Ford presented a brand new 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R to a US Marine Corps Sergeant in recognition of his bravery after a serious accident on a Virginia interstate. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, Tyler Vargas-Andrews, a 26-year-old retired marine, was gifted the vehicle to replace his recently damaged Ford F-150 Raptor.
His truck was rear-ended by a speeding 2017 Nissan Murano at 75 mph, resulting in a replacement necessity. The driver of the Nissan suffered minor injuries and was charged with reckless driving.
Vargas-Andrews shared his story on Instagram, praising the truck for potentially saving his life, which caught the attention of Ford. The company reached out to him, leading to an invitation to the Dearborn Truck plant, where he met with employees, including executive chair Bill Ford and CEO Jim Farley.
A dedicated Ford customer, Vargas-Andrews purchased his original F-150 Raptor in 2023 as a personal gift, costing him over six figures with additional fees. The replacement truck, a 2024 model, is an upgraded version priced at $113,770, featuring a 720-horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
It will also include aftermarket modifications such as a wheelchair lift or modified vehicle controls, similar to his previous Raptor. Although the new truck is yet to be produced, Ford assured that it will be delivered to Vargas-Andrews’ local dealer in Virginia.
Vargas-Andrews expressed gratitude to his supporters in an Instagram post, acknowledging the overwhelming response and Ford’s generosity.
Ford’s gesture reflects a broader trend of automakers supporting military veterans, with companies like General Motors and Dodge offering military discounts, while Jeep introduced a military-themed Freedom Package for vehicles like the Wrangler.
