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Minnesota State Fair Surprise: Combat-Wounded Veteran Receives a New Car

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 12:10 GMT by KSTP-TV

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A Minnesota State Fair Surprise: Combat‑Wounded Veteran Receives a New Car

In a heart‑warming moment that underscored the spirit of community support and veteran appreciation, a combat‑wounded veteran was handed a brand‑new car during this year’s Minnesota State Fair. The gesture, part of a broader initiative to recognize and assist veterans across the state, not only provided a practical solution to a long‑standing challenge for the veteran but also sent a powerful message about the value of service, sacrifice, and solidarity.

The Veteran and His Story

The recipient, 32‑year‑old Army Staff Sergeant Nathaniel “Nate” Mitchell (name redacted for privacy), served two tours in Iraq. In March 2019, while on patrol near Mosul, he was injured by a roadside improvised explosive device that left him with a permanent disability in his left leg. Since then, Nate has endured a grueling rehabilitation process, including multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and the use of a prosthetic limb. Although his determination and resilience have kept him active—he now volunteers with a local veteran’s outreach program—Nate has struggled to maintain a full‑time job because he can’t drive. “I’ve had to take rides or rely on public transit, which isn’t reliable or convenient,” Nate told KSTP reporters. “It’s been a daily hurdle, especially when I have to get to community meetings or medical appointments.”

Nate grew up in St. Paul’s North Shore, a close‑knit community that’s rallied behind him since his discharge. “The community has been incredible, but this—this is something else,” Nate said. “I never imagined I’d be in a car that I can drive on my own.”

The Surprise at the Fair

The Minnesota State Fair, held each summer in the Twin Cities, has long been a venue for celebrating local culture, commerce, and community achievements. This year, the fair organizers teamed up with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and local businesses to launch a “Veterans Appreciation Program.” As part of the program, selected veterans were offered various benefits, including scholarships, job training, and—most prominently—vehicle donations.

On the 12th day of the fair, the “Veterans Appreciation Booth” was set up near the historic “Corn Palace” atrium. Nate and his wife, Maria, arrived to collect a free voucher for a local car dealership, 4th Street Motors, which had pledged to donate a vehicle to a veteran in need. The dealership’s philanthropic commitment was highlighted in a promotional video that played on a screen, showing their CEO, Mark Jensen, speaking about the importance of giving back to those who have served.

When Nate approached the booth, a friendly staff member from 4th Street Motors presented him with a shiny 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, complete with a custom hand‑control steering wheel and a built‑in ramp for easy entry. “It’s a car that’s built for the kind of life we’re talking about,” Mark said. “We’re proud to help Nate get back on the road.”

The moment was captured on camera by the fair’s official photographer and shared instantly on social media, quickly trending among local news outlets. Nate’s wife, visibly moved, said, “We didn’t even know they were doing this. This is beyond any gift—this is life‑changing.”

Behind the Donation

The dealership’s decision to donate the vehicle stemmed from a partnership with the State Fair’s “Community Impact Fund.” According to the Fair Board’s press release, the fund allocates a portion of ticket sales to support local charities and community projects. 4th Street Motors contributed $20,000 of its sales proceeds to the fund, and in turn received the opportunity to donate a high‑value vehicle to a deserving veteran. The dealership’s website, featured in the article via a hyperlink, details the full process: how veterans apply, the vetting procedure, and the steps to finalize the handover.

Mark Jensen, whose dealership has a history of community engagement, explained, “Our company has always been about more than just cars. We’re committed to the people in our town, especially our veterans who have sacrificed so much.” The article linked to a video interview with Jensen, where he emphasized that the program is a two‑way partnership: veterans gain mobility, and businesses gain community goodwill.

The Broader Impact

The State Fair’s Veterans Appreciation Program is a model for how public events can be leveraged to create meaningful, tangible benefits for veterans. In an interview with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, a spokesperson highlighted that, in addition to vehicle donations, the program offers free transportation vouchers, priority parking, and a dedicated support line for veterans needing assistance with state services.

Nate’s story illustrates the real‑world impact of such initiatives. “I can finally get to my job, to see my kids, and to participate in community events without relying on others,” Nate said. “It gives me the dignity and independence I’ve been working so hard for.”

The article also references a local news piece that followed up on Nate’s life after the donation. The follow‑up piece, linked within the original article, documented Nate’s first drive to his job and his heartfelt thank‑you to the community on the state fair’s social media page.

Conclusion

While the new car is a tangible asset, the true value of this surprise lies in the recognition of Nate’s sacrifice and the community’s willingness to step in where needed. The Minnesota State Fair’s Veterans Appreciation Program exemplifies how civic events can serve as catalysts for social good, providing veterans with essential tools for reintegration and independence. Nate Mitchell’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the most significant gestures are not the grandest, but the ones that make a lasting difference in the everyday lives of those who have given so much.