Jay Leno Surprises Ft. Campbell Soldier With 2015 Dodge SRT Hellcat

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Nov. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Behind every salute and every handshake from a soldier, there's a great story. Jay Leno set out to share one of those stories, and went above and beyond to show his appreciation for their service — by giving a soldier a brand new car.

This idea was born 'out of' a suggestion from Al Roker when he and Jay visited the troops on a USO tour to Afghanistan. From a raffle they picked one name 'out of the hat' and pledged to give that soldier a New 2015 Dodge SRT Hellcat [Most Powerful Muscle Car Ever// 707 HP]

That soldier was Cpl. Ethan Laberge. Laberge had been on foot patrol in Afghanistan when a suicide bomber drove up and detonated himself, seriously injuring Leberge and killing two fellow soldiers who had been standing with him.

Leno, 64, said that when he meets many soldiers, most are barely out of their teens and he finds they're often worlds apart. But Leno said he and Leberge were quickly able to find common ground in their love of cars, and Leno had just the thing for Leberge: a ride in a 2015 Dodge SRT Hellcat.

Leberge suffered a traumatic brain injury that has been causing memory problems. He told Jay, "I had shrapnel that went through my ... foot into my left knee and I had a hole in the back of my left leg," Leberge said. "I had a superficial wound above my right knee and I also had shrapnel that went into my arm, broke off the end of my radius, broke up a couple of bones in my wrist and essentially shattered my thumb."

Cpl. Leberge does not consider himself a hero but Sgt Clinton Lien says "He is to guys like us"

Leno and Leberge went on a countywide, countryside spin, in 'The Hellcat', stopping along the way for lunch at Knockum Hill BBQ [one of the area's favorite places for barbeque] and returned back to the base for a moment of reflection.

Jay asked Cpl Leberge for his review of the 'Joy Ride' in the All New 2015 Dodge SRT HellCat, to which he responds... "that was awesome.. I wouldn't mind having one of these"..... Leno then takes the keys, hands them to the wounded soldier, and says "It's Yours... It's Yours"

After the surprise, a strong embrace and Leberge's expressions of thanks, Leno looks at him with sincere appreciation, and leaves this lasting word of gratitude for the price paid by this wounded warrior.

"Thank You Man, America Loves Ya, Thank You Buddy.....and don't get any tickets"...Cpl. Leberge counters, "I can't promise that".... and smiles....

Now That's What America Is All About......

Enjoy Bonus Video Of Jay In His Garage WIth 2015 Dodge SRT Hellcat & Tim Kuniskis President & CEO DODGE/SRT Brands
http://youtu.be/MWMjR3r-nsI



Gary Mathews Dealerships Salute All The Soldiers of The 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles" and Their Famiies... To find out how GMM honors All Military with Special Programs and Supports Ft. Campbell Soldiers visit....

www.GaryMathewsMotors.com

:this story is compiled,written,edited,created or redistributed by a3marketing and the source article/content is from the Today Show interview with Jay Leno.