DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. – In NASCAR, hospitality toward military members is commonplace. But one driver and her team goes above and beyond.
NASCAR driver Jennifer Jo Cobb, through her organization Driven2Honor, hosted female Team Dover Airmen for a VIP experience June 2, 2017, at Dover International Speedway, Delaware.
“I have a heart for the military,” said Cobb, “which is why I started Driven2Honor. It’s special to come to Dover to race because we are so close to Dover Air Force Base and having that strong military presence at the track really makes it one of my favorite places to come to.”
Founded by Cobb in 2011, Driven2Honor is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to honor, inspire and empower female military members. Over the past six years, the organization has honored hundreds of military members at NASCAR races across the country.
“We appreciate and love military men just as much,” said Cobb. “But we want to show young girls that the military is a viable option for their future.”
Tech Sgt. Grace Mueller, 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron programs manager, was one of the Airmen who took part in the experience and is also a self-described huge NASCAR fan.
“Jennifer was very friendly, very open,” said Mueller. “It’s been fun, it’s been amazing. Everyone here has an amazing attitude. It’s a very friendly and fun environment to be in.”
Mueller and the other Airmen spent most of the day with the Driven2Honor race crew who included them in their team camaraderie, while also showing a few mechanical things on the race truck. They were also given tours of pit road and the garages.
“I’m just lucky to be here,” Mueller said. “I’m just thankful that I was chosen to be here with the crew.”
Mueller went on to say that she wishes that more Airmen could take part in programs like this.
“This is an amazing program,” said Mueller. “There are a lot of programs that honor veterans, but not generally something that is just for females. It’s a pretty unique thing that I get to take part in.”
Earlier in the week, Cobb and her crew took a tour of facilities on Dover AFB, including the Air Traffic Control tower and the Isochronal Inspection Dock.
For more information on Driven2Honor, please visit www.Driven2Honor.com.