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    Home » Travel

    The Jeff Kyle 400 Story

    Published: Aug 8, 2015 · Modified: Jun 22, 2021 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 2 Comments

    I hope you were following along while I was in Indianapolis a couple of weeks ago at the Brickyard for the Jeff Kyle 400, my first NASCAR race.

    It was more amazing than I could ever imagine, and I'm so grateful to Crown Royal for inviting me. Check out what I learned about attending a NASCAR race. It's crazy!

    I met a lot of wonderful people, including the amazing team from Crown Royal, the group of other journalists, and the reason the race was named the Jeff Kyle 400; United States Marine Corps Sergeant, Jeff Kyle, seen here with his lovely wife Amy.

    Texas native Jeff Kyle served for eight years,  from 2000-2008, in the infantry and reserves of the United States Marines.

    He was deployed to Iraq twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, to Africa, and to several other overseas locations.

    Crown Royal Presents The Jeff Kyle 400 At The Brickyar at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on July 26, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
    Crown Royal Presents The Jeff Kyle 400 At The Brickyar at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on July 26, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

    Kyle is also the brother to CPO and U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who wrote the book American Sniper, which was turned into the movie directed by Clint Eastwood.

    While Kyle was serving with the 3rd Marine Division, he received the Navy Achievement Medal for leading the first Marine detachment to transport a nuclear submarine through hostile waters.

    Jeff Kyle in uniform

    Now retired, Kyle says, “My military career didn’t start until I left because now I am able to truly serve my country through helping my fellow brothers.”

    His compassion showed at the race as I watched him interact with his "brothers' who were also nominated.

    Each year for the past nine, through Crown Royal's Your Hero's Name Here program, one deserving hero has the race named after them.

    I can't fathom how difficult it is to choose one hero, especially after spending the weekend at the race and meeting some of the other nominees.

    Crown Royal Your Hero's Name Here

    This is a shot of some of them "kissing the Bricks."

    Crown Royal nominees

    Today, Kyle trains individuals about firearms safety through the Texas Elite Tactical Academy.

    As one of the founders, he is passionate about educating others about firearms in a safe environment.

    Kyle is also a board member for the Guardian For Heroes Foundation, which provides free, in-home fitness equipment, donated health club memberships, personal training, as well as life coaching and comprehensive support to veterans with disabilities.

    If you know someone in need of Guardian For Heroes, please let them know about all the great services they provide.

    Perhaps you're looking to support our veterans. If that is the case, Guardian For Heroes would love to hear from you.

    Whether through time, talents, or a monetary donation, there is a need you can fill. Contact them through their website.

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 26:  Crown Royal "Your Hero's Name Here" winner and Brickyard 400 race namesake Jeff Kyle visits Indianapolis Motor Speedway July 26, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images for Crown Royal) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Kyle
    INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 26: Crown Royal "Your Hero's Name Here" winner and Brickyard 400 race namesake Jeff Kyle visits Indianapolis Motor Speedway July 26, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images for Crown Royal) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Kyle

    Jeff Kyle also plays a large role as a board member of American Valor, which is the foundation running the memorial benefit to honor his brother, Chris.

    Kyle was nominated by one of his heroes, last year's “Your Hero’s Name Here” race namesake John Wayne Walding.

    To see more about other Crown Your Hero winners, visit Crown Royal's Heroes section of their website.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. john hutchens

      August 13, 2015 at 2:15 pm

      It sounds like a great organization. I looks like you had fun.

      Reply
    2. daisy

      August 10, 2015 at 11:01 pm

      Thank you for sharing and congratulation

      Reply

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    Welcome! Food, Fun & Faraway Places® is a travel and food blog written by Kelly Stilwell. From delicious recipes to world travel, we’ve got you covered! Contact Kelly at kastilwell@gmail.com.

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