Sporting events, as evidenced over time, can serve as the ultimate short-term distraction from life’s troubles.

For a handful of retired soldiers from the Army, Saturday’s races at the Amsoil Arenacross tour stop at The Broadmoor World Arena proved therapeutic as they continue to endure after the combat zone, even years after their deployments overseas.

“You have good days and bad days, and I’m moving forward instead of backward,” said Scott Slining, a retired sergeant and infantryman who completed three tours to the Middle East. “I wanted to do this. I have to get myself exposed to crowds and noise. I can’t hide forever.”

Slining was one of 16 Fort Carson soldiers honored as part of Arenacross’ way of saluting the area armed forces at Military Appreciation Night. Later, Arenacross donated $1,000 to Home Front Cares representative Mike Bell, a Navy diver wounded in combat and medically discharged.

Event organizers figured it made sense to hold such a ceremony in a place with such a large military contingent.

“We had never been here before, and we wanted to make a big impression on the city,” said spokeswoman Lindsey Scheltema, who also has the title of 2015 Miss Arenacross. “We saw that this would be the best place to honor and support the troops and thank them for their service.”

By the time the races got underway, two sections of the arena were filled with military personnel, one Army, the other Air Force, as each battled for bragging rights for energy and enthusiasm.

On the dirt, Cory Green managed no better than a sixth-place finish during the first two days in Colorado Springs. But when signing autographs earlier in the day and watching the soldiers get a tour of the track, his future performance seemed to take a back seat.

“They fight for us to eat, sleep and breathe,” said Green, 25, of Nowata, Okla. “We’re fortunate to be able to ride motorcycles for a living while those guys are fighting for us. It makes you feel appreciative for what we have.”

Shawn Koldborg appreciates his transition back into civilian life following two tours as a combat engineer, specializing in explosives.

He’s been out of the Army since 2008 and struggles to get through each day without snapping.

“Being back, it’s such a big change from the combat zone, and you have to celebrate all of your small victories,” Koldborg said. “Being out here is one of those victories. It’s great to have the support.”

Steven Braslin, like Slining, completed three overseas tours and credits sports and recreational activities to improving his recovery.

“This is the closest I’ve ever been to a dirtbike,” said Braslin, a combat engineer. “It helps me to be here. I didn’t know if I’d be ready for the lights and noise. That’s still stressful to me. But this is very cool that the people here opened their doors for us.”