Iraq war veteran recipient of Nexen 'American Heroes' Challenger

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Nexen Tire America Inc., in partnership with the Purple Heart Foundation, has selected retired Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz as the recipient of the American Muscle for American Heroes Nexen Tire Dodge Challenger R/T.

Mr. Diaz, who was wounded in 2005 while clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq, was selected by representatives from Nexen and the Purple Heart Foundation from thousands of nominations from across the country.

The campaign, announced in September, was designed to honor a well-deserving 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, Nexen said.

Many of these submissions, which included incredible stories of heroism, patriotism and courage, were posted to social media.

"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," Mr. Diaz said.

"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."

Mr. Diaz lost the use of his left eye and suffers from the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress (PTS) and a seizure disorder related to the injuries received while on duty in Iraq. The force of the explosion and flying shrapnel caused several life-threatening injuries, Nexen said.

Dedicated to helping other veterans suffering from similar injuries, Mr. Diaz co-founded Hidden Wounds, an organization that helps "heroes battle the invisible war at home." He is the organization's chief operating officer and Project Josiah program manager.

"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 Mr. Diaz.

"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," according to 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."

Helping make this possible, Nexen Tire also partnered with several other leading 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.

Nexen and the Purple Heart Foundation presented Mr. Diaz with the Challenger on a recent edition of Fox & Friends.