On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Monterey, Mazda honored the commitment of three military veterans and their families.
In conjunction with Military Appreciation Day at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Chase and Operation Homefront, Mazda presented two families with keys to one of the manufacturer’s vehicles of their choice, and one family with the key to a new home.
U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Don DeGuzeman experienced seven Western Pacific deployments spanning 12 years and one combat deployment to Afghanistan. His family, along with that of U.S. Marine Sergeant Ricardo Mendez, who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2012, will be receiving the new Mazda vehicles.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Toure Williams, who enlisted in the Army to support his family and newborn child, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 and to this day, suffers from post-traumatic stress, nerve damage and spinal injury. Williams and his family will be receiving a mortgage-free home in Jackson, New Jersey.
“It’s our biggest dream to get a home of my own,” said Williams. “This is new beginnings, something that we as a family can work on together, make our own home that we have dreamed of.”
All six Mazda drivers from the IMSA SportsCar Challenge team Freedom Autosport joined a large assembly of Mazda executives for the presentation. A crowd of fans also gathered around to watch, as the awards were given during the fan grid walk ahead of the Continental Tire Challenge race.
Liam Dwyer, one of the six Freedom Autosport drivers, lost his left leg in Afghanistan after stepping on an explosive in 2011 and participated in the presentation, standing with the families and helping deliver the awards.