Revving Up Retirement in a New Toyota Highlander for Dedicated Veteran
Imagine receiving an email out of the blue telling you that you’ve just won a brand-new car. For U.S. Marines Corps and Army National Guard veteran Steve Lawrence, that email didn’t seem legitimate. After all, he joked with his wife, “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn’t true.”
Instead, it was an unexpected moment of recognition made possible through the Committed to America’s Heroes Sweepstakes.
A Partnership that Honors Service
Steve was announced as the 2026 winner of the Committed to America’s Heroes Sweepstakes at a livestreamed celebration at Toyota of Muncie in Muncie, Indiana on June 16. Now in its eighth year, the sweepstakes provides an opportunity to recognize members of the military community through the presentation of a new Toyota vehicle.
Made possible through a longstanding partnership between Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) and Toyota North America, with support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the sweepstakes provided an opportunity to recognize members of the military community.
A Shift in Gears for the Journey Ahead
Selected at random from thousands of entries, Steve chose a new Toyota Highlander.
For Steve and his wife, the Highlander will help them continue doing something they both love: traveling together. Their first planned road trip is to Indianapolis, where Steve looks forward to showing his children and grandchildren his new vehicle. His wife will be in the passenger seat for the Highlander’s first trip, at least, Steve joked, “until it’s her turn to drive.”
A Lifetime of Duty
Steve’s military career spans more than three decades of service. He began in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1974 to 1978 as a military policeman at the tail end of the Vietnam conflict. His assignments took him to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Camp Pendleton, and the Naval Weapons Station in Oakland, California.
He later continued his service in the Army National Guard, first in Ohio and then in Indiana. Activated to full-time status on two occasions, Steve ultimately concluded his military career with a tour in Afghanistan as a Major.
“I was always proud to wear the uniform both as a young Marine and later as a seasoned Army Officer,” Steve reflected.
After his military career, Steve spent 20 years working as a mold maker for Ardagh Group’s bottle division before retiring. Today, he enjoys target shooting, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family.
An Unexpected Message
Steve first learned about the Committed to America’s Heroes Sweepstakes through a VA newsletter. Having received care through the VA for more than 25 years, the sweepstakes caught his attention, and he decided to submit an entry.
When the unexpected email arrived, Steve was understandably skeptical.
“I’ve never won anything significant, so I was extremely surprised to hear that I was the 2026 winner,” he admitted.
Like many people, he was wary of contests that turn out to be fake, but as the news sank in, his disbelief turned into gratitude.
“I want to thank HOH, Toyota, and the VA for their generosity,” Steve said. “It’s more than I deserve or expected.”
A Vehicle for Lasting Support
Veterans like Steve reflect the strength, dedication, and humility of America’s military community. HOH is proud to recognize Steve’s service through the Committed to America’s Heroes Sweepstakes.
“Each year this sweepstakes works to honor veterans and military spouses in their communities and shine a light on the contributions they make in their everyday communities,” Brooke Prouty, Vice President, Digital, Technology, and Communications at Hiring Our Heroes, said during the ceremony. “This year we are delighted to celebrate and recognize Steve’s years of military service.”
