Toyota and NYAS Present Veteran With 2016 RAV4 Hybrid

During the New York International Auto Show Toyota took time out to honor a local veteran who served and was wounded in Afghanistan. Army Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Hackett spent 19 years in the U.S. Army before his medical retirement in 2013. During combat operations in Afghanistan Sergeant Hackett was badly wounded by an IED. The serious injuries he sustained included the loss of his right leg and PTSD.

The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented to Sergeant Hackett, his wife, and daughters has been specially adapted to meet his needs. The pedals have been modified to work with a left leg, and the steering has also been adapted to his needs. In addition to the donation of the RAV4 itself, Toyota Financial Services added a Platinum Toyota Extra Care Vehicle Service Agreement, which expands coverage for his RAV4 Hybrid for up to 6 years or 100,000 miles. “Sgt. First Class Hackett and his family embody service and sacrifice and determination,” said Toyota Vehicle Operations Manager Jason Keller during the presentation. “We are thankful for the service and sacrifice of veterans like him.”

Hackett served two tours in Afghanistan and on other deployments around the world in Haiti, Kosovo, and Panama. He earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart and nine other commendations. “I let nothing stop me – if presented I will try it – and if I cannot do it the first time, I will find a way to do it,” Hackett said. “The fight is never over for veterans, regardless of the job they held during active duty. It has just begun.”