Well here are the results:

I had the tire fixed and drove the rest of the week on the fixed tire. Got back to Hertz and they not only reimbursed for the tire fix, but they gave me a $30 certificate to use later. All I had asked is that they reimburse the tire fix.

I am more than pleased with the outcome and it just helps to reassure my decision to stick with Hertz. I just hope that everyone else's experiences can have happy outcomes like mine did.

Thanks everybody for the comments.

See ya in the skies!!!