Who will drive away with the American dream?

The Hands on a Hardbody competition is right around the corner, and we here at the Floyd King Nissan dealership in Longview, TX couldn’t be more dog gone excited! The rules of the competition are simple: don’t take your hand off the truck. The last man – or woman – standing will drive away with a new pickup truck. Or as we like to call it…the American dream. A Nissan Hardbody would be a valuable addition to any Texan’s life. We asked a few of the selected contestants what they plan to do with that shiny new Hardbody if they win.

Rebecca Noble as Norma Valverde

Norma Valverde
About Norma: I have an associate’s degree and work as a paraprofessional at Longview Elementary. My goal is to go back to school and get my teaching degree so that I can teach 3rd grade. I am married to Ramon, who came to this country as a teenager. We have four children, ages 14, 12, 10 and 8. We struggle financially, but I know that God will always take care of us and will provide for us. We laugh a lot as a family and, though we do not have a lot of material goods, we have a wonderful time together! We attend the Missionary Baptist Church in Longview. It is my family church where I was baptized and all my children were baptized. Ramon was raised in the Catholic Church, but he now attends Missionary Baptist.

Why are you competing for this truck, Norma?
We have a very old Chevy Blazer that does not always start. Ramon lost his job about three months ago, and it has been difficult for him to go out and look for a new job without a working car. This truck would enable Ramon to go out and get a job, and that would help our family immensely.

Michael Castillo as Jesus Peña

Jesus Peña
About Jesus: I was born in Loredo, TX – American by birth.

Why are you competing for this truck, Jesus?
The truck is nice and all, but I honestly want the truck so I can sell it. I’m trying to get in Veterinarian school and grants only pay for so much. If I win then I am guaranteed to enroll in Texas A&M. My future rides on this contest.

Janis Curtis
About Janis: Me and my husband Don have six kids, almost grown and out of the house–Whew! The fights for the bathroom–Hoo doggie!

Why are you competing for this truck, Janis?
I will win this truck because believe you me I finish what I start! I think I will look real pretty in this red beauty and then we can have the kids fight over the junker we currently have. Don will be my support crew and has promised that he will be there to see me to the end. He is real handy and is looking for work pretty much anywhere! So someone hire him as he is a good man and a hard worker. He is my rock. I look forward to a clean, fair contest. I can’t stand cheaters.

Megan Ingram as Heather Stovall

Heather Stovall
About Heather: I’m currently working as a hostess/waitress at the Rib Shack. I grew up in Longview, TX and only moved away for a short bit to go to college, but I came right back!

Why are you competing for this truck, Heather?
I don’t have a car of my own, so I have to ride my bike anywhere I want to go. I want the freedom the truck will give me. I never want to ride my damn bike ever again! Nothing will be able to hold me back from doing what I want, when I want.

Chris Ebke as Chris Alvaro

Chris Alvaro
About Chris: I grew up here and went to Longview High School. Right after graduation, I joined the United States Marine Corps. I trained at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. After graduation I moved back to Texas and met and married my wife, Mia. I was called to duty for the Afghanistan Civil War. I left Mia, pregnant with our son Cole, and served my country. After three years I am back, and trying to figure out my life after the military.

Why are you competing for this truck, Chris?
I need a distraction. The USMC strained my relationship with Mia, and I came home to a son who doesn’t know me. The thoughts of war are still fresh in mind and Mia will never understand what it did to me. I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to gain clarity on how to become a better man, husband, and, most importantly, father to Cole. He deserves the best I can give, after I haven’t been there for him early on. I hope to use the truck as reliable transportation for my job (whatever that may be) and spending more quality time with Mia and Cole to build a solid family.

Do you want to cheer on your favorite contestant? Tickets for Hands on a Hardbody (Feb. 13-March 22, 2015) are available by calling (402) 553-0800, visiting the OCP Box Office or by clicking here. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for students. For groups of 12 or more, tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students. If you visit the Box Office after noon the day of the show, tickets are half price.