Toyota Helps Veteran In Need

Nov 3, 2016

Here at Toyota, we consider providing vehicles to people a pretty important responsibility. But when that is compared to what our nation’s military personnel do everyday it seems pretty insignificant. Consider Congressional Medal of Honor recipient John Philip Baca and the heroism he displayed in 1970 while stationed in Vietnam.

According to an article from Toyota it was said that “In the words of his Medal of Honor citation, Baca ‘unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety’ covered a grenade tossed into the group with his helmet and his own body, smothering the blast and saving eight fellow soldiers from severe injury or death.”

An act of courage and unselfishness like that is something that can never be repaid nor is there any praise high enough for Mr. Baca and his efforts. Toyota, however, through the help of the American Soldier Network (ASN), learned that Baca was in need of transportation for himself and his service dog JoJo. Shortly thereafter, at a Forgotten Sons “Ride to Live” fundraising motorcycle ride Baca and JoJo were surprised with a brand new Platinum edition Toyota Tundra.

“As a veteran myself, I can truly understand the many perils that John and his fellow troops endured defending our nation,” said Smith. “It gives me great pleasure to present him with this Tundra on behalf of Toyota and our team members across America as just a small token of our gratitude to him for his service.”

It doesn’t stop there. Toyota has announced that $5,000 will be donated to ASN on Baca’s behalf. Oh, and JoJo received a year’s supply of dog food and dog travel accessories from Hills Dog Food, Purina Dog Food and MWI Animal Health.

“American Soldier Network and Toyota Join Forces to Honor Decorated Veteran.” Toyota USA Newsroom. Toyota, 31 Oct. 2016. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.