Birthplace of Route 66 Festival: Combat-wounded Army veteran receives new Chevy Silverado at Springfield’s Route 66 Festival

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A combat-wounded Army veteran received a new, payment-free 2026 Chevrolet Silverado Friday evening during the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield.

Former U.S. Army Pvt. Ryan McGowan, who was injured in combat, was presented the truck by the Military Warriors Support Foundation and the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks through the Chevrolet Everyday Heroes program.

Eric Shoemaker, president of the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks, made the presentation.

“This evening, Military Warriors Support Foundation and the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks are honored to assist you, Private Ryan McGowan, with your transportation needs by awarding you with keys to a brand new, 100-percent payment-free 2026 Chevy Silverado,” Shoemaker said.

McGowan’s service

McGowan served at Fort Jackson, in South Korea, at Fort Bliss and in Afghanistan. He was awarded two Army Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

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