Here’s some interesting news from our backyard,courtesy of the Times Union newspaper:
A Clifton Park soldier and longtime car racing fan needs your vote: He’s one of five finalists to have a major NASCAR race named after him.

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Brian Speach is in the running to have the May 1 NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway named “The Brian Speach 400 Sponsored by Crown Royal.”

Speach, 43, was nominated for the honor by a fellow guardsman after serving a half dozen times in Iraq or Afghanistan since joining the Navy in 1986, and for resuscitating 8-year-old John Edward, who had almost drowned in the pool of the Saratoga Springs Hilton Inn on Sept. 19.

The combat veteran is a finalist in the Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey’s “Your Name Here Military 400.” If Speach receives the most votes here by Friday, the race will be his.
As a finalist, Speach and his wife Theresa, also a NASCAR fan, won a free trip to the Daytona 500 in Florida on Sunday, Valentine’s Day. The winner of the Crown Royal contest will be announced from Daytona Friday.

Speach is a massive Miller Light racing fan, so having a race carry his name and being honorary starter would be overwhelming.“That would be like the best experience I ever had,” he said.

Is anyone going to the CCME (Council of College and Military Educators) convention in Nashville from 2-15 to 2-18? We’re a platinum sponsor – look for our booth!

Excelsior College is visiting various military bases from January through March. Be sure to stop by to ask any questions or speak with our representative.

Andrews Air Force Base – Feb 4, and March 4
Anacostia Naval Station – Feb 8, and March 8
Ft Myer – Feb 9, and March 2
Ft Meade – Feb 3 & 17, and March 17
Aberdeen Proving Ground – Feb 18, March 18
Ft Belvoir – Jan 19 & Feb 2 & 23
Ft Lee – Jan 27, Feb 24, and March 24
Bethesda Navy Hospital Navy College – Jan 28, Feb 25, and March 25

Walt Disney World has announced its annual Armed Forces Salute for active and retired U.S. military personnel. From January 3 through July 31, members of the military or their spouses can can purchase $99 4-Day Military Promotional base tickets for themselves and up to five additional friends or family members. For more information, click here.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 2010 from Excelsior College.

Excelsior College has again been named a top military-friendly college by Military Advanced Education magazine (MAE), which gives added commendation to Excelsior for its “notable veterans support programs.” This is the third year that Excelsior has recognition from MAE, a journal of higher education for servicemembers. Click here to read the full article.

Click here to see our Holiday card.

Whether you’re serving overseas, right here in the U.S., or you’re retired military, our many thanks go out to you this Thanksgiving. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps (USMC)! 234 years!

Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers…click here for more info