An SS Fulfills a Marine’s Lifelong Dream
by Hib Halverson, Content Director

There are many in the Camaro Nation who serve. Marines, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard–to all of them we are grateful because the work they do keeps all of us at home safe. We are especially indebted to those in combat roles. Every day, those men and women are willing to lay down their lives for our freedom.

Staff Sergeant Guillermo “TJ” Tejada has been a United Sates Marine for 12 years. Tejada is also a Camaro fan. He got hooked on America’s Sports Coupe as a kid and wanted one ever since. Since joining the Marines right out of high school, Tejada has been deployed twice to Japan, he fought in the invasion of Iraq and, most recently, was deployed to Afghanistan with India Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment

On 11 November 2010, SSgt. Tejada was part of a foot patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan. During that mission, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, blowing off both of Tejada’s legs. Following the IED explosion, his unit was ambushed by Taliban militants and vicious firefight took place. While under heavy enemy fire, Tejada’s fellow Marines and medics worked to keep him alive. Continuous Taliban small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, prevented Tejada’s evacuation by helicopter. His squad engaged the enemy forcing them hold their positions until reinforcements arrived. Fellow Marines carried him about a kilometer, fighting their way back to their forward operating base. From there, Tejada was flown to the nearest hospital where he was stabilized then moved to Germany and finally shippped  back home.

SSgt. Tejada was released to outpatient status in January 2011 and has been undergoing rehabilitation therapy ever since. After a 1-1/2 to 2 year recovery, he plans on training for a different job in the Marine Corps so he can continue to support the Marines who are forward-deployed. SSgt. Tejada’s biggest regret is that he “...could not return to Afghanistan to finish the deployment with my Marine brothers.” Further, he said, “I don’t plan on retiring from the Marines until after I have 20 years of service.”

Early in 2011, two groups who support wounded veterans, the “Semper Fi Fund” and the “Nice Guys Victory Fund”, heard about Tejada’s disability and his yen for a Camaro. They decided they had to act. These groups donated the money necessary to buy a 2011 SS for T.J. Tejada then worked with several aftermarket manufacturers and WyoTech to modify the car for improved performance and customized appearance.

T.J’s 5th Gen Camaro was fitted with an Pro-Plus suspension kit from Eibach Springs (also a supplier to the Camaro Homepage’s “Tom Henry RS” project), a Cherry Bomb exhaust system, MGP Brake Caliper covers and hand controls from the Ability Center. The Imagineering Shop put the custom paint on the car. Covercraft supplied a special car cover with custom lettering commemorating the Semper Fi Fund.

The modifications to the suspension, brakes and exhaust were done at the WyoTech campus in Long Beach, California by four students who are, also, service veterans: Patrick Lee, Mike Page, Ernest Mallette and Joshua Lott.

The stunning red, Camaro SS was presented to SSgt Tejada in a special ceremony during the annual “Wounded Warrior” car show at Long Beach WyoTech campus on 24 August 2011.

After the presentation, T.J’s Wife, Veronica, his Mom and his three children surrounded him. “I'm happy to be alive,” he beamed. “So having the Semper Fi Fund and WyoTech presenting me a gift like this is beyond my wildest dreams.”

“It was a great honor to assist the Semper Fi Fund in supporting SSgt. Tejada and his family,” said Tom Stein, Vice President of WyoTech Long Beach.  “It was an emotional day for all, but especially for the veterans who were present.  We look forward to helping out the Semper Fi Fund in the future.”

As SSgt. Tejada started the engine and drove away in his new Camaro SS, there was applause and tears of joy from the hundreds of Semper Fi supporters, fellow Marines, car enthusiasts and families in attendance.

It was a moment that many will not soon forget.