More than 100,000 people are expected at this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC, including thousands of military members who will receive exclusive access to the event.
After 140,000 fans received free tickets
to the two-day Grand Prix, the American Legion partnered with Droplight to provide a specialty hospitality experience for 2,000 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.“The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we wanted to make sure those who have served and those who continue to serve have a place to come together, enjoy the experience and learn more about the programs and services available to them through the American Legion," Mario Marquez, Executive Director of Government Affairs
at the American Legion, said in a statement.
The partnership comes as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix prepares to bring IndyCar Series racing to the streets of the nation’s capital for the first time. The inaugural race is part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and is expected to draw fans from across the country to DC.
For veterans and active-duty service members attending the race, the American Legion’s hospitality initiative will offer more than just a place to watch the action. Here's what the experience will entail.
What will the military hospitality experience include?
The American Legion Hospitality will give about 2,000 veterans, active-duty service members and their families a dedicated place to gather during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.
American Legion representatives will be on hand throughout the weekend to connect attendees with the organization’s programs and resources. Accredited service officers also will be available to answer questions and help veterans navigate benefits and services, including assistance with VA disability claims.
U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affair Doug Collins will make an appearance, as will members of Congress representing both Republican and Democratic parties, officials say.
“It’s impossible to celebrate the founding of our country without acknowledging and honoring those who have served and are still serving," said INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles. "We don’t get to race without those brave men and women, and we’re grateful to The American Legion for enhancing their experience in D.C..”
The American Legion also will showcase its restored, street-legal Humvee as part of its national “Drive for Freedom” Sweepstakes. The vehicle, which became an iconic symbol of American military service during the Gulf War and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is now traveling the country to raise awareness and support for the American Legion’s mission.
Race attendees can see the Humvee up close and enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win it. Entries support American Legion Charities and programs that assist veterans and military families, including VA benefits and claims assistance, employment and transition support, suicide prevention, youth programs and disaster relief.
You can also text "HUMVEE" to 41444 or visit Legion.org/Sweepstakes to support the mission and enter for a chance to win.
Mike Stunson is a Washington DC-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and DMV related for USA TODAY's DC Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How military members will experience DC's Freedom 250 Grand Prix
