South-Central Virginia Soldier Fends Off Iraq Attack to Become ExtenZe Local Hero at Martinsville
Program Celebrates Those Who Go to Great Lengths to
Make a Difference in Their Communities
Army National Guardsman Brian Harrison
Risked Self to Save Fellow Soldiers
STATESVILLE, NC (March 23, 2010) – While under intense attack, Army National Guard SSG. Brian Harrison, a Purple Heart recipient, kept his cool and provided essential cover fire so his team could exit a disabled Humvee and find safety while in Iraq. Because of this heroic feat, 26-year-old Harrison has been named an ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ and will be the ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chief during the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Martinsville Speedway.
Harrison was the .50-caliber-machine gunner on the lead vehicle of a joint U.S./Iraqi Army patrol traveling in February 2007 from Al-Akmar to Muqdadiyah, Iraq. As they approached a vacated section of street, Harrison’s team noticed three men with weapons moving into an alley. To seize the initiative, the soldiers decided to execute a flanking maneuver to thwart an ambush. But as Harrison’s team drove down an alleyway they were met by a larger insurgent force and attacked. Harrison returned fire, but a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle. Shrapnel tore through the armored truck, immobilizing it and wounding Harrison in the left leg.
Separated from the rest of the U.S. patrol, and with smoke billowing up through the vehicle, Harrison – while bleeding profusely – kept shooting, thus helping to keep insurgents from overrunning the crippled Humvee. This allowed Harrison’s team to exit the vehicle, find cover, and begin firing as they waited for help. When support arrived, Harrison paused briefly to put a tourniquet on his wounded leg and then continued firing. With insurgents multiplying and intensifying their attack from all directions, Harrison stayed with the .50-caliber gun and provided substantial support in three different directions to repel the enemy as his damaged vehicle was pulled to safety.
“Hearing Brian’s story really makes you stop and think about the individuals we must thank every day for allowing us the opportunity to do what we love in this free country,” said Conway, the leading Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year driver. “It’s people like Brian, fighting for our continued freedom, who are true American heroes. It’s hard to imagine what Brian endured, but we are very grateful for the courage and bravery he displayed that day and glad he is going to be cheering us on in Martinsville as part of our ExtenZe Racing team.”
The ‘ExtenZe Local Hero’ program pays tribute to people who have gone to great lengths to make a difference. Those selected have faced danger, sacrificed their own safety for others or in some way displayed leadership that changed their community for the better. Award recipients become ExtenZe Racing Honorary Crew Chiefs, receive a tour of the paddock, attend the pre-race NASCAR Driver/Crew Chief meeting, and sit atop the pit box with Crew Chief Peter Sospenzo to root on rookie driver Kevin Conway piloting the royal blue and red No. 37 ExtenZe Ford Fusion. Each recipient also receives a $1,000 award from ExtenZe, the world’s best selling male enhancement product, in recognition of their selflessness.
Fans can visit www.ExtenZeRacing.com to nominate their own local heroes or review who has been previously chosen. Also check in on blog/twitter feeds for the latest information on ExtenZe Racing and Kevin Conway.
About ExtenZe
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