 
 
 
 Honoring a Gold Star Family: How Our Community Came Together for Joanna Harris
There are moments that remind you why community matters. On May 20th, South Colorado Springs Nissan had the privilege of hosting a ceremony on our lot that had nothing to do with selling cars, and everything to do with honoring a family that has given more than most of us can imagine.
A Family's Sacrifice
Joanna Harris lives in Fountain, Colorado with her two sons. In March 2007, her husband, U.S. Army Sergeant Blake Harris, was killed in action while serving in Iraq. Sgt. Harris had volunteered to drive during a patrol mission when their Humvee was struck. He was posthumously awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his courage and sacrifice.
Those who knew Blake remember him for his infectious sense of humor, his deep love of music, and the way he could make everyone around him laugh. He enlisted shortly after the September 11th attacks, served as an infantryman, and completed two deployments to Iraq. He gave everything.
Joanna has carried that loss with grace and strength for nearly two decades, raising her sons and honoring Blake's memory every day.
A Surprise Worth Celebrating
When Joanna arrived at South Colorado Springs Nissan on May 20th, she had no idea what was waiting for her.
Through the Transportation4Heroes program, made possible by the Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF), Joanna was presented with a brand-new vehicle, completely payment-free. No strings. Just gratitude, given in the most tangible way possible.
South Colorado Springs Nissan partnered with our sister store, Woodmen Nissan, and Wells Fargo to make it happen.
"I'm shocked. I'm still kind of not sure this is real. I'm just beaming. I'm so happy and so gracious."
Joanna Harris, Gold Star Spouse
Why This Matters Beyond the Car
What made the moment truly land was not just the vehicle itself. It was what it represented. Joanna had been without a car for a couple of years, relying on her parents to help her get around. A gift like this does not just solve a practical problem. It lifts a weight.
"This is just one less thing that I have to stress over and that I don't have to worry about."
Joanna Harris
Jay Carley Jr., Managing Partner of South Colorado Springs Nissan and Woodmen Nissan, spoke to the deeper intention behind the event: "It is all about honoring the men and women who have served and recognizing the sacrifices that not only they have made, but also the sacrifices their families and all those who loved them have made. We hope this vehicle serves as a reminder to Joanna that her husband and their family will always be remembered and honored."
Wayne Williams, interim Chief of Staff for Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, attended the ceremony and offered appreciation for everyone involved: "We have many Gold Star families, and they carry a lifelong legacy of sacrifice, resilience, and strength, and we are deeply grateful to all of them."
About Transportation4Heroes and MWSF
The Military Warriors Support Foundation has been quietly doing this kind of work across the country for years. The Transportation4Heroes program has now awarded more than 200 vehicles nationwide to veterans, Gold Star spouses, and military families in need, all payment-free.
Casey Kinser, Executive Vice President of MWSF, put it simply at the ceremony: "Joanna's strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and we are honored to stand by her today."
It is a reminder that the support our military families need does not end when their service does.
Thank You, Joanna. And Thank You, Blake.
"It means the world to me that people are here and that they remember my husband. He was a good guy, and I'm just very thankful. It's amazing that there are still organizations out there to support us, Gold Star families."
Joanna Harris
We are proud to be one of those organizations, even in a small way, and we are grateful to MWSF and Transportation4Heroes for the work they do every single day.
Get Involved & Learn More
Support Military Families in Your Community
Whether you want to learn about the Transportation4Heroes program or find out how you can support military families in your own community, we have you covered.
