'I like to see our name out there' with INDYCAR 

Daniel Seehafer, a member of American Legion Post 157 Merrill, Wis., used the REV Group Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES race at Road America near Elkhart Lake, Wis., last weekend to help support the Department of Wisconsin’s membership efforts.

“What we’re doing here is for our statewide membership drive, getting the name out and in connection with Jimmie Johnson, Chip Ganassi Racing and everything happening here,” Seehafer said before a “Meet and Greet” featuring Jimmie Johnson last weekend. “All of these things happening, one thing after another coming out of the pandemic, finally getting boots back on the ground back in the community, it’s exciting to see people come together in a social event.”

Seehafer has been a member of The American Legion for 25 years. He joined while he was still serving on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Seehafer currently serves as chairman of The American Legion’s Employment and Education Commission. 

As Seehafer and The American Legion prepare for the future that means focusing on ways to promote what The American Legion is about. Projects such as the INDYCAR sponsorship with Jimmie Johnson and Chip Ganassi Racing have created momentum and new ways to promote The American Legion.

“Some people might ask, ‘Why is the Legion getting involved in racing?’” Seehafer said. “Being on the (Legion’s) 21st Century Committee, being on the membership committee and understanding the value of social media and getting our name out there … I don’t know how many times people have looked at our symbol and thought I was a police officer. People just don’t know what we do.

“That’s where the excitement and energy is. That is exactly why we need to get the understanding out there of who The American Legion is. We have the story. We have it.”

Seehafer is prepared to tell that story, especially with the success of the Wisconsin American Legion and its 501 posts throughout the state.

By combining that with last weekend’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES race at the popular Road America race course, it has created a surge of momentum and excitement for members of The American Legion and veterans who are considering membership.

“This is like a little gold mine right here,” Seehafer said. “This is the new beginning for the Legion. That’s why this is a great opportunity for us to be a part of.” And INDYCAR season viewers see what The American Legion is about through a commercial that airs. 

“It’s so wonderful to see a commercial that has our name on it,” Seehafersaid. “That is tremendous. People are talking about that and creating a buzz. That’s a good thing.

“I have found myself watching all the INDYCAR races now and I’m hungry for the exposure. I like to see our name out there. And that is exactly what we are doing – the exposure and the awareness. We are an organization that does care. If we could get a little more exposure and a little more awareness, what greater things could we do.”