Local wounded warrior now the proud owner of a new handicap-equipped truck
CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A local wounded veteran just received a special gift -- a handicap-equipped custom Chevy Silverado truck.
Gov. Pat McCrory was there Tuesday when the North Carolina Auto Dealers Association handed the keys over to a friend of Staff Sgt. Tim Payne.
Payne is still battling his injuries. Therefore, a friend with the U.S. Veterans Corp accepted the keys in his absence.
"Staff Sgt. Payne was really upset he couldn't be here today," said Andre Ladner. "He had another surgery that a few days after started bleeding again in the middle of the night. He's a double amputee and they keep having surgeries in areas that are very sensitive that are close to the blow mark."
So far, Payne has had over 100 surgeries.
When he found out the "Drive for Our Troops" program was giving him a new vehicle, he never imagined this.
"A lot of these guys are younger wounded warriors. To have a truck that has the same capabilities as the vans is amazing," said Ladner. "He was shocked when I told him."
McCrory himself seemed tickled to give the injured vet such a cool ride.
"Working with veterans is the most rewarding and moving experience," said McCrory. "We're doing everything we can to help veterans to get back on their feet, to get a job, and to thank them for their service."
According to his friend, the new truck is a big thank you.
"These guys are all under 30 years old that are being injured," said Ladner. "So to them, a little more pride, a brand new vehicle, also it's a truck. We're in North Carolina!"
Also at Tuesday's event, the North Carolina New Car and Truck Dealers gave $40,000 each to numerous state military charities like "Hiring Our Heroes," "Operation Homefront," "Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation," "Fisher House Foundation," and the "Patriot Foundation."
