Oklahoma City veteran surprised with new car

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) — An Oklahoma City veteran and his family got the surprise of a lifetime Thursday morning after they were shown their brand-new car.

There was so much excitement you'd think it was Christmas morning for the Barnett family. However, the excitement and emotion is warranted all around when you just got presented with a brand new van.

"I'll never forget this moment for me and my family," Senior Airmen Tyronn Barnett said.

Barnett served in the U.S. Air Force Special Forces for nearly a decade. As a father of 6, he said it will be a big help.

"We'll be able to take them places and, you know, it gives us an opportunity to do the things that we need to do," he said.

The announcement is a part of Progressives Keys to Progress Program, which provides transportation to vets, military related organizations and veteran owned small businesses across the country. Barnett was one of several getting a new ride on Thursday.

In addition to the car, Barnett and his family also got two car seats for his younger kids, six months worth of insurance from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a $400 PayPal credit, a 12-month vehicle protection plan and in-car entertainment system.

"I'm really thankful," he said.

Over the last few years, Barnett said it's been a struggle with the pandemic, finding a job and his mental health. But this moment appeared to be a Godsend for a man who sacrificed more than we could imagine.

Barnett said he plans to take his family for a drive and show some relatives the new wheels.