On Saturday, October 19, a deserving Denver veteran experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a vehicle that will provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her family – thanks to the National Auto Body Council™ Recycled Rides® program along with car donor Hertz and collision repair partner CARSTAR Ideal Arvada, located in Arvada, Colo.
The presentation was held at the Westminster Harvest Festival this past Saturday.
“It was an honor to meet our recipient, Alexandria Faulkner, and recognize her service in the U.S. Army at this popular Denver event,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of NABC. “Many thanks to our NABC level one members Hertz and CARSTAR for making today’s car presentation possible. We hope it provides Alexandria the opportunity to fulfill her potential in her post-military career.
NABC Recycled Rides, Hertz and CARSTAR Ideal Arvada presented a 2017 Hyundai Elantra to deserving veteran Faulkner. Faulkner served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist / E-4 in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. She received the following commendations:
- Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star
- National Defense Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M Device
“My husband and I are disabled veterans, and this car will allow us to get to medical appointments and other daily activities,” said Faulkner. “I work at the VFW as the Post 1 Commander, so it will also help me take care of other veterans.”
Later this fall, Farmers’ Insurance and Caliber Collision Westminster will present a second vehicle to a local resident as part of the NABC Recycled Rides program.
NABC Recycled Rides is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,200 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.
Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides presentation included 1-800 Charity Cars, Striped by Louie, Street Smart Window Tinting, Discount Tire and Ralph Schomp Hyundai. Participating CARSTAR Ideal Arvada team members included:
- Wayne Samuel, GM
- Jeff Samuel, Owner
- Sheila Samuel Lefor, Owner
- Jami Sandstrom, Parts Manager
- John Bey
- John Mares
- LJ Sandavol-Navarro
