13-02-2025
Kansas veteran receives free SUV at Wichita State game
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A Kansas veteran received quite a surprise during a Wichita State basketball game.
On Wednesday, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Wayne Fistler attended the game, believing he had been selected as the Chevrolet Everyday Hero to be honored for his courageous service. To his surprise, the Hometown Chevy Dealers and Military Warriors Support Foundation also presented Fistler with the keys to a brand-new Chevrolet Traverse.
'This presentation and event is about honoring one of our local heroes who has sacrificed so much to provide us our freedom,' Mike Shook, president of the Hometown Chevy Dealers, said.
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'Being able to partner with them, come together, and wrap our arms around Joshua and family and award him this payment-free vehicle, this is what it takes. It takes a partnership and a community to come together and support families in providing them these types of ways that will reduce any stress for their families,' Tammy LeValley, Military Warriors Support Foundation, said.
Fistler was raised in Peabody and currently lives in Inman. He joined the Army in 2005 in Salina and served at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, and Iraq. Fistler has received many medals for his bravery and service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart.
'It's going to mean a lot. You know, I've never actually owned a brand-new car. You know, and the car we have right now isn't big enough for our family. Like, my kids are really squished in the back seat,' Joshua said.
'We are so grateful. Like, honestly, there are no words how honestly and truly amazing I feel for everything they have done for Joshua and my family. I couldn't ask for a better gift. Like, it's so amazing to know that we have that- we have a new car,' Brittany Fistler, Joshua's wife, said.
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The SUV was given to Fistler 100% payment-free.
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