villa Verde, Cpl. Jess Kent, Spc. Abel Trevino February 25, 2007 Page 3

Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq, speaks with central Texas-based reporters via satellite Feb. 13. During the 30-minute question and answer session, Odierno spoke about the accomplishments of coalition and Iraqi forces and the implementation of the new Baghdad Security Plan. Odierno outlines Iraq accomplishments, reflects on way ahead with home media Story, photo by Sgt. Curt Cashour ing injured alongside of us. They are Odierno said. MNC-I Public Affairs being killed alongside of us. They are In Baghdad, 15 outposts out of an standing and fighting, and they are eventual 32 have already been set up, The next few months represent a dedicated to their country being suc- he said. vital time in the history of Iraq and cessful,” he said. So far, Iraqi cooperation in the plan the United States’ involvement in the “Our most important contribution has been tremendous, as evidenced by Middle East, as coalition forces begin in the coming months is assisting Iraqi the Iraqi government’s movement over a push to help Iraqis secure Baghdad leaders in securing the populace,” Odi- the last 60 days to help coalition forces and its surrounding areas, said Lt. Gen. erno said, referring to the new Bagh- capture more than 1,000 people associ- Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-Na- dad Security Plan. The plan, which ated with extremist militias, Odierno tional Corps-Iraq, Feb. 13. involves bringing around 20,000 addi- said. Odierno, who is responsible for tional U.S. troops to Iraq over the next Other bright spots for the govern- day-to-day military operations in Iraq, few months, will provide flexibility in ment include a more even-handed ap- made the comments during a half-hour dealing with sources of instability in proach in dealing with violence and question-and-answer session conduct- the country as the Iraqi government sectarian strife and new policies that ed via satellite from Camp Victory with continues to mature. aim to foster reconciliation among central Texas-based reporters. Key to the security plan will be the Iraq’s various sects, he said. The problems facing Iraq are com- establishment of joint security stations, Though he expressed confidence plex and stem from a combination of combat outposts manned by both Iraqi that Iraq is on the path to self suffi- insurgent activity, sectarian violence, and coalition forces that will provide a ciency, Odierno stressed that success governmental dysfunction and corrup- 24-hour-a-day security presence in vio- will hinge on the government’s ability tion. Despite these obstacles, members lence-plagued areas. to sustain and build upon recent prog- of Iraq’s military and government have This full-time presence will lead to ress. Even then, results will take time. shown a commitment to achieving a better intelligence gathering capabili- “This is not going to be something secure Iraq and a stable government, ties, allow the Iraqi people to develop that’s successful overnight. This is Odierno said. confidence in their security forces and something that’s going to take a signifi- “The bottom line is (Iraqi forces) are enhance cooperation and confidence cant amount of time and hard work,” working extremely hard. They are be- between Iraqi and coalition forces, he said. Page 4 February 25, 2007

Home in a hurry Emergency leave program gets troops to loved ones in need quickly Spc. Beatrice Florescu-Villa Verde MNC-I Public Affairs American Red Cross When an urgent situation requires a service member’s numbers presence at home, a Red Cross message can be transmitted to inform him and his chain of command. Baghdad Service members may be authorized emergency leave for VOIP: 302-242-7332 up to 30 days for emergency situations within their imme- Balad diate families or people who have served a legally-defined DSN: 318-829-2860 parental role in their lives. These emergencies include when the service member’s VOIP: 302-242-1436 presence will contribute to the welfare of a terminally-ill LSA Anaconda family member; when the expected date of death is within a VOIP: 302-242-9496 month; the death of a family member; or a serious accident, Tikrit illness or major surgery involving a family member. DSN: 318-845-1049 Emergency leave requests are processed after a Red Cross FOB Speicher message is initiated in the country or state of origin of the VOIP: 302-242-1212 service member. Kuwait Sometimes emergency situations can arise while a service DSN: 318-430-4444/4445 member is home on leave. When this happens, a Red Cross message can be sent to the Special Troops Battalion, Task CONUS American Red Cross Armed Forces Force-Phantom personnel office before being taken to Lt. Emergency Services Centre Col. Gregory Maxton, battalion commander, for approval. The request has to meet emergency condition criteria to Toll free: 1-877-272-7337 be approved by Maxton. The request is signed as an exten- [email protected] sion to rest and recuperation leave and it is still chargeable. There is a toll-free number to call to adjust flights. curity number, branch of service, deployed unit name, APO If problems come up while a service member is returning address, and unit telephone number. from leave, they can be resolved once he arrives at the gate- If a service member wishes to initiate a Red Cross mes- way point and explains what happened. Service members sage while home on leave, he needs the circumstances and a can also call ahead to the gateway and explain the situation local point of contact’s name, phone number, and address. without being charged leave. For more information, call Spc. Tiaisha Watts, R&R rep- In order to initiate a Red Cross message, family members resentative, Special Troops Battalion, Task Force-Phantom need to know their service member’s legal name, Social Se- at 822-5399.

FATHER, from page 2 “I wish I was back at my job on “Daddy,” said the boy to his father, Wall Street,” said the second, and who was reading the paper, “Would poof, he was gone. you take me to the park?” off dirt to see what he had. The third man’s shoulders drooped, “Well, let me finish the paper and No sooner had the man rubbed the and a tear began to form in his eye. we’ll see,” said the dad. bottle then a gush of smoke blasted “Now I am all alone on this forsak- The boy turned and … okay, you out the top and a genie appeared! en island. I sure wish my friends were finish the story. Did he leave sad or “Oh, my!” he exclaimed, stretch- here to keep me company.” angry? Or did he go get his shoes on ing and yawning. “I gave up hoping The World Day of Prayer, tradition- and wait on the front porch? A lot anyone would ever find me! Well, you ally the first Friday in March, is almost depends on the kind of father the boy know the deal — three wishes, yadda here. has, right? yadda. But since you all found me to- “There is power in prayer,” some- What kind of father do we have in gether, you have to share the wishes.” one said, “So let’s join together and heaven? Absent? Distant? “I wish I was back home with my pray for a better world.” My God is Daddy to me. Stop by family,” said the first, and poof, he “No,” said another. “God helps the chapel and learn more about him disappeared. them that help themselves.” and the rest of the family! February 25, 2007 Page 5

Maj. Jim Lucas, center, a chaplain with 38th Division Support Comand, leads the Smoke and Joe Bible study at Victory Chapel. Bible study stimulates heart, nervous systems Coffee, cigars bring service members together for fellowship Story, photo by Spc. D. A. Dickinson between puffs on his cigar. force generation officer. 28th Public Affairs Detachment While the study provides cigars and “I kind of inherited this from a pre- coffee, members are drawn to return vious chaplain,” Lucas said. A small group gathers at Victory for less material reasons. Lt. Col. Eric Erkinnen, a chaplain Chapel to study the Bible over coffee “I like the breakdown of the char- who was here with III Corps, envi- and cigars. acters and how the chaplain brings sioned the group as a time for guys to Maj. Jim Lucas, 38th Division out the meaning of the scriptures share fellowship, Lucas said. Supply Command chaplain, leads — the correlation between the Old and “He left the cigars and the clien- the Smoke and Joe Bible Study every New Testaments,” said Capt. Edward tele,” said Lucas, who said he began Tuesday at noon. Blount, a Multi-National Corps-Iraq smoking cigars about five years ago Lucas focuses the study on charac- security forces training and force and found that holding a cigar helped ters familiar through children’s Bible generation officer from Denver City, break the ice when talking to Soldiers. stories and re-examines them from a Texas. “It makes me more human.” grown-up perspective. “It’s a more in-depth teaching of the “Most of the cigars are donated by “Why did people save these par- Bible characters … and I like the fel- friends back home or cigar stores back ticular stories and why did they pass lowship,” said Maj. Isaac Manigault, home,” Lucas said. “We have some re- them down?” Lucas asked the group an MNC-I security forces training and ally nice cigars that were donated.” Page 6 February 25, 2007 Music to drink coffee to Soldier plays to the crowd at Green Beans Staff Sgt. That quote, Wyrick’s fa- Christina A. Wright vorite from the folk legend, MNC-I Public Affairs describes how he said he feels about playing in Iraq. Passersby may notice Some of the crowd are that the local Green Beans regulars. Others just stop by Café here takes on a slightly for a coffee and are sur- different feel a couple prised by a young soldier nights each week. sitting in a chair playing In addition to the sound music with such passion. of milk steaming and Wyrick said he just enjoys baristas confirming an order being able to play for those for a familiar military face, who appreciate the live the slight twang of a guitar show. floats above the din. “I can tell a lot of people Accompanied by several enjoy hearing the live mu- harmonicas and a slider, sic,” he said. “And every Spc. Jacob Wyrick, a light- once and a while, someone wheeled vehicle mechanic will know one of the songs with Special Troops Bat- and we connect.” talion, Task Force-Phantom The connections made Motor Office, strums and over coffee and music may sings on Tuesday and Satur- be fleeting, but the change day nights. of scenery and sound is

“I play to break up the Photos by Sgt. Jacob Boyer obviously welcomed by lis- monotony of the weeks,” Spc. Jacob Wyrick, Special Troops Battalion, Task Force- teners bobbing their heads Wyrick said in his slight Phantom, practices guitar during one of his lunch breaks at or strumming their fingers drawl. “It’s just something I the STB motor pool. Wyrick plays for crowds Tuesdays and on silver tables. love to do.” Saturdays at Green Beans Cafe. “When you’re in a stress- Wyrick, like many, reads, sips her tea and taps result, his taste in music is ful situation, like living in a brought his favorite hobby her toes slightly. It’s a Tues- not necessarily what his 24- war zone, I like to play and with him when he deployed day night ritual for her. year-old peers listen to. listen to relaxing music to to Iraq: two guitars and a “He is the only bit of cul- “I’m limited to what I counter the environment love of singer/songwriter ture on this base,” said 1st can play with just a guitar, and calm down,” Wyrick music. Lt. Risa Simon, an intelli- a harmonica and my voice,” said. “My mother had an gence officer at the Joint IED he said. “But ultimately, I Judging by the crowd old Gibson Hummingbird Defeat Organization. Simon play because I love it.” that gathers regularly, many guitar,” he said. “When I said she recalls spending a Bob Dylan once said “A appreciate the calm and was 13, I decided I wanted lot of time at local haunts in person shouldn’t play for culture found in Wyrick’s to play. I found an old Ann Arbor, Mich., listening their audience. They should renditions of legendary Melbay’s Easy Guitar book to live music and studying play for themselves and let musicians like Dylan, Van with chord charts and while she worked on her the audience come to them.” Morrison, and Tom Petty. learned ‘The Gambler’ by Master’s degree. Kenny Rodgers. That’s how “Even if I were in Ann I started.” Arbor, he would be a He pulls up the right draw,” she said. “I think sleeve of his ACU and this is unique to Victory grease-stained fingers Base. No one else has this hold a pick that plucks out kind of culture to listen to.” The Faces’ “Ooh La La.” Wyrick grew up in Tus- Wyrick’s face expresses cumbia, Mo., population emotion and he loses him- 218, and was surrounded self to the familiar songs. by aunts and uncles who At a nearby table, a sailor played bluegrass. As a Wyrick’s fingers glide across the strings of his guitar. February 25, 2007 Community Page 7

Announcements Operating Hours Tax help at education center the Camp Victory Fitness Center. Coalition Cafe Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. The MNC-I legal assistance office has set Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. up two computers at the education center Foreign disclosure training Dinner 5:30 - 8 p.m. Midnight Dining 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. to allow Soldiers to file tax returns. Anyone Those in need of foreign discolsure train- Sports Oasis Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. with questions can stop by the Legal Assis- ing can call 822-2262 or go to mnci.intranet. Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. tance Office, Bldg. 133, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. iraq.mil/C12/FDO/default.aspx. Dinner 5 - 9 p.m. Education Center Open 24 Hours Camp Liberty Post Exchange Bible studies Tejano & Norteno Night 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. New Bible studies are starting at Camp MWR Bldg. 124 offers Tejano and Norte- Fitness Center Open 24 Hours Victory. The Men’s Felowship Bible Study no music every Friday at 8:30 p.m. Contact MNC-I STB Mailroom 9 a.m. - noon meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Victory Staff Sgt. Raymond Edwards at 822-2514 for 5 - 7 p.m. Mini Chapel, Bldg. 24F. Contact Chief War- more information. Golby Troop Medical Clinic Sick Call rant Officer Pierre Julien at 822-4660 for Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon more information. IMO training Dental Sick Call The Set Apart Men’s Bible Study meets Training for information management of- Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m. Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at Victory Chapel, ficers is held Sundays at 3 p.m. in theEu- Mental Health Clinic Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bldg. 31. Contact Chaplain Kimon Nico- phrates Conference Room in Al Faw Palace. Saturday 9 a.m. - noon laides at 822-4835 for more information. Post-Deployment Health Briefings Monday, Wdenesday and Friday 1 p.m. The Experiencing God Bible Study meets Tae kwon do lessons Pharmacy Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon; Saturdays at 7 p.m. in the Phantom Confer- The American Tae Kwon Do Association 1 - 4:30 p.m. ence Room in Al Faw Palace. Contact Chap- offers tae kwon do lessons Tuesdays and Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon Legal Assistance/Claims lain Dan Stallard at william.stallard@iraq. Saturdays from 5-6 p.m. at the South Victory Saturday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. centcom.mil for more information. Gym. Personnel Service Support Centers Contact Sgt. Maj. Frank Zepp at 822-3296 Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tae kwon do lessons for more information. ID Cards Grand Master Sung Bok Nam, coach of Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. the 1993 U.S. National Tae Kwon Do Team Old-school Saturdays and the 2003 Iraqi National Tae Kwon Do DJ Tek plays R&B and old-school hip-hop Worship Hours Team, offers tae kwon do lessons Tuesdays, Saturdays at 9 p.m. at MWR Bldg. 124. Thursdays and Saturdays from 6-7 p.m. at Victory Chapel (Bldg. 31) Sunday 7 a.m...... Collective Protestant 8:45 a.m...... Collective Protestant 10 a.m...... Catholic Confession Negligent discharge of weapons 10:30 a.m...... Catholic Mass noon...... Gospel Protestant 2 p.m...... Latter Day Saints During the 2006 calendar year, negligent discharges resulted in 43 coalition injuries 4 p.m...... Episcopal/Lutheran 6:30 p.m...... Contemporary Protestant and three fatalities. In the past month, there have been 10 such injuries. Leaders and ser- Saturday vice members must observe proper weapons handling and clearing procedures. Lt. Gen. 11 a.m...... Seventh Day Adventist Ray Odierno, MNC-I comanding general, has mandated the prescribed safety measures, 8 p.m...... Catholic Mass Mini-Chapel (Bldg. 24F) which should be posted throughout every section. Sunday 9:30 a.m...... Breaking of Bread 3 p.m...... Church of Christ 7:30 p.m...... Latter Day Saints Area 51 Weekly Schedule 8 p.m...... Knights of Columbus (1st & 3rd Sundays) Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Monday-Friday 11:30 p.m...... Daily Mass Friday Fight Night Pool Ping Pong Halo 2 Salsa Night Reggae DJ Big Will 6:30 p.m...... Jewish Service XBox 360 Tournament Tournament Tournament 8 p.m. Night Smooth Sunday Tournament 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. AFN Freedom Radio

Al Asad...... 107.3 Kirkush...... 107.3 Ali Base...... 107.3 Mosul...... 105.1 Ar Ramadi.. 107.3 Q-West...... 93.3 Do you have an announcement about an event of interest to the Camp Victory Baghdad..... 107.3 Taji...... 107.3 community? Contact Sgt. Jacob Boyer at [email protected] with the Balad...... 107.3 Tal Afar...... 107.3 information. Information for community announcements needs to submitted at least Fallujah...... 105.1 Taqqadum... 107.3 Kirkuk...... 107.3 Tikrit...... 100.1 two weeks prior to the event to allow for timely publication. All stations are FM Page 8 Sports & Fitness February 25, 2007

Mark Martin led 26 of the final 27 laps before being overtaken by Kevin Harvick at the finish line at Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona Beach, Fla. Harvick’s margin of victory was 0.020 seconds. Martin opens new Ginn Racing era with strongest Daytona run of career Story, photo by U.S. Army Racing and that’s the way it goes.” nine laps later. Army News Service Martin was in the lead when cars Running fourth when a caution started crashing on the final lap, but came out on Lap 156, a 13.6-second “I just can’t tell you how bad I want- the caution surprisingly never came stop by the U.S. Army crew sent Mar- ed it,” said Mark Martin seconds after out. Had NASCAR waved the yellow tin to second place when green-flag climbing out of his No. 01 U.S. Army flag, the 48-year Martin would have racing resumed. Chevrolet following the Daytona 500 been declared the winner. Martin spent the next several laps Feb. 20 in Daytona Beach, Fla. “We The second-place result was Mar- battling the front runners, but was un- gave it our best shot — we were within tin’s career-best Daytona 500 result. able to overtake the leader, eventually inches of getting it done.” His previous best was third in 1995. being shuffled back to eighth before “All I asked for was a chance to win “I’m so proud of the effort that we the fourth caution of the race. and they (Ginn Racing and the No. 01 gave here tonight and so proud to rep- Pemberton opted for two tires on U.S. Army Team) gave me that today. I resent the U.S. Army,” Martin said. the next pit stop and Martin returned never asked for the trophy, I just asked “This is the Soldiers’ car and I hope we to the field leading the Daytona 500. for a real shot at it and that’s exactly made them proud today.” He would lead the remainder of the what I had: my best-ever opportunity Martin started the race 26th and race, with the exception of the final to win the Daytona 500.” spent much of the day patiently and inches. Martin led 26 of the final 27 laps be- methodically working his way through “We were so close and I just hope fore being overtaken by Kevin Harvick the draft, while in constant communi- that I gave all of our Soldiers some- at the finish line. Harvick’s margin of cation with crew chief Ryan Pember- thing to cheer about,” Martin said. “I victory was 0.020 seconds. ton on how to improve the car’s per- really wanted to win with all my heart. “When I looked up there at the end, formance. I’m honored to work with this Army I was minus any pushers,” Martin said. Martin moved inside the top 10 on team, and this was a great way to kick “I didn’t have any help to get it done, Lap 144 and broke inside the top five off my start with Ginn Racing.”