By FINN HARTNETT

Staff writer

Peabody native and retired U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Wayne Fistler was left teary-eyed Tuesday, Feb. 11, after he received a Chevrolet Traverse at a Wichita State Shockers game.

Military Warriors Support Foundation partnered with Wichita’s Hometown Chevy Dealers to surprise Fistler, who joined the Army in 2005 and served in Germany and Iraq.

Fistler is a decorated military man, having received the Army commendation medal, Iraq campaign medal with campaign star, combat infantryman badge, and purple heart.

The organizations told Fistler he and his family had been selected to come out onto the court before the game and receive a round of applause for his service.

They hadn’t told him about the car.

Fistler remained stoic upon receiving an oversized car key on the court, but emotions hit when he walked outside to his new car post-game.

He teared up, and embraced Hometown Chevy representative Al Ceynar.

“It’s going to mean a lot,” Fistler told the foundation. “I’ve never actually owned a brand-new car. The car we have right now isn’t big enough for our family. My kids are really squished in the back seat.”

Brittany Fistler, Joshua’s wife, was similarly grateful.

“Honestly, there are no words,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for a better gift. It’s so amazing to know we have that new car.”