Retired Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz has been named the recipient of the American Muscle for American Heroes Nexen Tire Dodge Challenger R/T. Nexen partnered with the Purple Heart Foundation to help select a Purple Heart recipient to receive the one-of-a-kind, custom-built 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T 392 Scat Pack.

Diaz, selected from thousands of nominations across the country, was severely wounded while searching for and clearing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Iraq in 2005. The force of the IED explosion and flying shrapnel that injured Diaz caused him several life-threatening injuries throughout his body 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.

Despite his serious injuries, Diaz is dedicated to helping other veterans suffering from similar injuries, and has co-founded Hidden Wounds, an organization that helps “heroes battle the invisible war at home.” He is currently serving as the organization’s chief operating officer and Project Josiah program manager

“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.”

“The American Muscle for American Heroes program has been a tremendous platform to help raise awareness for wounded combat 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 wounded combat 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, and this will be a life-changing event for Purple Heart recipient, Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz.”

Helping make this possible, Nexen Tire also partnered with several other leading automotive aftermarket individuals and companies including renowned car-builder Kenny Pfitzer of Zero to 60 Designs to help transform the Dodge Challenger R/T into a muscle car fit for an American hero.

We at Power & Performance salute Corporal Diaz and congratulate him on his new muscle car.

For more information about the giveaway or winner, check out Nexen Tire and the Purple Heart Foundation.