Ken and Pam Krippner of Garland spent Memorial Day at the Charlotte Motor Speedway honoring their son Andrew who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011. Andrew enlisted in the Army after high school graduation in 2010.
He was deployed to Afghanistan after completing basic training. He died about one month after his arrival. He and three of his “brothers” were killed when their military vehicle hit an IED.
As part of NASCAR’S 600 Miles of Remembrance program, Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing worked with its sponsor Thrivent Financial, to identify a fallen military member to be honored. The name of the military member would be on the windshield of the Thrivent Financial car driven by Michael McDowell in the Coca-Cola 600.
Additionally, Thrivent raised funds for the Honor and Remember program and challenged NASCAR fans to donate to that organization as well.
The Krippners loved seeing Andrew honored in this fashion.
“We have always been so v
ery proud of Andy’s love for the military and defense of our country,” Ken said. “Being in Charlotte for the race made us feel the same pride we have carried for the past six years and it was gratifying to see that so many continue to remember all of our military members.”
He added that his son knew early that he wanted to join the military and enlisted the summer before his senior year at the Shelton School.
The Krippners described Andrew as devoted, caring, honorable and humorous.
Everyone involved was proud to be a part of honoring Andrew.
George Lutz, founder of Honor and Remember said that the organization’s members were humbled by Thrivent’s willingness to assist them in helping heal grieving families across the country. Lutz started the organization after his son George Anthony Lutz II was killed while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005.
Craig Stacey, director of marketing at Thrivent, said that the financial organization was proud to participate in the celebration.
“This is a unique and worthy program that NASCAR orchestrates during Memorial Day weekend and we are proud to be part of it,” Stacey said. “Thrivent is a membership organization and we are honored to be able to celebrate the service of one of our members, Andrew Krippner…It’s also very special to have Andy’s parents join us in Charlotte for the race.”
NASCAR driver Michael McDowell also a Thrivent member, nominated Honor and Remember to be one of the nonprofit organizations to which members can choose to donate funds. The nomination allows Thrivent m
embers to recommend funding for the organization whose mission is to recognize the sacrifice of America’s military fallen heroes and their families.
“I’m thrilled to be able to honor Andrew Krippner during the Coca-Cola 600…,” McDowell said. “As a Thrivent member, it’s also rewarding to be able to give back to Honor and Remember, a great organization that brings these fallen soldiers to the forefront of everyone’s minds.”
The Krippners enjoyed spending time with McDowell, car owner Bob Levine and the other Christ-followers from the team.
“They inspired our souls,” Ken said. “And seeing Andy’s name on the #95 Thrivent car brought a deep pride and joy to us.”
Follow the action on Twitter by following at @ThriventRacing, via the organization’s Thrivent Racing Facebook page, on Instagram at @ThriventRacing and at www.ThriventRacing.com.