RANDLEMAN, N.C. —
A classic pickup truck is being restored to raise awareness about mental health in the military.
NASCAR legend Richard Petty is teaming up with country music singer Jared Ashley to restore a red 1983 Chevy pickup truck.
The pickup truck belonged to Jeffery “Ozzy” Otzwirk, who was a U.S. Navy sailor who died by suicide in 1999.
Learn more about Ozzy’s story here: Ozzy’s Truck
“[If we] change a service member of veteran’s mind about taking their own life. And if we do that, then I feel like we’ve completed our mission,” Ashley said.
Ashley served with Ozzy and wants to take the truck on tour to help current and former service members across the country who are sharing the struggles he faced.
By telling Ozzy’s story, Ashley says that they’ll be telling the story of many veterans.
“We can maybe find some healing for a family who’s dealt with the same thing,” Ashley said.
The pickup truck will be part of the 2023 Petty’s Garage Mobile Tour.
The tour will include a video to honor Ozzy’s memory and help educate people on mental health and PTSD.