| Local business gives Iraq veteran recycled ride For many veterans, returning home and assimilating back into civilian life is sometimes a struggle. Diagnosed with post traumatic syndrome and suffering from a back injury, Jones has been unable to work since returning home to Dallas in August 2011 after two back-to-back tours of duty in Iraq. Other local businesses that donated parts, materials and services include Ethridge Auto Center, Dent Repair Solutions, Bagwell's Auto Trim, Star Tires and LKQ Parts. Recycled Rides is a nationwide program of auto body repairers collaborating with insurers, parts suppliers and other vendors to refurbish and donate vehicles to needy families. " GEICO donated the vehicle and Caliber Collision provided the resources and services to refurbish it for the Jones family. "We truly appreciate the sacrifices that individuals like John Jones have made on behalf of our country," said Don Lyons, senior vice president and chairman of the GEICO Philanthropic Foundation. Jones was nominated for the Recycled Rides vehicle by ReserveAid, a nonprofit organization which offers assistance to military families who have a Reservist or National Guard member on full time deployment or who have recently returned from deployment. "Partnering with businesses like Caliber Collision and GEICO through Recycled Rides provides us with a wonderful resource in our mission to alleviate the financial burdens placed on the men and women who have been called to serve our country," said Polly Weidenkopf, Executive Director of ReserveAid. With limited financial resources, buying a car at this point in their lives would be as alien as "getting to the moon," according to Jones, but having a car will be a "gigantic step to making us feel like a normal family again. Lack of transportation has been particularly difficult due to frequent visits to doctors and everyday requirements of school-aged children. "Our purpose day in and day out at Caliber is 'restoring our customers to the rhythm of their lives. This gifting at Caliber's Keller center is one of more than 12 Recycled Rides that the company plans to donate over the next 12 months across California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas, according to Michael Quinn, Caliber Collision Vice President of Industry and Community Relations. |
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Local business gives Iraq veteran recycled ride
