In a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation, NASCAR will honor El Paso native First Sergeant Glenn L. Harris during the Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. This Memorial Day weekend, the 600 Miles of Remembrance program will see every car in the race carry the name of a fallen service member on its windshield header, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.

Honoring a Local Hero

First Sergeant Harris, who served 16 years in the Army, will be commemorated on the No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota Camry XSE, driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Harris’s service was marked by his receipt of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal, honors awarded for his valor and leadership during Operation Black Hawk Down.

Tragically, First Sergeant Harris lost his life during an airborne exercise on December 4, 1994, at Fort Benning, Georgia. After landing in the Chattahoochee River, he selflessly instructed rescuers to save his fellow Rangers first, ultimately sacrificing his own life. His actions exemplify the courage and leadership for which he is remembered.

A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

First Sergeant Harris is survived by his wife, Sandy, and daughters, Tara and Heather. His family remembers him as a devoted husband, father, and leader who consistently put others before himself. His legacy is one of character, unwavering leadership, and sacrifice, embodying the values that resonate deeply with the El Paso community and the nation.

The Coca-Cola 600, held annually on Memorial Day weekend, provides a platform for NASCAR and its fans to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the armed forces. Through this event, the memory of First Sergeant Harris and others like him will continue to inspire and remind us of the profound cost of our freedoms.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.