A military veteran injured while fighting in Afghanistan will receive a special gift thanks to a program that gives adapted vehicles to wounded veterans. 

The Purple Heart Truck Run made a stop in New Windsor on Friday at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor on its trek across the country. Every year, an adaptable truck is given to a combat-wounded veteran who was either paralyzed or lost limbs in battle.

This year, retired U.S. Army sergeant and Purple Heart recipient Justin Burdette will receive the honor, and says it will help him be more independent.

"It's really important to be able to get out and do things you were doing before you were injured," said Burdette, who had both legs amputated below the knee during his third combat tour. "You know, a lot of us younger guys, we were really active in the military, physically fit, and we like to get out and do the things we were doing before."

The program is sponsored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Wounded Warriors Family Support.

The truck will be driven more than 7,800 across the country by vets before being given to Burdette in a ceremony in Washington state.