Cypress Calif., July 22, 2010 - Monster Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP rider Colin Edwards took a little time out of his busy MotoGP schedule prior to the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to visit the Los Alamitos Army Airfield, Joint Forces Training Base. This is where the "Longknives" of the 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation (Air Assault) are getting prepared to leave for duty overseas. The California Army National Guard organization will use their 30 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to transport personnel and equipment in support of US military forces.
An avid supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, Edwards is often seen in the paddock wearing a baseball cap with ties to the U.S. Military.
Also wishing the troops good luck was a busload of Yamaha employees from the Cypress Corporate offices and when asked about visiting the troops, Edwards said, "I had a whole speech prepared, but was completely humbled by the experience." In the end he just wanted to thank everyone and tell them how much it meant to him to have them protecting him and his family as his daughter and son stood there next to him.