Guard-Panther partnership is personal

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - For Panther Racing team owner John Barnes, the month of May is as much about racing as it is reality as his team honors the National Guard troops at war. Barnes spends a lot of time in the Panther garage talking with soldiers.

"What we give pales in comparison to what they give," Barnes said.

Meanwhile, driver Dan Wheldon signs autographs alongside hometown hero Staff Sgt. Leon Huff of Lafayette. Fans wish Wheldon well, and thank Huff for his service.

"This has been an incredibly tough month for me, but that's a reality check. That puts things in perspective. I feel very honored to carry the colors," said Wheldon.

Throughout the year, Wheldon quietly visits some of the most wounded soldiers at VA medical centers around the country. For a man who drives over 220 mph, bravery takes on new meaning.

"Just the strength and character these people have, the fact one person was disappointed they couldn't stand to salute me, but he didn't have any legs. It's incredibly emotional," said Wheldon.

Staff Sgt. Huff presented the unit patch of the 219th from Camp Atterbury to Wheldon and his team.

"I am very honored to carry this. We will put this in the car," said Wheldon.

Staff Sgt. Huff said, "We have a lot of soldiers going overseas that will be wearing that patch real soon. So it's a great honor for them he is doing that for them."

The patch is placed in Wheldon's car by the chief mechanic, down and to the right.

"So, the driver, if he gets a chance and looks down, he knows who he is representing and the importance of what he is doing there that day and the sacrifice these guys are making for him to be able to do what he is doing on Memorial Day weekend," said Barnes.

Wheldon said, "Nothing would give me greater satisfaction than to be in victory lane drinking milk, surrounded by soldiers."