Bill Cathcart has devoted much of his life to the military, including service in World War II and both the Korean War and Vietnam War. The resident of Diamond Springs, outside Sacramento, will be honored for his service at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 20. Cathcart was selected as the winner of the raceway’s Hometown Hero contest; he served 24 years combined in the U.S. Marines, California National Guard and U.S. Army. He was nominated by his daughter, Cindy. Cathcart earned several awards over his stellar career, including: two Purple Hearts; Bronze Star; a Commendation Medal; and the Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest medal that can be awarded). He served from 1942-1968 (he took two years off). “I was a kid when World War II broke out and I guess I was patriotic,” said Cathcart, 85. “I quit in the middle of my senior year of high school and joined the Marines. I spent 37 months in the Pacific in World War II. ‘¦ I enjoyed the service all those years. I didn’t enjoy the fighting but I enjoyed the service. I guess you could say I grew up in the service.” As it turns out, this is the perfect honor for Cathcart, whose son-in-law, Rick Bray, is a team member for Joe Gibbs Racing and works on Denny Hamlin’s race team. “We follow NASCAR pretty close,” Cathcart said. “I just love the racing and the competition and it makes it even better that Rick is in the sport. He’s married to my daughter Cindy. “This is quite a surprise and obviously a very great honor for me, especially to have my daughter Cindy nominate me. It’s very special and I’m looking forward to coming out to the races.” Cathcart will be honored during pre-race ceremonies on Sunday, June 20, as the raceway continues its season-long “Sonoma Salutes Our Troops” campaign. More info about A Sonoma Salutes Our Troops dedicated page at infineonraceway.com/military.(Infineon Raceway)(6-19-2010)
