Nexen Tire America Inc. recently delivered a custom-built 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T 392 Scat Pack Retired Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz as part of the company’s American Muscle for American Heroes campaign. Diaz received the car during a live Fox and Friends broadcast on the Fox News Channel on Dec. 9.
Nexen Tire partnered with the Purple Heart Foundation to help select one Purple Heart recipient for the one-of-a-kind muscle car. Diaz was selected from thousands of nominations from across the country. Many of the submissions-which included incredible stories of heroism, patriotism and courage-were posted to social media.
The campaign was designed to honor a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart Medal after being wounded in combat, and to show gratitude for the safety and security provided to Americans by members of the Armed Forces, according to Nexen Tire.
“I am extremely honored to be selected by Nexen Tire and the Purple Heart Foundation as the recipient of the Nexen Tire Dodge Challenger R/T. This is an incredible vehicle and program that has helped bring important attention to the thousands of combat-wounded veterans across the country who are still suffering from the effects of their injuries,” said Diaz. “I would like to thank Nexen Tire, the Purple Heart organizations and everyone else who came together to make this possible, and I am looking forward to using the Challenger to continue helping my fellow wounded veterans.”
Diaz was severely wounded in 2005 while searching for and clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq. The force of the explosion and flying shrapnel caused several life-threatening injuries, including the loss of sight in his left eye. Today, Diaz suffers from the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS) and a seizure disorder.
Dedicated to helping other veterans suffering from similar injuries, Diaz co-founded Hidden Wounds, an organization that helps “heroes battle the invisible war at home.” He currently serves as the organization’s chief operating officer, as well as program manager for Project Josiah.
“The American Muscle for American Heroes program has been a tremendous platform to help raise awareness for combat wounded veterans and the Purple Heart Foundation,” said Kyle Roberts, senior director of marketing for Nexen Tire America. “I would like to congratulate Steven for being named the recipient of the Nexen Tire Dodge Challenger R/T and thank him for his incredible sacrifice while serving our nation. These partnerships help companies like Nexen Tire show their immense gratitude for our men and women in uniform.”
“Our thanks go out to Nexen Tire for this opportunity to serve a combat wounded veteran,” said Douglas Greenlaw, national commander for The Military Order of the Purple Heart, USA. “This vehicle donation is what the Military Order of the Purple Heart is all about: helping our country’s veterans in any way we can. This will be a life changing event for Purple Heart recipient, Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz.”
Nexen Tire partnered with several other automotive aftermarket companies to help transform the Dodge Challenger R/T into a muscle car fit for an American hero. The company enlisted the help of renowned car-builder Kenny Pfitzer of Zero to 60 Designs to lead the charge on the custom modifications, which include Nexen Roadian HP Street Sport all-season radial tires.
Watch the Fox News segment when Diaz received the car in the video above.
