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U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division gather for a group photo with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley Deputy Commanding General of Support, at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas on Sept. 10, 2023. The Kansas Speedway invited service members to be publicly recognized for their commitment to service. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dawson Smith)
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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Deputy Commanding General of Support, waves at the crowd as she arrives on stage at the enlistment and reenlistment ceremony at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 10, 2023. Knell rendered the Oath of Enlistment during the enlistment and reenlistment ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dawson Smith)
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U.S. Soldiers gather for a group photo with NASCAR driver, Ross Chastain, before the race at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 10, 2023. The Soldiers engaged with the local community and interacted with the drivers following the enlistment and reenlistment ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dawson Smith)
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U.S. service members gather on victory lane at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 10, 2023. Service members, along with their friends and families, had the opportunity to have their photo taken with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Deputy Commanding General of Support, prior to the enlistment and reenlistment ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dawson Smith)
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KANSAS CITY, Kansas - 1st Infantry Division Soldiers participated in a joint service enlistment and reenlistment ceremony at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sept. 10, 2023.
The Soldiers of the Big Red One received public recognition for their unwavering service and dedication to defending the nation.
“Representing the Big Red One at the Kansas Speedway allowed me to share my Army experiences with those in attendance,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Angelica R. Gonzalez, a satellite communications systems operator assigned to Signal, Intelligence and Sustainment Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Inf. Div. Artillery, 1st Inf. Div. “Seeing the continuous outpouring of appreciation towards our service members is heartening.”
Local communities interacted with Soldiers and experienced hands-on learning as crowds gathered around the Buffalo (mine-resistant ambush protected) vehicle and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.
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Kansas City residents interact with U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and climb onto a Buffalo (mine-resistant ambush protected) vehicle at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 10, 2023. 1st Inf. Div. Soldiers showcased a portion of what the Army has to offer in an effort to inspire the next generation of Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dawson Smith)
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A child sits in a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 10, 2023. 1st Infantry Division Soldiers brought a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle to the Kansas Speedway to showcase a portion of what the Army has to offer. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dawson Smith)
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“I think the military presence is always great,” said Dirk Huston, a former media operator for the Kansas Speedway. “Having the service members come out to Kansas City shows how much they care about the community.”
After the recruiting event ended, the service members participating in the enlistment and reenlistment ceremony made their way into the stadium. The service members marched onto the field as the crowd cheered their arrival.
“I have never experienced a public reenlistment before, much less in the pit of NASCAR,” Gonzalez said. “It is something unique to stand beside my brothers and sisters in arms to share a moment like this.”
As the clapping subsided, the military personnel raised their right hands. Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley deputy commanding general of support, led them in reciting the Oath of Enlistment, marking the beginning of the next phase of their careers. After the ceremony, service members gathered their friends and family to watch the race.
U.S. service members and civilians recite the Oath of Enlistment during an enlistment and reenlistment ceremony at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas on Sept. 10, 2023. The Oath of Enlistment signifies commitment and devotion in service to the Nation. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dawson Smith)
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The event highlights the 1st Inf. Div.'s commitment to developing exemplary leadership by recognizing exceptional performance.
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