Dale Jarrett with SGT Edmistin and SPC Braswell

National Guard Rolling Workshop

John Dolus interviewing National Guard team

Food City Family Race Night 2008

The Tennessee National Guard left quite an impression on families and children from all over the country following the Food City Family Race Night event on March 13, 2008. SGT Edmistin and SPC Braswell took advantage of the opportunity to use their Drug Education Trailer as a tool to discuss, with fans, the signs and dangers of drug use. Curious children and their parents walked slowly through the drug and paraphernalia rolling workshop. Gasps and whispers could be heard when their eyes met with some of the disturbing photographs. The two Guardsmen seized the opportunity to answer questions and drive the point home that “DRUG FREE STARTS WITH ME”.

There were hundreds of opportunities for the Guardsmen to promote the Stay on Track program, which has been implemented in 48 states and territories. Networking with media led to an opportunity to interview with John Dolus, WQOS Program Director for Citadel Broadcasting Company. The broadcaster was so interested in the their dedication to, and passion for, the Stay on Track program, that he asked for the opportunity to interview NCPRS’ Director of Community Outreach, Sharon Clarke, to give listeners a full understanding of the Guard’s efforts during a live morning show. Sharon has asked Captain Linda Williams to participate and use this interview as an opportunity to talk about the overwhelming impact Stay on Track has had on children and communities throughout the southeast region of Tennessee. Captain Williams will also discuss the many other and programs the DDR units of the Guard incorporate in their initiative.

Topping off the event, Sharon was able to secure a photo opportunity with the honored guest at Food City Family Race Night, Mr. Dale Jarrett (Driver of the UPS Toyota). Mr. Jarrett received an award from K-VA-T food stores for his achievements during his racing career. In order to prevent drawing too much attention to the famous driver, Don Ayers brought Dale to meet the Guard on a clandestine mission. Don opened the door of a black SUV to allow a smiling Dale Jarrett to step out. SGT. Edmisten and SPC Braswell shook his hand and quickly struck a pose. It was an exciting moment. The NASCAR race in Bristol was Dale Jarrett’s last points race and a landmark in NASCAR history.

I would like to thank the TN National Guard for participating in the Food City Family Race Night for the second year in a row. Events like these create excellent opportunities to communicate our message to the community. Venues such as FCFRN are host to thousands of fans and families from all over the country. Networking and media attention made this particular event a huge Stay on Track success!

With deepest gratitude and thanks to the TN National Guard’s Captain Williams, SGT Edmisten, SPC Braswell, and special guests, Chief Scott Mason and his beautiful daughter; K-VA-T Food Stores’ Lisa Croy-Johnson and Don Ayers; WKOS’ John Bolus; and, of course, Mr. Dale Jarrett.

Sharon Clarke
Director of Community Outreach
National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions
Race Against Drugs and Stay on Track

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