Future U.S. Army Soldiers enlist at Texas Motor Speedway, NASCAR race

FORT WORTH, Texas – Future U.S. Army Soldiers took the Oath of Enlistment at the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, September 25, 2022. The weekend did not fall short of impressive, with static military vehicle displays, the 1st Cavalry Division honor guard and band performing, and a flyover from the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. Army swore in 20 future Soldiers in front of an audience of thousands. Officiating the event was 2nd Lt. Jennylyn Thompson, an automated logistical specialist with 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, out of Fort Hood, Texas.

This was Thompson’s first time being at a NASCAR event, and she described it as a unique and welcoming experience.

“This is obviously an amazing opportunity,” Thompson said. “The fans have shown so much military support.”

Thompson explained that selfless service—one of the seven Army values—was her reason to join.

“It’s important to know why you serve,” Thompson said, “and for me, I joined to serve other people.”

Some of the recruits said it was a weekend they'll never forget.

“It was absolutely exhilarating,” said Journey Shamoon, a recruit originally from California, enlisting as an aviation operations specialist. “To not only take my oath of enlistment, but to be able to share that experience with so many supportive people cheering.”

For Shamoon's family, serving is part of a tradition.

“Most of my family have served or are currently serving in the Army,” Shamoon said. “It is a proud family tradition.”

Family was a big part of the event, as many recruits had their closest loved ones with them at Texas Motor Speedway.

“My parents are big NASCAR fans, so it was an honor,” said Gabriel Garcia, a recruit originally from California, enlisting into the infantry.

Garcia said his journey to enlistment began over a year ago. He worked closely with his recruiters, and he was able to lose 50 pounds to accomplish his goal of enlisting this year.

Many recruits like Garcia fought hard to join the Army in order to change their life.

“I am most excited to see a new and better future for myself,” said Ashley Morales, from Texas, enlisting as a combat medic specialist. “I decided to change in the best possible way–by joining the Army.”

Following the ceremony, recruits and their families stayed for the race alongside more than 100 Soldiers from Fort Hood who supported the event with various Army displays.