Texas Marine veteran who lost both legs receives adaptive GMC Sierra to hunt with his sons
Published on Nov 13, 2025 at 5:34 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Nov 12, 2025 at 8:35 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A Texas Marine veteran has received an adaptive GMC Sierra to hunt with his sons.
November 11th marked US Veterans’ Day across the United States.
And for US Marine Corps veteran Ryan Zimmerer, this was one to remember.
Because he received an adaptive GMC Sierra so he can hunt with his sons.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Ryan Zimmerer’s long road to recovery
Every November 11 marks Veterans’ Day in the United States.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate and remember those who have served – and continue to serve – in the United States armed forces.
And this year’s celebration has been a very special, car-focused day for one Texas Marine veteran.
Ryan Zimmerer, 38, is the Texan native who served in the US Marine Corps.
Back in February 2009, Zimmerer was participating in a training exercise on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.
In a tragic accident, he fell 50 feet from a helicopter straight onto the flight deck of the ship.
Sadly, Zimmerer suffered several serious injuries, including two broken ankles, a brain injury, and tailbone and left hip injuries.
Thankfully, the veteran eventually made a full recovery from his injuries.
But his recovery included the eventual amputation of both of his legs.
Despite such a difficult journey, Ryan Zimmerer never lost his love for hunting or fishing.
Texas Marine veteran gifted a modified GMC Sierra
Unfortunately, his obvious mobility issues proved to be limiting.
Thankfully, though, the National Auto Body Council was able to help.
During a Veterans’ Day ceremony in Plano, Texas, Zimmerer received a special surprise.
He, alongside 16 other veterans, was awarded a specially modified vehicle to assist with his needs.
The program provides vehicles for veterans and is supported by numerous veterans’ groups.
Zimmerer was awarded a GMC Sierra truck.
And it had been modified to enable him to hunt with his sons.
It’s outfitted with modified hand controls to operate the accelerator and brakes.
The GMC Sierra also comes with a lift system that will expand his mobility.
New hunting areas will now be able to be explored by Zimmerer and his sons, Kane, 16, and Warren, 13.
“Just getting places to hunt and fish with my sons has been a challenge,” the Marine Corps veteran said.
“This truck will make things so much easier. We can get the track chair into better places and will be able to experience so much more of the wilderness.”
“Now today will make everything just that much better,” he said.
This is a truly wonderful initiative, and it is wonderful to see that Ryan Zimmerer will be able to enjoy hunting with his sons once again.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
