The National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program recently gave two U.S. military veterans the gift of reliable transportation.
In Phoenix, AZ, a U.S. Navy veteran who once helped others by refurbishing vehicles for those in need found himself on the receiving end of generosity. On Jan. 15, Terry Lane was presented with a fully refurbished 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, made possible by a donation by Allstate and repair by Maaco Auto Body and Meineke Car Care.
Lane, who served two years in the U.S. Navy, went on to build a career in auto body repair, where he oversaw the restoration of minivans that were later gifted to families in need. A longtime advocate for veterans, Lane has been actively involved in supporting homeless veterans through various organizations. However, after a failed back surgery left him paraplegic, his ability to remain active in the community became significantly more challenging. Following a long recovery, Lane has regained some mobility, using a walker to cover short distances.
Now, thanks to the donated truck, Lane plans to seek out new volunteer opportunities and continue giving back.
Lane was nominated for the vehicle by the Arizona chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America.
The refurbishment was made possible by Maaco Tempe and Deer Valley and Meineke Deer Valley, both owned by Freedom Brands LLC, an MSO of five Meineke franchises and four Maaco locations across Arizona. This was the company’s third vehicle donation through NABC Recycled Rides.
“It has been a pleasure to work with our partners to be able to provide a vehicle to a veteran in need,” said Jake Brown, co-owner of Freedom Brands. “The gifting process is something we value in our company more than anything. We hope for many more opportunities to give back this year.”
Additional partners in this donation included American Warrior Auto Glass, Advanced Auto Parts, AutoZone, Freedom Foundation, FMP Motorparts, New Image, Cars for Charity, Advanced Remarketing Services, Enterprise and Copart.
In San Antonio, TX, Kimberly Davis, a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq, received a refurbished 2021 Kia Forte, a gift that will provide her with newfound independence and the ability to better support her family.
Davis has encountered significant challenges since returning home, including securing stable housing and reliable transportation. She has also undergone back surgery for injuries sustained both during and after her military service. Most recently, she gave birth to her first child. Despite these personal hardships, Davis has remained active in her community, volunteering with multiple veteran service organizations to assist fellow veterans and local youth.
The vehicle, donated by GEICO and repaired by Crash Champions, will improve Davis’s ability to attend medical appointments and continue her community service work. She was nominated for the program by Grace After Fire, an organization that supports women veterans.
“Participating in the NABC Recycled Rides program is an honor and privilege,” said Matt Ebert, CEO and founder of Crash Champions. “Helping ensure that good, hardworking individuals have safe and reliable transportation exemplifies so much of the Crash Champions culture of putting people first.”
GEICO has donated nearly 1,000 vehicles since 2007.
Additional partners in Davis’s vehicle donation included ATE, Impressive Way Detailing, Cars for Charity, Advanced Remarketing Services, Enterprise and Copart.
NABC Recycled Rides has provided more than 3,500 vehicles valued at approximately $51 million to individuals and families in need since its inception in 2007. The initiative unites collision repair professionals, insurance companies, and other industry partners to refurbish and donate vehicles to those facing transportation barriers.
