On February 18, 2001, while racing for fame and fortune, Dale Earnhardt
died in the last lap of the Daytona 500. It
was surely a tragedy for his family, friends and fans. He was 49 years
old with grown children, one, which was in the race. I am new to the
NASCAR culture so much of
what I know has come from the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and
earned everything he had. This included more than "$41 million in
winnings and ten times that from endorsements and souvenir sales". He
had a beautiful home
and a private jet. He drove the most
sophisticated cars allowed and every part was inspected and replaced as
soon as
there was any evidence of wear. This is normally fully funded by the car
and team sponsors.

Today, there is no TV station that does not constantly remind us of his
tragic end and the radio already has a song of
tribute to this winning driver. Nothing should be taken away from this
man, he was a professional and the best in his profession. He was in a
very dangerous business but the rewards were great.

Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers
died in a training accident when two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters
collided
during night maneuvers in Hawaii.

The soldiers were all in their twenties,
pilots, crewchiefs and infantrymen. Most of them lived in sub-standard
housing. If you add their actual duty hours (in the field, deployed)
they probably earn something close to minimum wage. The aircraft they
were in were between 15 and 20 years old. Many times parts were not
available to keep them in good shape due to funding. They were involved
in the extremely dangerous business of flying in
the Kuhuku mountains at night. It only gets worse when the weather moves
in as it did that night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or red
flag to slow things down when it gets critical. Their children where
mostly toddlers who will lose all memory of who "Daddy" was as they grow
up. They died training to defend our freedom.
              
I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt
but ask you to perform this simple test. Ask any of your friends if they
know who was the NASCAR driver killed on February 18, 2001. Then ask
them if they can name one of the seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two
weeks ago.

February 18, 2001, Dale Earnhardt died
driving for fame and glory at the Daytona 500. The nation mourns. Seven
soldiers died training to protect our freedom. No one can remember their
names and most don't even remember the incident.