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“Honoring Our Veterans” Series
Highlighting a community partnership to honor local veteran heroes with payment-free vehicles
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Veteran Hero: Kyle Loar, Retired US Army Sergeant | Store: Suburban Ford of Waterford (Michigan)
Retired US Army Sergeant Kyle Loar and his wife are diehard Detroit Tigers fans. So when they were invited to attend a Tigers home game at Comerica Park on July 9 as part the team’s “Saluting Our Heroes” program, they were thrilled.
Skybox seating, a visit from the team mascot, and complimentary swag kicked off an unforgettable game day, but the best was yet to come! During the fourth inning, Kyle and his family received the surprise of a lifetime: a payment-free 2026 Ford F-150 truck and two years of financial mentoring!
The giveaway was made possible through the Military Warrior Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program and the generosity of Lithia & Driveway, Suburban Ford of Waterford, and Comerica Bank, which each contributed funds toward the truck’s purchase.
“We were both completely shocked!” recalls Michelle, Kyle’s wife, when Brittany Osterhout, Lithia & Driveway’s Community Relations Manager, presented Kyle with a poster announcing how everyone in the suite was honoring him for his service with a new truck.
“Everyone there was so gracious, supportive, and a good listener,” says Kyle. He was particularly moved by everyone wearing a Tigers’ jersey with his name on the back, telling Michelle, “That’s my team!”
Mike Cavanaugh, Lithia & Driveway Operations President and US Marine Corps veteran, attended the game with several others from the community partnership. “What an honor it was to recognize Kyle and his family’s sacrifices and service to our country. The baseball game—where everyone had on ‘K. Loar’ Detroit Tigers jerseys—was such a special moment, and the surprise of a brand-new F-150 was the cherry on top. I’m so happy Lithia & Driveway and Suburban Ford of Waterford got to be a part of this special recognition.”
Suburban Ford of Waterford Hosts Truck Presentation
The day after the Tigers game, Kyle got a firsthand look at his new Ford F-150 pickup during a reception held at Suburban Ford of Waterford’s showroom. While there, Kyle with his family met with well-wishers, enjoyed refreshments, took photos, and listened to a few guest speakers.
Jeffrey Huvaere, General Manager at Suburban Ford of Waterford, hosted the event, telling attendees, “As a local dealership, Suburban Ford of Waterford is committed to helping Michigan residents find reliable vehicles every day, but today is especially meaningful. We’re honored to play a part in providing Kyle with this payment-free vehicle and making everyday life a little easier for him and his family.”
Kyle expressed his thanks to everyone involved in the partnership, noting how their collaboration sets him up for success and with an ongoing circle of support. He’s looking forward to staying connected with Suburban Ford of Waterford over the course of his ownership experience.
Kyle’s Story
In 2007, Kyle answered the call to serve his country out of a deep sense of patriotism. During his military service, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of active-combat operations. His service was cut short after he sustained serious injuries in a grenade attack and IED explosion. Kyle is a two-time Purple Heart awardee, Combat Action Badge awardee, and recipient of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Stars. He medically retired from military service in 2013.
Today, Kyle’s greatest mission is his family. He and Michelle (who is also a veteran) are raising a blended family of five children. In their spare time, they enjoy cheering on the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and the University of Michigan Wolverines. The new F-150 truck fits nicely into Kyle’s fishing and outdoor activities.
“The truck will always be more than a means of transportation,” says Michelle. “It’ll be a constant reminder of the special two days we had together and the kindness we experienced.”
GIVING BACK TO OUR LOCAL VETERANS
So many people came together to honor Kyle, our veteran hero—thank you, everyone!
TRANSPORTATION4HEROES PROGRAM
The MWSF’s Transportation4Heroes program awards payment-free vehicles to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses whose loved one was killed-in-action. In addition to the vehicle, the program recipients receive two years of family and financial mentoring. If you know of a deserving veteran or have any questions about the program, email transportation@militarywarriors.org.
