Local Soldier Heroes to be Honored for Service in Iraq and Afghanistan at Customized Car Show

A haven for car show enthusiasts, the "Hot Import Nights" shows feature performances by hip-hop artists alongside tricked-out cars. Soldier recognition ceremonies are scheduled for each stop on the 20-city tour between now and December. The recognitions are part of the Army's Operation Tribute to Freedom program, which honors returning Soldiers for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Soldiers will be available for interviews before and after the recognition.

The event takes place today, Saturday, August 11, at 4 p.m. CDT. Recognition activities will take place during the show at 7 p.m. on the Mazda Main Stage. Contact Brandi Schiff at (312) 907-0189 to coordinate specific times and locations for Soldier interviews.

The servicemen include:

• Lt. Col. Samuel Jones, Chicago, IL, served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a military liaison to U.S. and NATO forces in counter narcotic operations with the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan. He will rejoin the 85th Training Support Division of the Army Reserve based in Arlington Heights, Ill.

• Master Sgt. Sheldrick McNeal, Naperville, IL, served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division as an Operations Sergeant. He returned home this past January and serves with the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs for the Midwest.

• Sgt. Nick Ashby served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the A Company, 579th Engineer Battalion as a Demolition Expert. Ashby returned home in March 2005 and serves as a Combat Engineer for the California National Guard.

About Operation Tribute to Freedom
Operation Tribute to Freedom (OTF) recognizes and honors Soldiers returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through speaking and recognition events in communities across the country. For more information, visit http://www.army.mil/otf.