EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 As NASCAR prepares for Sunday\u2019s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one race team will carry the memory of an El Paso soldier who dedicated his life to service and sacrifice.<\/p>\n
Through NASCAR\u2019s annual \u201c600 Miles of Remembrance\u201d program, every car in the Coca-Cola 600 field displays the name of a fallen service member on its windshield header during Memorial Day Weekend. <\/p>\n
This year, the No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek will honor First Sergeant Glenn L. Harris, a decorated U.S. Army Ranger from El Paso.<\/p>\n
1st Sgt. Harris served in the Army from 1978 until 1994, finishing his military career as First Sergeant of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. During his 16 years of service, he completed extensive combat and leadership training, including Airborne, Jumpmaster, Air Assault, Jungle Warfare and Close Quarters Battle schools.<\/p>\n
Harris also served during Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, Somalia \u2014 the 1993 battle later chronicled in \u201cBlack Hawk Down.\u201d According to his biography, Harris distinguished himself under fire and earned both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for his leadership and bravery.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnjoyed being told to \u2018mount the bar,\u2019\u201d one Ranger recalled in Harris\u2019 biography. \u201cHe\u2019d joke with us while we hung.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Dec. 4, 1994, Harris died during an airborne training exercise at Fort Benning, Georgia. <\/p>\n
After landing in the Chattahoochee River during the exercise, Harris reportedly directed rescuers to save other Rangers first before he drowned.<\/p>\n
He is survived by his wife, Sandy, and daughters Tara and Heather.<\/p>\n
NASCAR\u2019s \u201c600 Miles of Remembrance\u201d program has become one of the sport\u2019s most meaningful Memorial Day traditions, pairing drivers and teams with fallen service members to ensure their stories are remembered on one of racing\u2019s biggest stages.<\/p>\n
Sunday\u2019s Coca-Cola 600 will air nationally from Charlotte Motor Speedway.<\/p>\n
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