Jay, his brother Jim, and Follow A Dream Board Member Scott Dewitt were invited to visit the wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Jay, Jim, and Scott spent the day visiting soldiers at the hospital. One of the highlights was the time spent in the new physical therapy wing. During this part of the visit they interacted with soldiers who were performing various exercises with a myriad of special equipment. To see a soldier take their first steps on a new set of prosthetic legs is amazing. The effort the troops make and their attitudes are so inspiring, Jay, Jim, and Scott wondered who was actually benefiting from the visits, but safe to say it was rewarding for all involved. Jay did have time to communicate his experiences, philosophy, and how he overcame his situation to follow his dream. Jay stated, “While these visits are somewhat difficult I think it’s important to honor these men and women as they return home.” Jim also spoke with family and friends about how they are affected and on what they can do to help transition from tragedy to hope and gratitude.

Jay would also like to acknowledge General Motors for their support of his efforts at Walter Reed Hospital, and having their Pro Stock Driver Jim Yates also participate and display his General Motors GTO Pro Stock Car along with the Follow A Dream Funny Car at the entryway of Mologne House, a transitional residence, much like a hotel located next door to the hospital on the Walter Reed campus, so that all soldiers and family members could approach and appreciate the cars and interact with the drivers and crew on a casual basis.

Last year Jay wanted to do something special to honor these special soldiers and their sacrifice for our freedom, so Jay placed a large American flag decal across the back of the racecar, with in large letters “FREE TO DREAM THANKS TO OUR TROOPS”. T-shirts were also designed for soldiers and their families as a token of appreciation for those who gave so much in the name of freedom. Since that time Soldiers have asked if they could autograph the back of the car under the flag and in the last year soldiers across all branches of the military have come forward and requested to sign the car in support of each other and the Follow A Dream team. “My feeling is that we owe all of these people a huge debt of gratitude,” said Jay. “Very simply put, we can not do what we do without the sacrifice of the men and women who make it their mission to keep us all free.”