Indiana American Legion Reaches Veterans and Race Fans Through Indianapolis 500 and Bob & Tom Show Partnership

A month-long activation at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway culminated in a high-profile Carb Day broadcast that expanded awareness of the American Legion's Be the One mission and connected veterans with resources and support.

Josh Arnold of The Bob & Tom Show speaks with Department Commander Ron Patterson inside the Be the One activation on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The American Legion hosted The Bob & Tom Show's live broadcast as part of its month-long outreach effort during Indianapolis 500 festivities.

The Indianapolis 500 may be over, but the impact of the Indiana American Legion's presence at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to be felt.

After spending the month of May connecting with veterans and families through The American Legion's Be the One activation, the Department of Indiana American Legion capped off race month by hosting The Bob & Tom Show's live Carb Day broadcast from the Speedway. The partnership brought additional visibility to the organization's mission while creating new opportunities to engage veterans, race fans, and members of the motorsports community during one of Indiana's most recognizable traditions.

For Department Commander Ron Patterson, the activation represented more than a presence at a major sporting event. It reflected the American Legion's commitment to meeting veterans where they are.

"In the past, the American Legion has expected veterans to come to us," Patterson said.

"Today's veterans are different. We have to meet them where they are. Being out at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway allows us to have conversations in a more approachable setting and show veterans that we're here to help."

Operating from the Legion's Be the One activation throughout race month, American Legion representatives, accredited Veteran Service Officers, and volunteers engaged veterans, active-duty service members, families, and race fans, sharing information about available resources and support services.

Department of Indiana's Rehabilitation Director Bryce Hullett spent the month assisting veterans with questions ranging from disability claims and appeals to housing resources, discharge upgrades, burial benefits, and VA reimbursements.

By the checkered flag on Sunday, Hullett had documented 79 direct contacts and discussions with veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and senior military leaders. Veterans from 15 states sought guidance or referrals while attending Speedway events and Indianapolis 500 festivities.

Those conversations resulted in claims assistance, benefits guidance, scheduled appointments, referrals to additional resources, and support for veterans facing challenges ranging from housing instability to complex VA appeals. One veteran who had previously received assistance through the Speedway outreach later achieved a 100 percent VA disability rating, underscoring the lasting impact of those connections.

The outreach effort also highlighted the work of the Indiana American Legion's statewide network of 92 accredited Veteran Service Officers, who help veterans navigate the VA claims process and access earned benefits.

Carb Day provided an opportunity to amplify that message.

As part of the day's festivities, the American Legion hosted a live broadcast of The Bob & Tom Show from the activation. Department Membership Chairman JD Burnette appeared during the broadcast, discussing the importance of reaching today's veterans, challenging outdated perceptions of the American Legion, and demonstrating how the organization continues to evolve to serve a new generation of veterans.

The activation also welcomed several notable visitors from across the motorsports and media communities, including Indianapolis 500 champions Al Unser Jr. and Arie Luyendyk, racing team owner Sam Schmidt, and several drivers of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles.

Droplight Media CEO Joe Anderson, whose organization sponsors the Legion's Be the One activation and helps bring it to major events across the country, also highlighted the American Legion and its partnership with Droplight during the broadcast.

Combined with live broadcasts, social media coverage, and thousands of visitors throughout race month, the activation generated significant visibility for the Department of Indiana while creating meaningful opportunities to connect with veterans and their families.

Army veteran and Broadripple Post 3 Vice Commander Lamar Woods spent time engaging directly with veterans and race fans during the event, emphasizing the importance of connection, community, and looking out for one another.

"To me, being the one means being committed to our veterans and their families," Woods said. "It means checking in on your brothers and sisters and making sure nobody feels like they're alone."

Woods said events like the Indianapolis 500 create opportunities for authentic conversations while helping the public better understand the experiences of veterans and military families.

"Freedom isn't free," Woods said. "Memorial Day weekend reminds us why it's important to continue supporting those who served long after they come home."

For an organization founded by veterans more than a century ago, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway provided a fitting stage over Memorial Day weekend to continue its mission, which remains as relevant today as ever: serving veterans, strengthening communities, and ensuring no veteran faces life's challenges alone.

Whether through accredited benefits assistance, community outreach, mental health advocacy, or simply starting a conversation, the American Legion remains committed to the Be the One mission, encouraging everyone to reach out, listen, and take action when a veteran, service member, or loved one may need support.