ASE Techs Aid Tornado Victims
14 June 1999
ASE-certified technicians assist in clean-up after F5 tornado ravages cities in Oklahoma Herndon, VA. Those that race on any NASCAR circuit know that they have one big family in NASCAR. If a driver needs support, or if a charity event needs a boost, the folks involved in NASCAR are always eager to lend a hand. ASE-certified technicians, one of the core forces behind the Team ASE Racing program, proved last month that the "ASE Family" is much like the "NASCAR Family". On May 3rd, 1999 tornadoes devastated portions of Midwest City and other central Oklahoma cities. Hundreds of homes were destroyed and thousands damaged. City emergency personnel responded immediately to the countless people in need. Every street was lines with debris from what used to be peoples homes - nails, broken glass and other sharp objects caused flat tires on nearly every emergency vehicle that was enlisted to service the disaster area. The Midwest City Fleet Services, who employ nine ASE-certified technicians, was called in to provide support services to the emergency vehicles to repair flat tires, perform on the spot mechanical repairs and on-site fueling. The night of the disaster these nine men divided into three teams, two mobile and one stationed at the home shop. Their service enabled the ambulances, firetrucks, and police cruisers to continue operating and saving lives. The teams worked around the clock, alternating a few hours of sleep for nearly a week. In fact, the only time these teams were not working on the clean-up were the few hours they set aside to take ASE re-certification tests. "None of the guys I work with took any time to study for the tests last week, but to them, not taking the ASE tests was not an option. They all decided to rotate shifts - showing their commitment to both the community and the importance of remaining ASE-certified," said Craig Davis, Fleet Supervisor for the City of Midwest City, Okla. "I am proud of our ASE-certified employees and feel honored to work with them." ASE, The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, echoes Davis' sentiments. "This dedicated group of technicians reached deep inside to help their communities," stated Ronald H. Weiner, President of ASE. "These nine men just showed the world what commitment is and what it means to be proud of the work they do, day in and day out." "ASE would like to thank Craig Davis, Steve Benedetto, Perry Stephens, Dennis Clagg, Mike West, Mike Walker, Gary O'Brien, Collin West and Jerry Lester for their fine efforts last month. The ASE credential is in itself a standard of excellence, and we are proud to have technicians like Craig and his team that support our program," added Weiner. Davis will be ASE's guest at the Texas NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race June 11, 1999. Davis, who is also involved with the Team ASE Grass Roots racing program for ASE-certified technicians, will be an honorary pit crewmember on a NCTS team at the event. Davis is a drag racer for hobby, and uses his personal racing program to highlight another community project he is involved with - drug prevention among children. ASE has been a major sponsor in the truck series since 1996, along with associate sponsors Ultra Wheels, Wagner Brake Products, Snap-on Tools, and Valvoline. ASE is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 with the mission of improving the quality of automotive repair service through the voluntary testing and certification of technicians. There are over 450,000 ASE-certified technicians working in all types of service repair facilities in North America. For more information on Team ASE, or ASE, contact Beth Walters at (703) 713-3975.
