DEARBORN, Mich. – While U.S. Army Capt. Dr. Shawn M. Dunn was serving her country overseas, she began putting the wheels in motion for the brand-new Chevrolet Camaro she planned to buy upon her return to Michigan.
"The Camaro was the only car she was interested in," said Dennis Tap, a salesman at Les Stanford Chevrolet in Dearborn, who corresponded with Dunn for several months as she configured her brand-new sports car.
On Tuesday, when Dunn picked up her 2012 Camaro 2SS Coupe, she received more than the customary handshake and first tank of gas: Rick Scheidt, U.S. vice president, Product and Pricing, personally thanked her for her service and for buying a Chevrolet. Before handing Dunn the keys to her dream car, he presented her with a special Honor Badge for her vehicle.
SLIDESHOW: Michigan Soldier picks up new Camaro
"Capt. Dunn and all of the heroes bravely serving our country deserve our gratitude," said Scheidt. "On top of that, she also has excellent taste in cars, and it was an honor to personally deliver this Camaro to her."
Dunn, 45, of Gaylord, Mich., spent a combined 11 years in the Air Force and U.S. Army. A veterinarian who served six years with the United States Department of Agriculture, she will return to a position with the USDA as a port veterinarian in Detroit.
Her new Camaro 2SS Coupe is black, with an Inferno Orange-accented leather-appointed interior. Its 6.2L LS3 V-8 engine and Tremec six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter make 426 hp. and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.
She added an RS package with 20-inch Midnight Silver-painted aluminum wheels, high intensity discharge headlamps with integral LED halo rings and body-color roof ditch molding and antenna.
As an active-duty member of the military, Dunn received the GM Military Discount.
Chevrolet, Buick and GMC brands extend special discounts to active-duty, reserves and retired members of the military and their spouses.
For more information on all eligible Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models and how to participate, visit gmmilitarydiscount.com.
In 2011, the GM Military Discount program sold 15,283 vehicles. The top five most popular are all Chevys - Silverado, Cruze, Equinox, Camaro and Traverse.