Injured Army specialist takes delivery of dream car

DECATUR — A wounded warrior's dreams of rapid mobilization came true Thursday at the Bob Brady Auto Mall in Decatur. 

Twenty-three-year-old Army Spc. Corey Kent, who lost both legs and the fingers on his left hand in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2010, took delivery of a tricked out Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Coupe. 

Kent won't be able to drive it just yet, however, until the vehicle is fitted with adapted hand controls. That will be taken care of in a few weeks in Washington, D.C., where Kent is living as he continues to undergo medical treatment. A veteran of more than 70 operations who used to love fast motorbikes before suffering his injuries, the soldier can't wait to deploy out on the highway again. 

"The day I finally get to pick it up and drive it back home, that will be fun," said Kent, his wheelchair parked close to the gleaming white chariot. It's capable of 180 mph and would normally cost more than $50,000. Dealership owner Bob Brady and Vice President and General Manager Steve Gensler agreed to donate part of the price and Gensler says a special deal was worked out with Chrysler to make sure Kent could buy the ride of his life. 

The Decatur dealership had first been approached by Kent's stepfather, Dan Ashby, who used to work there and called on behalf of his stepson to get an idea what the soldier's car might cost. Gensler, an Army veteran like Ashby whom he's known since boyhood, decided he could do a lot better than just quote sticker prices at his old friend. 

"I think, from Corey's standpoint, the emotional part is over with his injuries and now his standpoint is getting on with living," said Gensler. "I'm glad we could be a part of that." 

He handed over the keys as uniformed veterans from the Macon County Honor Guard snapped to attention. Gensler had planned to say a few words but soon choked up with emotion. 

"We cannot say thank you enough," said Ashby, who now lives in Florida with his wife and Kent's mom, Tiffany. "Thank you… for making his dreams come true." 

Kent, who had remained conscious after the improvised explosive device went off but refused to glance down at his injuries to avoid going into shock, is now looking ahead to the future. He's still active duty military and isn't sure what he will do yet, but going back to school seems likely. And while he now knows he can get to class very fast, he says with age and experience comes wisdom. 

"So I am going to try to take it easy," he added.