Tampa-area veteran Javier Torres served in the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne from 2004 to 2008.
On Nov. 7, a Tampa, FL-area veteran and Purple Heart recipient was presented a vehicle thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, along with nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project, which nominated the recipient, car donor Hertz and collision repair partner Crash Champions in Longwood, FL, where the presentation was held.
Javier Torres received a 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Torres is a true American hero and a wounded warrior, having served in the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne from 2004 to 2008. As a Purple Heart recipient, he has demonstrated immense bravery and sacrifice. However, with five children and a supportive wife, his family's daily activities are significantly hindered due to a non-functional car that cannot accommodate the size of their family.
This larger, more spacious Tahoe will accommodate Torres’ five children comfortably, giving Torres and his family the freedom to participate in school activities, medical appointments and community gatherings without restriction. With a dependable vehicle, Torres’ family will regain their mobility, and a sense of independence.
Despite facing his own challenges, Torres remains actively involved in supporting the community. This vehicle will enable him to continue volunteering at local veteran organizations and helping fellow wounded warriors. A reliable means of transportation will also allow him to explore job opportunities previously out of reach.
“We’re honored to present this NABC Recycled Ride vehicle to U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Javier Torres and his family,” said Debby Robinson, executive director of the NABC. “Javier has valiantly served his country, and now it’s our opportunity to give back to him. Working with the Wounded Warrior Project, we were able provide him with reliable transportation to care for his family and continue his journey to independence. Thank you to Hertz for donating this vehicle and to Crash Champions for refurbishing it."
“I am completely overwhelmed,” said Torres. “This is truly life changing for me and my family. It’s such an amazing vehicle---I can’t believe it. I am very grateful to Hertz, Crash Champions and the NABC. I served my time in the military and people were there to help me, and now I want to pay it forward and help carry other veterans through their challenges.”
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 NABC have donated more than 3,200 vehicles valued at some $46 million.
Additional partners in the presentation included BAA REPAIR, Inc., Mobile Automotive Repair, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, Tibbitts Towing and Longhouse Solutions, which donated two car seats.
