Operation Mend, a group formed by a  partnership with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare system, joined with the automotive world to create a one-of-a-kind custom car to support severely wounded service men and women.

Launched in 2007, Operation Mend has provided care to injured service members, taking part in relieving some burden from the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Armed Services. Expenses from patient evaluation, plastic, reconstructive and orthopedic surgeries, skin and bone regeneration prosthetics, neuropsychiatric services, transportation and housing, care coordination and a host of other services for just one wounded warrior are approximately $500,000.

Operation Mend sought to support the program with a car build that would both celebrate the service men and women of the Armed forces with a unique one-of-a-kind car, and raise money for the program by holding an auction where the car would be sold and the money put back into the program. Not only will the new owner get a special custom version of the popular GM car, the new owner will have the opportunity to drive the Camaro as the lead Grand Marshal Car at the Veteran’s Day Parade in New York City on November 11, 2011.

General Motors donated a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible which ended up in the hands of car builder Ryan Friedlinghaus and the West Coast Customs team. Friedlinghaus designed the custom Camaro in a full camouflage motif to represents all branches of the U.S. Military.

Features of the Operation Mend Camaro:

• GM donated 2011 Camaro for a custom one-of-a-kind build by West Coast Customs
• Full custom camouflage paint scheme representing all branches of the United States Military
• Specially designed and painted hood to reflect the association and support of Operation Mend
• 6.2 liter SLP super charged engine
• Custom embroidered seat emblems
• Custom wheels and tires
• Custom sound system

The Operation Mend Camaro was on display during the SEMA show at the SLP Performance Parts booth. Said Kevin Woodruff, SLP Performance Parts Sales, Marketing and Event Manager, “We had to have this car displayed in our booth. We, as American’s can never repay these wounded service members back for their service and sacrifice to our country, but we can help them get some well deserved attention and respect by inviting Operation Mend and Army Specialist Joey Paulk to be our guest this show.”

Specialist Joey Paulk was injured in Afghanistan when the tactical vehicle he was riding in was hit by three anti tank mines. The vehicle flipped over and the fuel tank ignited. Paulk suffered burns on 40 percent of his body and face, smoke inhalation, paralysis of the vocal chords and complete amputation of all 10 fingers. Working with Operation Mend, Specialist Paulk has gone through several surgeries and had to re-learn how to walk, talk, swallow and cope without the use of his hands. He is currently retired and living back at his hometown of Vista, California with his girlfriend and two dogs.