It was an excitement filled day at Fort Hood for the first ever military combine. Nearly 150 active duty soldiers tested their speed, strength, and endurance.
The combine was held by the Dallas Cowboys and Caliber Collision. But in addition to the combine, one Fort Hood veteran was honored with a few surprises.
Fort Hood Veteran Austen Kent's children were given new toys and Kent and his wife a new car. His family was nominated by the non-profit organization, Heroes on the Water.
Caliber Collision Regional Manager, Chris Vogler, presented the family to the crowd. He feels inspired by Kent’s story and hopes the gifts can help Kent care for his family.
“To get to doctor’s appointments, to get to the grocery store, to go pick up their loved ones, to keep them safe quite frankly,” Vogler said. "It's everything and if they don’t have that them he can’t do what he needs to protect his family.”
Austen Kent was medically retired after sustaining a brain injury while overseas in Iraq. Kent had no idea the family would be driving away in a new car. “It's a blessing really, it really is a blessing that it's happening,” Kent said.
The car comes from Caliber Collision's recycled ride program they refurbish cars in order to give to Veterans. The company will be giving away two more cars before the end of the year and is currently accepting nominations.
In addition to the giveaway, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and former Cowboy Darren Woodson signed autographs.
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