It was on Independence Day back in 2007. Jonny Flores was serving in Baghdad, Iraq with the U.S. Army. On that day of independence for America, Flores was hit by an IED (improvised explosive device). He never walked again.
While our debt to Flores and countless other disabled veterans could never be repaid, former Buccaneer Rob Gronkowski teamed up with USAA to do something very heartwarming for the man this week. On Tuesday, Gronk presented the Purple Heart recipient with a specially equipped truck that will hopefully help him get around more easily and comfortably. The truck, which has been retrofitted with special features designed just for Flores, includes a custom-built wheelchair lift that rotates from the bed to the cab, allowing him to get in the truck and put the chair in the back with no additional help needed.
USAA has been celebrating 100 years of serving the military by giving vehicles to veterans all year. The program is called Recycled Rides and has given away over 100 vehicles in 2022. Flores praised the new truck, saying the wheelchair lift is a “game changer” for him. He went on to say that he is looking forward to all of the places he’ll go with his family in the truck. Video of Gronk presenting the truck can be seen on Gronk’s Twitter account or HERE. Source: WFLA.com
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