Veteran of the Night Archives
Hawkeye Downs would like to recognize all of our past honorees through our Veteran of the Night program.
On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and board of directors, THANK YOU to our veterans for your service!
2024 Veterans
Curt Phillips
Curt joined the U.S. Army in 1969 and served a tour of duty as a Corpsman in Cambodia as part of the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970. Curt was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Curt was honorably discharged in 1975, attaining the rank of E-5. Curt and his family are from Solon, Iowa. He is an active member and volunteer with the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460.
John Carnahan
John Carnahan enlisted in the United States Marines in 2013. He attended MCRD San Diego, then went to Marine Combat Training in Camp Pendleton. From there, he completed his MOS training at Camp Johnson and was sent to Maintenance Company CLB 451, where he worked as a 3521 Motor-T mechanic. In corporal rank, he served as squad leader for the 1st squad of the 1st platoon and shop chief, where he was responsible for overseeing operations in the 451 shop. During his career, he was sent across the country to places like Ayer and Albany to assist the Combat Readiness units.
John served a total of six years in the Marines. He has been involved in enduro racing at Hawkeye Downs Speedway since 2022. He has designed his car with a military theme to honor the 22 service members we lose each day to suicide. John has remained committed to his racing career, specifically to raise awareness for our military members in mental health crisis. He now races with the Sunline Hornets each week to show our military men and women that we see them, we care about them, and we want them to get the help they need. His race car is meant to remind them that it's okay to reach out for help when they are struggling.
Todd Stark
Todd served in the National Guard from 1983 to 1989. During his time in the National Guard, Todd's primary focus was radio communications. Todd is a proud veteran living in Eastern Iowa, and he is proud to currently serve our community of veterans at the Freedom Foundation as a board member and pantry volunteer. Todd's assistance in the food pantry specifically allows the Freedom Foundation to serve more than 2,000 veterans with food and personal care items. More than 44,000 pounds of food and personal care items are distributed annually through the food pantry.
Jock Stevenson
Jock followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Army National Guard in 1965. He attended basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia and AIT at Fort Ord in California. He was called to active duty during the Vietnam War in 1968 and was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado. During his military career he served as a Spec 5 and Company Clerk. Jock moved to Cedar Rapids while advancing his career in the banking industry and retired from his role as Executive Vice President at F&M Bank in 2007. In his free time, Jock enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time with family.
Dell Morse
Dell joined the US Navy in 1981. Two of those years were served on sea duty on board various aircraft carriers. He was an AT2 Avionics Technician and AEW Systems Analyst on E2C Hawkeyes, reaching the Petty Officer 2nd Class rank. Dell is also an honorable shellback, a title given to him during a ceremony when his ship crossed the equator for the first time. Dell grew up racing. This includes RC cars, RC airplanes, motorcycle hare scrambles, and motocross until an injury in 2017 forced him off the dirt bikes. 2024 marks Dell's second racing season at Hawkeye Downs; who drives the blue and gold 220 Zippy Salt Barn enduro/Sprint car? This year, he will compete against his wife, Carilyn, in her first season driving the green and purple 16G Enduro/Sprint car.
Shannon Sampson
Shannon served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1995 to 2003. She worked as an Automated Logistical Specialist, serving the supply section, training new soldiers in preparation for basic training, and handling various administrative duties. Shannon may look familiar to some in our community as she is a retired police officer as well. She began her career at the Cedar Rapids Police Department in the Records Division and volunteered as a police explorer in 1995. Shannon became a reserve officer in 1997 and was hired as a full-time police officer in 1998. In her time with the CRPD, she was assigned to various divisions and specialty assignments, including patrol, hostage negotiations, honor guard, and crime prevention and community outreach. She also served as a field training officer. Shannon has made a lasting impact in both her military and law enforcement careers. She retired after 26 years of service in October 2021. In her retirement, she volunteers with Safe Kids Linn County and spends her free time with her husband, Mike, and her family.
Julie Foley & Neil Foley
Sergeant Julie Foley served active duty in the US Army from 1978 to 1982 at Augsburg, Germany, and then Garmisch, Germany, as a Chapel Activities Specialist, followed by five years in the South Dakota National Guard.
Staff Sergeant Neil Foley served active duty in the US Air Force from 1980 to 1987, first at RAF Mildenhall, England, and then at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota as an Airborne Command Post Equipment Technician.
Garland Alff & Marcia Cook
Garland Alff served in the Army National Guard from 1984 to 1993 in the 234th Signal Battalion Company A as a signal wire installer. He was recognized eight times as “Solider of the Month” and served in seven states and Germany. He has worked at Ferguson, right across the street from Hawkeye Downs, for the last 14 years. Garland is the father of three and has six grandchildren who keep him entertained.
Marcia Cook served in the Army National Guard. She enlisted in 1989 and served as a switchboard operator. She was recognized as “Solider of the Month” multiple times during her service - and she even beat Garland in the running for “Solider of the Year” in 1991. Marcia worked as a dental hygienist for nearly 20 years in Cedar Rapids. In June 2024, Marcia passed away unexpectedly. Everyone who knew Marcia felt she had the world’s biggest heart, as she was always loving and serving others in her personal and professional life. Her sons, Andrew and Austin, will represent her memory on the track in honor of her service to our country.
James Nickerson
James Nickerson joined the Army at 18 and served in the Infantry from 2004 to 2014. During his service, he served 2 tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant before being medically retired. His time in the military taught him what it is to be a leader.
Gene Lorsung
Gene Lorsung graduated early from high school to join the Navy. He served from 1980 to 1984 as a Mass Management Specialist. While serving on the USS Henry Clay submarine he prepared thousands of meals for his fellow servicemembers. Gene described his time in the Navy as a great experience, one he wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
Dan Hartman
Dan Hartman joined the Navy at 18, following in the footsteps of his family as a second-generation military man. He began his service in 1987 as a radar operator on the USS Guadalcanal. He is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War in 1987, a Mediterranean Cruise in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm. After serving his country on combat tours he was chosen to transition to a role as a U.S. Navy recruiter. Dan retired in 2007 as a Senior Chief after a distinguished 20-year career.
Josh Cassill
Josh Cassill, a first-generation military member, joined the United States Marines at age 17. He served as a generator mechanic in North Carolina and Colorado. Josh described his time in the Marines as the best and hardest thing he's ever done, but he had a great time doing it. He currently drives in the Hornet Class at Hawkeye Downs with a number 22 on his car, bringing awareness to the 22 Veterans who commit suicide every day.
Dakota Olson
Dakota Olson joined the military at 18, right after graduating from Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. He served as a United States Marine at Camp Pendleton as a Machine Gunner. Today, Dakota continues to support veterans by being part of the Teufel Hunden Veterans Group, a nonprofit organization that assists veterans in Linn and Jones Counties.
Stephanie Leeland
Stephanie joined the Army at 19 and served as a Military Police Officer from 2015 to 2024. During her service as a sergeant, she was deployed to Qatar, where she assisted with security for Afghan refugees. She also served as a Military Police Investigator and was the Master Fitness Trainer for the 339th MP Company in Davenport, IA. Stephanie joined the Army to learn how to respond effectively in emergency situations and how to protect herself and loved ones.
Nick Ackerman
Nick Ackerman joined the United States Marines at age 20 in January 2011 and served for 8 years as a 1371 Combat Engineer. Nick deployed for 9 months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he served as route clearance, ensuring the safety of his fellow Marines. He also participated in several humanitarian missions, including deployments to Puerto Rico, Arizona, and New Orleans. Nick believes that one of the great things about the military is the sense of family it provides; even though family isn't always blood-related, your military family will always be there for you.
2023 Veterans
Brian Eschen
Brian Eschen proudly served in both the United States Navy from 1985 to 1989 and Iowa Army National Guard from 1989 to 1990. He worked as an Electrician's Mate 3rd Class on the USS Tarawa LHA-1. He was deployed to the Western Pacific. He lives his life as a retired Veteran with his wife, Dede, and their two daughters, Abby and Bri. Brian spends his time volunteering at the Freedom Foundation as their President, in his church, and in the community through his disc golfing group.
Mike Mitchell
Mike Mitchell is a resident of Cedar Rapids and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Mike served as a Staff Sargent between 1982 and 1990. Shortly after his time in the military, Mike began his racing career at Hawkeye Downs. Over the years, he has raced Sportsman, Sport Mods, and Hobby Stocks. Currently, Mike serves as pit crew for his son, Reggie, in the #25 hobby stock. If you don't see Mike, his wife, Jody, and their sons and daughters at the track, you may find them at a local bowling alley.
Don Stephens
Don Stephens is originally from El Paso, IL and currently resides in Marion. He joined the United States Air Force in 1974 and served as an Airman First Class. After retiring in 1977, he rounded out the decade racing in IL. He paused his racing career between the 1980s and 2022. Last season, Don's stepson, Chad Vozenilek, brought him to Hawkeye Downs as a Hornet racer. We're thrilled to have him racing with us again in 2023! When Don isn't at the track with his wife and step-children, you will likely find Don fishing, golfing, or traveling across the United States and Mexico.
John “Odie” Oates
Colonel John “Odie” Oates retired from the United States Air Force in July 2015 after over 29 years of Active-Duty service. He is a 1986 graduate from the US Air Force Academy where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering sciences, and a 1996 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Graduate with a master’s degree in business administration.
Odie is a Command Pilot with over 3,800 flying hours in the T-38, KC-135, UV-18, and C-17 aircraft and a Master Parachutist with over 1,600 parachute jumps. He has combat experience in Operation ALLIED FORCE, Operation NOBLE ANVIL, Operation NORTHERN WATCH, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and Operation NEW DAWN.
Odie is married to his wife Marcy, and they had their wedding reception at Hawkeye Downs almost 36 years ago. They have four kids; three are married, the last is engaged, and one has a grandson. He is currently working at Collins Aerospace and is a member of the Freedom Foundation Board of Directors.
Rob Klein
Sergeant First Class Retired Robert Klein enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 and served 12 years as a generator mechanic at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He deployed three times in support of combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC Klein departed Active Component and became an Active Guard Reserve in 2013 for the 2nd Brigade 34th Infantry Division BSTB, the 224th BEB, and the 334th BSB. SFC Klein retired from HQ Company 334th BSB as the Battalion Assistant Operations NCO in July 2021. His favorite and most rewarding position in his career was mentoring and assisting his soldiers as the Unit Readiness NCO of Bravo Company 334 BSB.
Since his retirement, Klein has been cherishing the extra time he now has with his family and wouldn’t be where he is now without the love and support of his wife Laurie, his son Mason, and his Daughter Gabrielle. He went back to work at Quaker Oats before resigning and setting out to establish his own small shop in Marion called “The Marion Merchant,” where he and his wife offer handmade, locally sourced custom woodwork, gifts, décor, and more. He continues to serve his brothers and sisters by proudly sitting as a board member of Freedom Foundation, attending his local Masonic lodge and is a member of the American Legion.
Jim Neal
Jim Neal is a Vietnam Veteran. He served from 1967-1971 in the United States Navy. After his retirement, he took on various civilian jobs before joining the Army National Guard. He was in the Army National Guard from 1980-1988. In his free time, Jim is active with the the Freedom Foundation. He has spent the last nine years serving our community as a veteran helping veterans.
Ed Siems
Ed Siems served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972. Ed joined the Marines as his father served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, his uncle served in the Army, and his older brother served in the Marines. Ed studied electronics at a naval air station in Tennessee, then found himself rebuilding electronic components in airplanes. Ed worked for the majority of his time in the Marines at Cherry Point where he trained others on the electronic components. He enjoyed being a part of the rifle team at Cherry Point, and he still enjoys hunting to this day.
Ed currently resides in Marshalltown and makes the drive to Hawkeye Downs every Friday night to capture stellar photographs of the cars and the crowds. Many memories have been made at the track with his family, including his sons, Chad, Scott, and JJ, and his brother, Stan. When Ed is not at the track, he spends time managing his beautiful property in Marshall County growing flowers, landscaping from sun up to sun down, and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.
John Ness
John Ness is a veteran of the United States Air Force. John worked as a Jet Engine Mechanic in the Vietnam Era from 1973-1976. John has been racing at Hawkeye Downs since it was a dirt track. John has raced in multiple classes, including Thunder Stock, Hobby Stock, and Super Stock. He was crowned track champion in 1998. His son, Todd Ness, is a 2022 track champion at Hawkeye Downs. He is proud to have three generations in his family racing!
Joshua Cassill
Joshua Cassill joined the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old. He attended MCRD San Diego for boot camp, then was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina until 2016 as a generator mechanic. From 2016 to 2019, Joshua served in the United States Army as a wheeled vehicle mechanic at Fort Carson. Racing has always been a big part of Joshua's life. He says the last two seasons have been the best in his career because he is racing with a purpose. His racecar carries the names of fallen service members. Every day in the United States, 22 veterans succumb to suicide - losing their personal battle to the invisible wounds of war. Joshua is passionate about supporting other veterans and their mental health.
Richard “Sam” Swenson
Richard “Sam” Swenson served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966. Sam was stationed in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 as an artillery surveyor and forward observer. He earned the rank of Spec5 before he was discharged in 1966. Sam is now retired and spends a lot of his time woodworking in his garage as well as traveling to take photos across the states. He is a proud father, uncle, and grandfather. He has two daughters that live in the Cedar Rapids area and a son that lives in Evergreen, CO. He has nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He has been a fan of racing at Hawkeye Downs since the 1970s. You’ll find him in the grandstands in his “regular spot” every Friday night.
Nicole Hotz
Nicole Rae Hotz served as a Sergeant in the Army Reserve between 2012 and 2020. She served 11 months in Kuwait from 2016 to 2017. Since 2013, Nicole has worked full-time as an Investigator for the Marion Police Department. She is currently the only female in the entire state of Iowa to be a certified bomb technician. She is also a part of the FBI stabilization team for nuclear and radiological incidents throughout the Midwest.
Veteran of the Night Supporters
Honor and Respect, LLC
Honor and Respect strives to prioritize mental health for all first responders, veterans, and their families. We want to let them know that they are never alone. Honor and Respect has had the honor of being able to donate to various organizations that share their mission in helping our nation's heroes make their mental health a priority.
You can find the Honor and Respect team at their booth in the grandstand on most race nights. Learn more about the Honor and Respect mission on their website www.honor-respect.com.
Freedom Foundation
The Freedom Foundation in Cedar Rapids brings veterans and civilians together to make a difference in the lives of those who have served with a "Veterans Helping Veterans" approach to navigating the challenges of everyday life after serving our country. The Freedom Foundation provides numerous programs and services to Veterans. These programs and services include a Pantry, recreational activities, the operation of the "Veterans Temporary Housing/Shelter Program" for homeless and displaced Veterans, a Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance Fund, and our hosting of a free weekly Thursday luncheon, serving our Veterans a well-deserved "home cooked meal."
More information about the Freedom Foundation their programs can be found on their website and Facebook page.
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 39-2
The Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is an association of veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles. The organization was built with a simple mission: to support and defend those who have defended their country and their freedoms. The focus of the CVMA is to help veterans who need support, whether that means simply providing a warm meal, clothing, shelter, and guidance, or simply saying "thank you" and "welcome home."
The Cedar Rapids CVMA Chapter 39-2 is proudly composed of local Iowa veterans, dedicated to serving veterans across our state. Each year, the Cedar Rapids CVMA chapter provides essential support and services to approximately 200 veterans, undertaking various initiatives. These range from repairing leaky roofs to installing wheelchair-accessible ramps, as well as organizing community barbecues for our homeless veterans and offering companionship to those in need of solace. Our nation’s veterans have bravely fought for the freedoms we cherish every day, and it is the mission of the CVMA to ensure they feel our unwavering support and deep gratitude for all that they do.
Our Hawkeye Downs team and members of the CVMA invite you to join us in our commitment to honor our veterans, ensuring they know they are appreciated and that their sacrifices will never be forgotten, with a special Lap of Honor after the singing of our national anthem at designated races. During the Lap of Honor, we ask that you remain standing after the anthem as our friends from CVMA exit Victory Lane for a lap around the track in honor of our nation’s veterans.
For more information on CVMA 39-2 and how to support, please visit their Facebook page.