Guest Column: NASCAR gives hero a moment in time

By Marty Thompson
Special to the Times

Several weeks ago, I was given the ultimate opportunity to promote the Navajo Code Talkers at the national level through photography. Steve Morgan, CEO of Veterans Motorsports, sponsor of XFinity race car number 74, and Mike Harmon Racing Team contacted me to see if they could honor the Navajo Code Talkers during Phoenix Raceway’s Ticket Galaxy 200 NASCAR XFinity Race.

The representation of profound and distinguished honors for our Navajo Code Talkers is renowned throughout Arizona. Images and news footage of our beloved men are honored by numerous Americans on this day. Navajo Code Talker Joe Kellwood and his consistent inclusion in the annual Veterans Day parade in Phoenix.

As spectators we’ve observed resilient young Marines shed tears of honor while in the presence of a Code Talker. We have witnessed the moments when fellow World War II veterans and Code Talkers embrace and hold onto each other for comfort.

The days when our men could attend dozen of events throughout the year are coming to a close. The remaining 12 Navajo Code Talkers are in their 90s and travelling to events has become extremely difficult and strenuous for them. Nevertheless, with the occasional appearance, they are addressed with the utmost respect and honor.

Veterans Day 2017 was no exception. Several of our Navajo Code Talkers attended events throughout the land.

Samuel Holiday appeared in Kayenta, Arizona, for a middle school library named in his honor, before heading off to Wyoming the next day for Veterans Day events.

John Kinsel dedicated a Navajo Code Talker Memorial in Aztec, New Mexico, and George B. Willie represented his fellow Code Talkers at Phoenix Raceway during NASCAR weekend.

On Saturday, Nov. 11th, George Willie and his family spent their day on the infield of Phoenix Raceway. They were often stopped by admiring fans and veterans for autographs, photographs and offering a thank-you hand shake.

Before each NASCAR race, all drivers and owners must attend the mandatory drivers meeting. At this meeting, only NASCAR media is allowed, however, NASCAR allowed “photographers of color” to capture the event for the Code Talkers.

During the “drivers only” meeting, NASCAR XFINITY Series Managing Director Wayne Auton introduced Navajo Code Talker George B. Willie to a standing ovation of drivers. Willie stood and acknowledged the applause with a huge smile and tears.

After the meeting, driver after driver came over to shake his hand and get a photograph with him. Several 2017 Navajo Code Talker Day? T-shirts were presented to Wayne Auton on behalf of the men. A Navajo Nation Flag, provided by the Navajo Nation president’s office, and posters were presented to Steve Morgan, Veterans Motorsports Inc. and Mike Harmon Racing Team.

After the meeting, Phoenix Raceway’s media coordinator, Greg Capillupo, offered our Navajo Code Talker and his family exclusive access to the media center tent, providing them with relief from the hot afternoon sun. The “photographers of color” team, led by Hassan Kareem, was honored to assist the family while inside the tent.

Your first NASCAR experience is unforgettable. For George Willie and his family, this was their first experience. Their look of awe and excitement was unmistakable. The sound of loud Monster Series cars practicing at 150 mph, the smell of racing fuel, and the pit action is an adrenaline rush.

Finally, after the practice cars were off the track, Willie and family were escorted to see the Navajo Code Talker NASCAR XFINITY race car. The walk to the car was brisk, however, it took a while to get there, with drivers like Braddon Gaughn stopping Willie for photos. Marines and other veterans stopped to thank him.

The moment he saw the number 74, “Treasure the Legacy – Honoring our Navajo Code Talkers,” car hood, he had the biggest smile yet. He pointed to the image and offered a thank-you handshake to Steve Morgan and driver Mike Harmon.

Navajo Code Talker George B. Willie then presented an Official Navajo Code Talker coin to a humbled, teary-eyed Marine Steve Morgan.

As the race was getting started, Willie was invited into the pit stall to feel the rush? of the green flag. I know for a fact, after seeing the excitement in his expression, he’s now a fan of NASCAR.

The day was not over yet. Various people stopped to shake hands. Among them, Lilly Calleja of “Frequencia Alterna,” a Hispanic radio station in Phoenix, came to present George Willie and his family with tickets to a suite high above the racetrack.

Seeing a glimpse of our Navajo Code Talker on national TV during the national anthem was unforgettable.

Unfortunately, car No. 74 blew the engine on lap 19 and could not continue, but the Willie family did enjoy the rest of the race from their suite.

To place my photograph “Treasure the Legacy – Honoring our Navajo Code Talkers” image on the hood for a single race is an honor for our heroes. I was able to make this happen with help from friends Michael Smith, Brenda Man-Fletcher, Ouray D. Benally, the Navajo Nation president’s office and my family.

A heartfelt thank you to Steve Morgan of Veterans Motorsports and Mike Harmon Racing for giving our heroes a moment in time.

Marty Thompson is from the Western Agency of the Navajo Nation and is just a simple Navajo guy that loves photography, NASCAR and veterans.

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