Custom Jeep Gladiator Built for Purple Heart Hero

Nexen Tire America Inc. has pulled the cover off a fully customized 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S that will be given away Aug. 7, National Purple Heart Day. The Jeep will be given away to a combat-wounded veteran as part of the Nexen Hero program.

The giveaway is a sequel to the American Muscle for American Heroes program that Nexen sponsored last year. Just like last year’s program, Nexen Tire and The Purple Heart Foundation have teamed together to honor a Purple Heart recipient with a custom vehicle.

Behind the Build: Jeep Gladiator Modifications

This year’s program came together with help from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Nexen Tire America and legendary car builder Kenny Pfitzer of Zero to 60 Designs, who took his original knowledge of the first campaign to spearhead the Gladiator build. Nexen Tire was able to purchase one of the first publicly available 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport Ss in the nation.

The build features five 35-inch Nexen Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road Mud Terrain tires, GRID GD5 off-road wheels finished in a gloss graphite milled hue and several genuine Mopar performance and off-road parts. The exterior of the Gladiator features bold Purple Heart and Nexen Tire graphics designed to help bring awareness to the nation’s Purple Heart recipients and Nexen Tire America’s dedication to honoring the nation’s wounded veterans, according to the company.

Meet the Previous Recipient: Cpl. Steven Diaz

Last year’s Purple Heart recipient and retired Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz was selected by the Purple Heart Foundation as the first program’s recipient of a custom 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T 392 Scat Pack-equipped with Nexen Roadian HP Street Sport All-Season radial tires. Diaz was severely wounded by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion while conducting combat operations in Iraq in 2005. Diaz co-founded an organization called Hidden Wounds to help “heroes battle the invisible war at home,” and he currently serves as its chief operating officer and program manager.

How to Nominate a Purple Heart Recipient

The Nexen Hero nomination period runs May 15 to July 24, and the recipient will be announced Aug. 7. Nominees must be a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Jeep Gladiator recipient will be selected by members of the Purple Heart Foundation based on a variety of factors, including heroism, sacrifice and an ongoing commitment to their community.

Click to nominate a Purple Heart recipient and for official giveaway rules.

Jeep Gladiator Build Specs

• Nexen 35-inch Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road Mud Terrain Tires
• LINE-X PLATINUM bedliner featuring UV stability and a lifetime warranty
• GRID G5 Off-Road Wheels
• Katzkin Automotive Leather seats
• Mopar Steel tube-door kit
• Jeep Grab Handles
• Jeep 2-inch lift complete suspension kit featuring Fox Racing shocks
• Mopar Map kit for interior
• Jeep three-piece Rubicon front bumper
• Mopar grill and winch guard
• Mopar winch guard light mounting bracket
• Mopar 7-inch off-road LED light kit
• Rubicon auxiliary switch bank
• Mopar-brand upgraded floor mats