U.S. Veteran Is Gifted Brand-new Ford F-250

Giving back to those who gave everything, Wounded Warriors Family Support foundation donated new Ford F-250 truck to navy veteran.

At the Hotel de Coronado in Southern California a few weeks back, Andrew Bottrell woke up to a pleasant surprise. With the help of the Wounded Warriors Family Support foundation (WWFS) and Pawn Star’s Rick Harrison, Bottrell became the owner of a brand new Ford F-250 Power Stroke. The truck, dubbed “The Old Man Tribute Truck,” pays tribute to Harrison’s father, or “Old Man,” who’d served the Navy for 20 proud years before appearing on Pawn Stars with his son. Having passed away last year, Rick figured the best way to honor his father’s legacy would be to donate and modify a truck to fit both Bottrell’s needs and desires with the help of WWFS.

As Erika Cervantes with NBC 7 San Diego phrases it, it was a dream come true for Bottrell. In front of NBC 7’s cameras, he commented on how grateful he is to receive the truck. Bottrell was injured while on duty in Afghanistan back in 2011 after the vehicle he was in was struck by an enemy improvised explosive device (IED). As a result of the explosion, Bottrell lost both of his legs and left arm to amputation. Before medically retiring in 2013 after a very long recovery period, Bottrell was a proud recipient of a Purple Heart & Bronze Star with Valor.

Planning to put the truck he helped design to good use, Bottrell said he plans on taking his new truck camping and hunting — which were two of his favorite hobbies before his unfortunate accident. The F-250’s modifications to make Bottrell’s travels easier, as well as a trove of features fitted to the bed to suit his active lifestyle. On the truck’s website, it mentioned that the truck is meant to give Bottrell and his family a tool that would make leading an active lifestyle as a family that much easier.

As Rick Harrison said in a video on the truck’s website, “It’s a gift that [Bottrell] needs, and more than richly deserves.” Here on F-150 online, we’re more than inclined to agree. At the end of it all, Bottrell mentions to NBC 7 that the very first trip in his new F-250 won’t be to the woods — but to Vegas, to say thanks to Rick Harrison in person.

Photo by NBC 7 San Diego