Ziebart Honors Arizona Army National Guardswoman for Serving Country in Wake of Family Tragedy

The sweepstakes was organized by Ziebart International Corporation in partnership with athletic marketing firm NOCAP Sports, and featured participation from New York Giants defensive back and U.S. Military Academy West Point grad Elijah Riley, Buffalo Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson, and Detroit Tigers center fielder and Notre Dame Alumni Matt Vierling.

Personal story

Steimel was nominated to receive the tickets and all-expenses-paid trip to the game by her husband, Ben, who was awed by her 16 years of military service, in addition to her remarkable strength in overcoming personal tragedy.

Just before her deployment, Steimel received the devastating news that her brother, sister-in-law, and two young nephews were killed in a plane crash. After a brief emergency leave to attend the funeral, Steimel was determined to honor her brother’s 29-year military legacy by continuing on with the deployment. Steimel’s dedication extends beyond her uniform, as she represents the true essence of being a defender through selfless sacrifice and courage.

Company response

“Peggy’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and their families,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, President and CEO of Ziebart. “For 65 years, Ziebart has proudly upheld the values of defense and protection, and we are honored to celebrate individuals like Peggy who inspire us all. We also want to thank each and every participant in the sweepstakes, whose stories showcased the true meaning of defense, through both military service and actions in the community.”

Steimel’s story is a reflection of the courage and strength seen throughout the military community–qualities Ziebart is proud to support year-round. Building on this tradition, the brand will soon kick off its second annual Month of Giving fundraising campaign, with proceeds benefiting Mission 22 – a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families who are battling PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other mental health challenges following their time of service.

This initiative was inspired by Ziebart franchise owner and Air Force veteran Nick Lambie, and it continues to be a cornerstone of Ziebart’s 65th anniversary celebrations. To amplify its impact, Ziebart will match donations up to $5,000.