FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- NASCAR driver Jeff Burton visited post during ENFORCE, Monday.
Burton drives the Caterpillar car and was on-hand to support his sponsor and show his appreciation for military members at Nutter Field House.
Racing fans had the opportunity to shake Burton's hand, get his autograph and share memories from the track.
"I remember the last time I saw you race. You were going backwards in front of me," said Marine Capt. Teddy Gilmore, U.S. Marine Corps Detachment.
"I was going backward' That's never good," Burton replied.
Gilmore received an autograph from Burton and was excited to have the opportunity to meet one of the big names in NASCAR, he said.
Burton said he appreciates his military fan base.
"I feel like I'm connected to the military, through my fans. Cat (Caterpillar) works a lot with the military, trying to provide them better equipment so they can do stuff more effectively, quicker, faster, safer and I wanted to be a part of that," Burton said.
"The main reason is really to just come spend time with the Soldiers. I'm always amazed by the hours they work, the time spent, the commitment. This isn't something you kind of do; it's something you do whole-hearted. It takes so much effort and desire, and I have a lot respect for them. They give a whole lot of themselves to make this country better for everybody, and I have a lot of respect for that," Burton said.
Burton signed autographs for two hours and thanked servicemembers for their commitment to the country.
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