We see the news stories every day. So much so that it becomes almost routine. A terrorist detonates a bomb killing themselves and many others… Gunfire in any number of areas… An IED (Improvised Explosive Device) detonates killing and injuring those nearby…

It has become background noise to those of us who have not been there. It becomes a brief on the evening news or a small headline tucked on the inside pages of the newspaper. It is not so for those who come back and for those families of the ones who do not. Some bring back scars in their own mind to dwell with them for years to come. Still others return incomplete… Injured and broken… Such is the case of Corporal J. B. Kerns.

Cpl. Kerns is from a small town in the southwestern area of Virginia. Afghanistan is a long way away and a completely alien landscape to the hills and mountain views of Ararat, VA, yet Kerns was on a third tour of duty when an IED changed everything. He survived but with the loss of much of his right arm and both legs. Dozens of surgeries and hours of rehabilitation now have J.B. Kerns standing upright and walking but with the knowledge it is not all flesh and bone that carries his weight. There is much left to do. There are special needs for a young man like this, who is only now on the cusp of his 22nd birthday. He is home on American soil and soon will have a home of his own specifically built with these needs in mind thanks to the help from a Community, A Star and a Speedway.

February 9th, at the Martinsville Speedway, many people came together in honor of this man’s sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many others who stand in often thankless defense of our nation. The Speedway is close to Kerns’ home and is at the center of driving the economy and the community surrounding Martinsville. You don’t have to go very far for help when there are people involved in racing around. The auto racing community and the military forces are tied together with not only sponsorships but respect and friendship. Honor Guards show the American Flag. Armed Forces bands perform the national Anthem. The Air Force does a flyover at the start of practically every race. Who better to have the stage for all those involved with showcasing the efforts to raise the funds for the home of this American Hero, J.B. Kerns.

Martinsville Speedway offered the stage for the announcements and Martinsville High School will have the stage for the show. Who is involved and what is being done was set forth by those who came to the shortest track in NASCAR to honor one of the tallest spirits of our Armed Forces.

The young man at the center of it all, United States Marine Corporal J.B. Kerns was escorted to the Martinsville Speedway by a line of about 200 motorcycles and riders with the “Patriot Guard”. Martinsville Police also cooperated with traffic and road guidance.

Frank Siller, brother of 9-11 fallen firefighter, Stephen Siller, related the story of his brother running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with full fire gear to reach the Twin Towers and give assistance. He also gave his life. Now, the “Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation” hosts a run every year in honor of this sacrifice and as a fund-raiser for families of firefighters and military who have been injured or suffered loss.

Another in attendance, likely widely known in face and name, noted how he saw the video of the homecoming of Cpl. J.B. Kerns, spoke of the contact with the “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” and of his own connection in his family to military service. Gary Sinise, current star of the hit television series “CSI NY” and, among other films, “Forrest Gump”. His portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor inspired an idea that led to the formation of the Lt. Dan Band which Sinise takes on tour as often as possible to play benefits and USO shows. Such is the case in Martinsville for Cpl. J.B. Kerns.

Sinise has formed his own organization as a channel for this band and other activities to raise money and awareness for injured military and those families who suffer the loss of the greatest sacrifice. Gary spoke not as a movie star but as a humbled American happy to help.

“It is my honor to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to raise the necessary funds to support the building of a home for JB Kerns,” said Sinise.  “JB has given so much in service to his country, and it is a privilege to do what I can to give something back to him. I hope that the entire community will join me and my band to help show our support and our gratitude to a great American hero, JB Kerns, the night of March 31.  As our 30th president Calvin Coolidge said, ‘The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.’ Let’s come together to honor this brave American, and show him that we will not forget what he has sacrificed in defense of our freedom.”

Officially, the funds from the show in Martinsville on Sprint Cup “Goody’s Fast Relief 500” weekend are funding “Building for America’s Greatest”, a partnership of the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Homes have already been built for three quadruple amputees and more are planned, including this one for Cpl. J.B. Kerns.

Race weekend at Martinsville is always a unique and stimulating experience. This show with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will make it even more so. This will be fun music from a group of people who are genuinely thrilled to perform and happy to use their talent for the benefit of others. Watch some laps with the Camping World Series Kroger 250 then catch a show that evening with the knowledge you are helping a young man who gave so much to us.

Tickets are available now and are $25. There are a very limited number of VIP tickets which are $75. The VIP ticket will get you the Lt. Dan Band on Saturday evening and into the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 with a pre-race Meet-n-Greet with Gary Sinise! There are a Very Limited number of VIP tickets so act fast! You are a race fan… You know what “fast” means!

Tickets: Piedmont Arts Association (276) 632-3221 or online at piedmontarts.org

Other websites involved:

Martinsville Speedway * Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Gary Sinise Foundation * Building for America’s Bravest