Comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno said his favorite part of doing USO shows overseas for the troops was meeting some of the soldiers one-on-one.
He decided that although young soldiers back from war have numerous services that help them with their every day needs, they don’t often receive the luxuries that Jay gets to enjoy.
He decided to compile a list of names of wounded warriors, place them in a barrel and draw a winner.
Cpl. Ethan Laberge, who is suffering from pain sustained in a roadside bomb injury in Afghanistan, met Jay at a local garage and was asked if he wanted to go for a ride in a hot new car, the 2015 Dodge Hellcat.
Leno, 64 let him drive the red beauty on country roads outside his Army base of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They stopped for barbecue and talked about cars, one of the comedian’s favorite topics.
When they arrived back to base, Leberge gave an instant review of the Hellcat, “That was awesome … I wouldn’t mind having one of these.”
“It’s yours,” Leno said handing Leberge the keys. “America loves you. Thank you buddy.”