All-New Chevrolet Silverado Will Haul for Heroes GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson to give truck to Achilles Freedom Team

2013-12-12

PHILADELPHIA - During Saturday's 114th Army-Navy Game, GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson will present a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country 1500 crew cab pickup truck to the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.

The truck will be used to haul hand cycles and equipment to Walter Reed-Bethesda Naval Center for athlete training, and to regional competitions.

Chevrolet has been the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game since 2010 and recently extended its support through 2016.

"This Silverado is capable of amazing things, but I can't think of a higher calling for it than helping wounded veterans rebuild their lives," said Akerson.

Through the Achilles Freedom Team, more than 1,000 veterans disabled in war are overcoming life-threatening injuries by participating in marathons and other athletic feats. Members set goals and train in hand cycles or on their prosthetics, and compete as a team in mainstream road races and marathons around the country and internationally.

Achilles International founder Dick Traum and Achilles team members will accept the keys to the truck.

"Thanks in part to Chevrolet's generosity, our team members are rechanneling their competitive spirit and proving that there is life after a devastating injury," said Traum.

At last year's Army-Navy Game, Chevrolet introduced two prototype hand cycles designed to meet the unique needs of wounded athletes and withstand punishing travel conditions. The cycles were developed by senior engineering students at Michigan Technological University with help from GM engineers. One cycle was refined and operated by an Achilles athlete in October's Detroit Free Press-Talmer Bank International Marathon in Detroit.

Three-wheel hand cycles allow athletes to sit with their remaining lower limbs in front of them while pumping the wheels on handlebar cranks with their hands or prosthetics. For veterans who are amputees or who have sustained other serious injuries, this is often a better solution for racing than a traditional racing wheelchair.

In 2010, GM donated cycles and a Chevrolet Silverado for hauling them. Chevrolet also underwrites several Achilles Freedom Team competitions throughout the country.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. EST on CBS. The Silverado donation will take place during a first-quarter timeout and will be televised later in the game.

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About GM's Military Support
With thousands of military veteran employees, General Motors' support for the United States armed forces spans generations. Today, Chevrolet assists Cell Phones for Soldiers, Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, a variety of employment and grassroots initiatives, and is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game. The Chevrolet Military Discount program offers the industry's best discounts on most new Chevrolet vehicles for active duty, reserves, veterans (within one year of discharge date) and retirees and spouses of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard. Buick and GMC also offer this military discount on most new-vehicle purchases. GM is a sponsor of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring our Heroes initiative aimed and finding meaningful employment for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

About the Achilles Freedom Team
The Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans was founded in 2004 by Achilles International as a rehabilitation program that trains and sponsors recently wounded servicemen to participate in mainstream races across the nation. For more information, please visit www.achillesinternational.org or find us on Facebook at Achilles International.

About the Army-Navy Football Game
The Army-Navy Game is presented by USAA.  Army and Navy have met on the gridiron since 1890.  This year's game marks the 114th in the series.  CBS and American Forces Network will broadcast America's Game worldwide on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 3pm ET.  For more information please visit www.GoArmySports.com, www.NavySports.com, or www.ArmyNavyGame.com.

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During Saturday's Army-Navy Game, GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson will present a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country 1500 crew cab pickup truck to the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. The truck will be used to haul hand cycles and equipment to Walter Reed-Bethesda Naval Center for athlete training, and to regional competitions. Travis Wood, a member of the Achilles team, prepares to race a prototype hand cycle developed by students at Michigan Technological University with help from GM engineers during the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank International Marathon in October. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Chevrolet)

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