Petty and Paralyzed Veterans of America

Pettys work with vets

Petty Enterprises has extended its partnership with the Paralyzed Veterans of America through the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

“Our membership has been behind this program from day one and we’re excited to continue this into 2009,” said Randy L. Pleva Sr., president of the Paralyzed Veterans. “Our partnership with Petty Enterprises has been great.

“We’ve seen an increase in awareness about our mission since we aligned with The King,” he added, referring to longtime NASCAR star and team owner Richard Petty.

The organization will be featured on the Petty cars at Daytona on July 4 and at Texas on Veterans Day.

Since the partnership began in 2006, Petty has made numerous trips to VA Hospitals across the country, hosted Paralyzed Veterans members at racetracks, and attended fundraising events in an effort to increase awareness of the organization.

In 2008, the relationship grew to include Kyle Petty, Richard’s son and a NASCAR driver.

“I’m proud of the way that this program has continued to grow because this is a partnership that goes beyond racing,” Richard Petty said. “Paralyzed Veterans continues to do outstanding work with America’s service members and veterans in a time when they really need its help.”