WHO WE HELP
Since 2010, Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation has supported more than 250 organizations and individuals supporting veterans and first responders during their road to recovery through the following programs.
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FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION
The Fisher House Foundation is dedicated to serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2017, the Checkered Flag Foundation donated $150,000 to Fisher House Foundation to be used toward the construction of a Fisher House in Keselowski's home state of Michigan. |
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PAVING ACCESS FOR VETERAN EMPLOYMENT (PAVE)
In May 2018, the Checkered Flag Foundation partnered with the Paralyzed Veterans of America in support of their Operation PAVE Program. Started in 2007, the PAVE (Paving Access for Veteran Employment) program provides vocational counseling and job placement assistance to any veteran, active duty service member, spouse, or caregiver across the country. This free program helps applicants identify career opportunities that fit their skills, education and individual goals, and also puts them in touch with prospective employers. PAVE has offices in VA medical centers around the country, and places an average of 350 applicants in jobs every year. |
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LTI PRINTING 250
In 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Checkered Flag Foundation hosted two active-duty military members at Michigan International Speedway. The two guests served as Grand Marshall and Honorary Starter for the LTi Printing 200 NASCAR Camping World Series Truck race in 2017 and the LTi Printing 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at MIS. These guests and their families also enjoyed a meet and greet with Keselowski, as well as behind the scenes experiences for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race the following day. |
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NASCAR SALUTES
Starting Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway and culminating the 4th of July race weekend at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR honors current, former and fallen military members through various programs. Coca-Cola 600 (Memorial Day Weekend) Each year, Keselowski’s No. 2 Miller Lite Ford carries the name of a fallen service member for the Coca-Cola 600. The honoree's family is invited to attend the race, where they are included in several activities to honor their loved one. 2020 Honoree: SSgt. Michael Donovan Reep 2019 Honoree: S02 Clark Schwedler 2018 Honoree: GYSGT Chris Eckard 2017 Honoree: SMST Nicholas Sprotsoff Coke Zero 400 (4th of July Weekend) – Daytona Ticket Giveaway In 2017 - 2019, The Checkered Flag Foundation partnered with Daytona International Speedway and sponsors Over Under and Autotrader to give race tickets to 200 local active-duty military, recruiters, veterans, caregivers and first responders. Ticket holders also participated in a pre-racquestion-and-answer session with Keselowski. NCWTS at Gateway Motorsports Park Chase Briscoe’s No. 29 truck carried a Checkered Flag Foundation / Thank you for your Service paint scheme at Gateway Motorsports Park in June 2017. Brad Keselowski Racing hosted two veterans along with their care givers during the race weekend. The caregivers’ names were listed on both the No. 29 and No. 19 trucks for the event at Gateway Motorsports Park. |
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OPERATION PURPLE HEALING ADVENTURE
The Checkered Flag Foundation sponsors The National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Healing Adventure, which focuses on injured service personnel who had received treatment and were preparing to return home or had recently returned home. The camp helps families reconnect, while preparing them for how to best help their loved one at home. Keselowski partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway to host campers the following weekend during the Bank of America 500 (2017) and Bojangles Southern 500 (2018), where they were treated to a pre-race meet and greet with Keselowski and his wife, Paige. |
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VETERAN RECOGNITION PROGRAM
For 2 years, the Checkered Flag Foundation has supported Cabarrus Healthcare Foundation in bringing the Veteran Recognition Program to Atrium Health Cabarrus. What started out as an act of kindness from Atrium nurse and veteran spouse, Carmen Frutig, the Veteran Recognition Program is now a staple for every veteran admitted to the clinic. When a veteran is admitted for treatment, they receive a care package filled with necessities and other items for the veteran to enjoy during their stay. |
