AUSTIN, Texas — A veteran who was wounded in combat in Iraq received a new, payment-free vehicle Monday during a ceremony at Group 1 Toyota North Austin.

Christopher Lawrence, a former U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, was presented with a 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross through the foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program. He will also receive two years of financial mentoring as part of the gift.

“Today, we are honored to officially present a brand new 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross to former U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Lawrence through the Military Warriors Support Foundation Transportation4Heroes program,” said Steve Riddick, general manager of Group 1 Toyota North Austin. “… At Group 1 Toyota North Austin, we believe that supporting those who have served our country is more than an opportunity. It’s a responsibility and a privilege.”

According to Casey Kinser, Executive Vice President of Military Warriors Support Foundation, Lawrence served in the Army from 2006 to 2018, deploying multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan. During his first deployment to Iraq, he suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg in combat, requiring multiple surgeries. He returned to duty, completed Ranger School, and later rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 before retiring.

His military honors include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

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Lawrence now lives in Temple with his family and works as a retail store leader, while also coaching youth sports in his community.

He said he applied for a vehicle through the foundation years ago but was not initially selected. He said the organization kept his information on file and reached out once an opportunity arose.

“I’m still in shock, to be honest with you,” Lawrence said. “This incredible blessing is probably the biggest step forward that we’ve had in a long time.”

Lawrence said the vehicle removes a financial burden for his family and will allow him to spend more time with his wife and five children.

“It’s more than a car,” he said. “We’ve met some great people… there’s many families out there that could use a hand, but we’re just so blessed to be part of this.”

According to the Military Warriors Support Foundation, the Transportation4Heroes program has awarded more than 200 vehicles nationwide since the nonprofit’s founding in 2007.