ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Alex Tagliani listened intently to Charlie Lemon describe how he’s overcome so much – mentally and physically – in the two years since an IED destroyed the vehicle he was riding in while deployed in Iraq with the 3rd Armored Calvary.

Army SPC Lemon lost both legs in the incident and he endured months of rehabilitation at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Back living in the Tampa area, Lemon is a volunteer for Wish For Our Heroes, which assists military members facing hardship.

Tagliani approached Wish For Our Heroes following the INDYCAR karting event at Anderson RacePark a few weeks ago, inspired by Lemon’s story and the organization’s mission, and agreed to offer a race-worn helmet with a Wish For Our Heroes logo on the back for auction. Proceeds will benefit the charity.

They met on pit lane of the St. Pete street circuit following the first IZOD IndyCar Series practice session.

“(Lemon) is a tremendous young person that required some help from the Wish For Our Heroes foundation,” Tagliani said. “I can't donate all my helmets. But when it makes sense and when it (hits) my heart, it's something I can do."

Click it: Bid on the helmet HERE

Lemon will serve as the grand marshal for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 24.

"That was definitely a touching moment," Lemon said. "It really shows that they care and they're looking out for us."

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Wish For Our Heroes also have teamed up for a program to send a hero to the Indianapolis 500 in May. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS