NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — There are all sorts of ways to tour the Music City, but a new one is bound to catch your attention. It's a ride typically used by the military, but this one is for everyone.
It’s called Hell On Wheels.
"It's a decommissioned, troop transport. It's a five-ton and it was built to carry troops in combat situations and scenarios,” said co-owner, Nick Lyon.
Behind the wheel is Philip Palma and Nick Lyon.
"The idea hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew I had something special,” said Lyon.
Before it hit the streets of Nashville, they had to order it all the way from Northwest Wyoming.
"We bought it, we did it, got it down like two days later,” said co-owner, Philip Palma.
After quitting their day jobs, their focus now is to show people a good time while experiencing something used by the armed forces. Their mission however goes beyond that.
"We're giving two and a half percent of all proceeds to the Homes For Our Troops charity,” said Lyon.
It’s a charity that helps build and donate custom homes to post 9/11 vets.
"It was so amazing that we were able to find them and partner with them,” said Palma
For veterans like PJ Kellogg, seeing and riding in this vehicle means so much more.
"We'd train in these vehicles, we'd go to Iraq in these vehicles and now I get to go around my hometown in these vehicles,” said Kellog.
Army Vet Luke Pell feels it’s a great way to spread awareness.
"The public seems to sometimes to kind of forget about the men and women that continue to serve and suffer from wounds from the time they did serve,” said Pell.
Outside of the fun, others say the best part is giving back.
"You're going to get with your friends, you're going to have a good time, but you’re also going to be able to feel good about it when you leave,” said Samantha Shea.
If you'd like to book a tour with Hell On Wheels, please visit: https://www.hellonwheelsnashville.com/
If you'd like to donate directly to Homes For Our Troops, please visit: https://www.hfotusa.org/
