NHRA News: Ashley honored with special U.S. flag from Bagdad (4/18/2004)

Ashley honored with special U.S. flag from Bagdad

4/18/2004

When Pro Modified driver Mike Ashley sent packages of T-shirts, handout cards, and autographed parts to a group of enlisted men and women serving our country in Middle East, his intentions were to use the gesture as a means to boost morale. His email relationship with Navy Master Chief Lee McKinney was the key to making everything fall into place.

During this weekend's 17th annual O'Reilly Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil, McKinney presented the New York Mortgage Banker and driver of the Unique Performance/InfiNet-sponsored entry, with an American flag that flew over Camp Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq. McKinney, a professed fan of the 10-race AMS Pro Modified Challenge tour, could think of no better way to reward a driver who had exhibited such an unselfish gesture towards the military.

Navy Master Chief Lee McKinney presents Mike Ashley with a flag that flew over Camp Freedom in Bagdad, Iraq.

"I started a project to help build the morale of the soldiers, both homeland and abroad," McKinney said. "I have always been a big fan of the Pro Modified class for a long time. I sent letters to several of the teams. Mike responded with enthusiasm unparalleled. He called me and pointed out that they wanted to do whatever it took. He truly went above and beyond. I felt from the start that Mike's efforts deserved to be rewarded."

One of the factors that led McKinney to deliver the flag to Ashley was the drag racer's ties to New York City.

"I remember back when the flag from the World Trade Center flew over the Camp Freedom, I was both impressed and inspired," McKinney said. "I wanted to show Mike just how much his effort touched each and every one of us."

The flag presented to Ashley also flew at one time on the U.S.S. Nimitz and the U.S.S. Lincoln en route to its final destiny in Iraq. McKinney admitted he called in a few favors to procure the flag and is quick to point out that it was all worth it. Ashley cannot believe the honor that was bestowed upon him.

"He had told me for a while that he had something special to present me," Ashley said. "He showed me the flag and I was immediately overwhelmed. This is the most incredible honor I've ever had. For these guys, who so bravely defend our country, to feel that I was worthy of this is just beyond words.

"I think what our young men and women are doing for our country is something that deserves a lot of recognition and praise. They are the real heroes."

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