Three military veterans received much-needed vehicles through the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, a collaboration between insurers and collision repair businesses dedicated to providing reliable transportation to those in need.
The presentation took place in conjunction with the NABC Gala, themed "The Best Is Yet to Come," on Jan. 20 at the Renaissance Esmerelda Resort in Indian Wells, CA.
The recipients included U.S. Army veteran Marishia Rey Lynn Lopez, U.S. Army Reserve veteran Rafael Sierras, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Hassan Degraffenreid. Each veteran was nominated by organizations dedicated to supporting service members and their families.
Lopez, a married mother of three who served in Afghanistan, had been borrowing her father’s car for work and to transport a family member with medical needs. She received a 2019 Honda CR-V donated by Farmers Insurance and refurbished by Crash Champions Ontario.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime gift,” Lopez said. “As veterans, we sometimes feel like we’ve been left behind, and we sacrifice so much. Today is a reminder it wasn’t all for naught.”
Sierras, who served 17 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, had recently started a new job when his car broke down, forcing him to walk long distances or rely on co-workers for transportation. He was presented with a 2020 Kia Sportage donated by Allstate and refurbished by Fix Auto Cathedral City.
“It’s overwhelming,” Sierras said. “It’s God’s good graces, and it’s going to help us so much to get to doctors’ appointments, school, and work. It’s a true blessing.”
Degraffenreid, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Kuwait and Iraq, now works as a civilian employee for the Marines. His unreliable vehicle made the long commute to work difficult. He received a 2021 Hyundai Tucson SE, donated by GEICO and refurbished by Caliber Collision Palm Springs.
“I love serving my country,” Degraffenreid said. “To receive a vehicle from my community is really special. The investment and time that I spent -- to get this back -- it’s really great.”
The NABC Recycled Rides program has provided more than 3,500 vehicles valued at $51 million since its inception in 2007. The initiative brings together insurers, collision repair businesses, and veteran support organizations to give back to service members, helping them regain mobility and independence.
