Audio clip
Anthony Landowski
Spc. Anthony Landowski knew he’d spend a lot of time with doctors and nurses at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, people who’d help him heal from injuries.
He didn’t know that, in the process, he’d meet rock bands, a tennis star and serve as grand marshal for a NASCAR race.
During two months of his stay at the hospital, Spc. Landowski has spent weekends seeing rock concerts by Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, Staind and Incubus. He’s attended the Legg Mason Tennis Classic and met tennis star Andy Roddick.
And today he’ll serve as grand marshal for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR race in Richmond, Va.
As of Thursday, he said he hadn’t been told much about his duties with the race.
“The grand marshal is the guy who says, ‘Gentlemen start your engines,’ as far as I know,” Spc. Landowski said.
In late May, the Georgia Army National Guard soldier was serving as a medic with Charlie Troop of the 108 Cavalry out of Dalton when an explosion broke both his legs and caused other injuries.
At the race, he and other soldiers will get a behind-the-scenes tour and meet drivers. A NASCAR fan, Spc. Landowski said he hopes to meet both Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Through a variety of programs, Spc. Landowski and other troops can sign up for trips to rock concerts, sporting events and other activities on weekend trips near the Washington, D.C., area.
The events were arranged by the Wounded Warrior Project, others by the Yellow Ribbon Program and the United Service Organization.
The brief visit with Mr. Roddick has been the highlight so far, the specialist said.
“They asked me where I was, where I have been. I asked Roddick for any advice on how to become a great tennis player,” Spc. Landowski said.
“He told me, ‘Practice,’” the specialist laughed.
His mother, Wanda Landowski, wants her son home as soon as possible, but said she’s happy that he’s getting these experiences as he recovers.
“It’s just amazing that these guys take time out of their day to see the soldiers,” Mrs. Landowski said.
She’s had to stay in Georgia for work during much of her son’s stay at the hospital, but this weekend she’s going to the race. Her husband, Mark Landowski, has kept their son company for most of his recovery, she said.
Todd South covers courts and the military for the Times Free Press. He has worked at the paper for three years and previously covered crime and safety in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. Todd’s hometown is Dodge City, Kan. He served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq before returning to school for his journalism degree from the University of Georgia. Todd previously worked at the Anniston (Ala.) Star. Contact Todd ...
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