What This Story Is About
Bristol Motor Speedway and NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson announced HonorAir Knoxville as the 2026 BMS Neighborhood Hero for the Knoxville region, honoring 20 years of dedicated service to East Tennessee military veterans.
Why It Matters
HonorAir Knoxville conducted its 38th and final flight in April, marking the end of a historic, community-driven effort that provided closure and gratitude to thousands of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans.
What Happens Next
HonorAir Knoxville founder Eddie Mannis, along with flight crew members, volunteers, and veterans, will be honored during pre-race ceremonies at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 19.
For Context
Launched in 2018, the BMS Neighborhood Heroes program celebrates first responders, military service members, healthcare workers, and community organizations who go above and beyond across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Catch Up
Since its first flight in 2007, HonorAir Knoxville took over 4,500 veterans from across East Tennessee to Washington, D.C. completely free of charge, supported by widespread community donations.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – After two decades of flying more than 4,500 East Tennessee veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor, HonorAir Knoxville has been named the 2026 Bristol Motor Speedway Neighborhood Hero for the Knoxville region.
‘A Total Surprise’ After 20 Years of Service
NASCAR star Noah Gragson was on hand in Knoxville on Monday to help speedway officials unveil the honor. For HonorAir Knoxville founder and chairman Eddie Mannis, the recognition came as an unexpected gift following the non-profit’s final mission this past spring.
“It was a total surprise to us when they contacted us last week,” Mannis said. “It’s a pleasure for us to be able to have served all of the veterans from East Tennessee that we were able to—all 4,500 of those. We’re grateful to Bristol Motor Speedway to be recognized as a Neighborhood Hero.”
Between 2007 and April 2026, HonorAir Knoxville completed 38 in-person flights and three virtual flights, escorting generations of service members to the nation’s capital.
Mannis noted that while every conflict carried distinct memories, the trips offered veterans a rare opportunity to process experiences they had held inside for decades.
“So many times our veterans do not get the recognition, and people don’t understand the service and sacrifice they make for our country,” Mannis said. “They come back and haven’t had the time to properly heal emotionally, physically, mentally. They go there, they share stories that maybe they haven’t been able to share ever.”
For Vietnam veterans in particular, returning to McGhee Tyson Airport to be greeted by roaring crowds of more than 1,000 community members provided a long-overdue homecoming.
“So many of our Vietnam veterans come up to us afterwards and say, ‘We are finally home,’” Mannis said.
NASCAR’s Noah Gragson: ‘They Are the True Heroes’
Gragson, who drives the No. 4 Ford for Front Row Motorsports, joined speedway officials to celebrate the organization’s legacy.
“People talk about race car drivers being heroes because we drive fast cars, but the group of individuals here today with HonorAir Knoxville are the true heroes that our society needs and relies on day in and day out,” Gragson said. “We can never say thank you enough to incredible services like HonorAir Knoxville who assist our veterans.”
Celebrated Under the Bristol Lights
Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, emphasized that honoring military service is central to the track’s identity.
“We can only do at Bristol Motor Speedway what we do because of the men and women that sacrifice for our freedom,” Caldwell said. “What they have done, starting out with just one flight and it turning into 20 years worth of flights, flying veterans from all across East Tennessee up to Washington, D.C. to honor what they’ve done for all of us, feels very appropriate to celebrate.”
Mannis will receive a commemorative plaque and be featured during Saturday night’s pre-race festivities. BMS is also providing race tickets and lunch to HonorAir volunteers, donors and veterans from the final flight.
The tribute will be part of a packed weekend at Bristol, featuring pre-race appearances by Grand Marshal Brad Pitt, honorary pace car driver Josef Newgarden, WWE legend Ric Flair and a stadium flyover by two U.S. Air Force C-130s following Lee Greenwood’s performance of “God Bless the USA.”
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