ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - May 29, 2014) - Every day, thousands of men and women put their lives on the line serving in the military for America's freedom. On Memorial Day, we remember those whose lives were lost and remind ourselves that for many returning home, a new battle begins. To help those who have sustained paralyzing injuries while on active duty and after, Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and Pennzoil® have teamed up to retrofit cars to give mobility back to paralyzed veterans, as featured in a new #lovethecarbusiness video released today.
Celebrating the car industry's positive impact, this new #lovethecarbusiness video spotlights Mission: ABLE, a program developed by Paralyzed Veterans of America and supported by Pennzoil®, designed to bring the maximum quality of life back to paralyzed veterans by ensuring that they receive the care, benefits and jobs they have earned. The video reveals the story of Hank Ebert, who received a retrofitted Toyota Sienna van, featuring the latest technology for paralyzed drivers, as part of Pennzoil's "Love Your Car" program in partnership with Paralyzed Veterans. A U.S. Navy veteran, Ebert served four years as a crewman on a rescue helicopter in Vietnam. Today, despite his paralyzing injury, he stays active and participates in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, is a fishing guide and an avid drag racing fan. He was nominated by his local chapter, Minnesota Paralyzed Veterans of America, to receive the retrofitted vehicle and was overwhelmed by the generosity.
"I'm incredibly excited. It hasn't even sunk in yet how excited I am," said U.S. Navy veteran, Hank Ebert. "From winning this car, to being flown to Charlotte to see my first NASCAR race, to being here with all my friends to celebrate, it's just awesome."
With more than 44,000 American veterans living with paralysis and rising healthcare costs, veterans are in greater need of support. Paralyzed Veterans' Mission: ABLE campaign aims to help the nation's paralyzed veterans rebuild their lives. With support from companies like Pennzoil, Mission: ABLE can continue to provide disabled veterans with tools to help them regain their mobility.
"Paralyzed Veterans' partnership with Pennzoil has allowed deserving veterans the opportunity to drive again, which is a major step toward re-establishing their freedom, independence and normal way of life," said Bill Lawson, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "This is a truly life-changing thing for a paralyzed veteran, and we're grateful for Pennzoil's partnership and continued support."
"The Pennzoil and Paralyzed Veterans of America relationship is based on a common theme, the freedom associated with being able to operate an automobile," explained Suzanne Clerkin, Pennzoil® Brand Manager. "This is a freedom that most of us take for granted, but all of us can help give back through Paralyzed Veterans of America's 'Mission: ABLE' program that allows vehicles to be retrofitted for injured veterans, helping to reignite their freedom and love of cars."
Founded in December 2012, the #lovethecarbusiness movement features a collection of stories that bring to life the people and personalities behind it who are making a positive impact. Through hundreds of written and video stories, #lovethecarbusiness celebrates those working to improve the industry by helping others, supporting their local community, creating a great place to work and much more. People from around the country are invited to share their stories on the website and Facebook community for fans to enjoy.
About #lovethecarbusiness
Founded in December 2012, #lovethecarbusiness aims to change and improve the perceptions around the car industry by celebrating and giving a voice to the people and personalities behind it who are making a difference. With thousands of fans, #lovethecarbusiness is creating a movement and place for recognizing the great work taking place in the car business each and every day through hundreds of fan stories. The movement is backed by companies including EasyCare®, Covideo, Motor Trend Certified Vehicles, Best Training Day Ever™ and many others. Learn more at www.lovethecarbusiness.com.
About Pennzoil®
At Pennzoil®, we're car people. We love cars and the role they play in our lives. That's why we tirelessly strive to produce the most technologically advanced, highest performing motor oils on the market. Our Pennzoil Platinum® and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ motor oils with PurePlus™ Technology deliver Complete Protection. Pennzoil Platinum motor oils start with something different: natural gas. PurePlus™ Technology is a patented, revolutionary process that converts pure natural gas into the first-of-its-kind, high quality full synthetic base oil. It's Motor Oil Reimagined.
Pennzoil® is the most trusted motor oil brand in America.* The full line of Pennzoil quality products includes Pennzoil Platinum® and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ with PurePlus™ Technology, Pennzoil® motor oil, Pennzoil Gold™ motor oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine® engine oil. For more information about the full line of Pennzoil® lubricating products, motor oils and filters, please visit www.pennzoil.com. Not just oil. Pennzoil®.
*Based on a survey of licensed drivers conducted by a leading research firm January 2005 - December 2013.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded by a group of seriously injured American heroes from the "Greatest Generation" of World War II. They created a nonprofit organization to meet the challenges that they faced back in the 1940s -- from a medical community not ready to treat them to an inaccessible world. For more than 68 years, Paralyzed Veterans' national office and its 34 chapters across the nation have been making America a better place for all veterans and people with disabilities. (www.pva.org)
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Beth Cleveland
415-283-7333