WMBCTV: Cars for Veterans in NJ

In New Jersey, veterans from different walks of life were handed keys to new vehicles as a token to give back for their service.

Warren Chambers, a United States Air Force veteran, cancer survivor and father of five is one of three veterans in New Jersey given a much-needed vehicle. He was stationed in Colorado, Washington and Fort Dick’s with the 38th supply squadron. Warren says he is fortunate after years of having to walk to work because he couldn’t afford a car. Today, that’s all changed.

“Now, I don’t have to walk to work at night or during the day when it’s freezing, snow, whatever weather. I’m so thankful,” Warren said. “It feels like it’s a miracle.”

Edir Coronado, a United States Navy veteran, who was stationed at Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia, says the vehicle will help him in caring for his wife during her cancer recovery.

“With her being home recovering, I’ve had to pick up extra work to make ends meet. Sometimes I’ll get home at 11 o’clock or 12 o’clock at night and she was left without a car,” Edir said. “With this, she’ll be able to get around and do things that she needs to do for herself when I’m not available and for our kids, as well.”

The veterans were recipients of the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides Program. The program, founded in 2007, brings together businesses across the collision repair industry to refurbish and donate vehicles to those in need. This year, Geico is the vehicle donor and Dynasty Auto Body of Paterson refurbished those vehicles to get them ready for the recipients.

“They all come together to change the lives of people in need in our communities, people in need of reliable transportation,” said Dale Ross, NABC Recycled Rides Program Manager.

While the veterans say they are thankful for their new vehicles, those behind the operation also say they are feeling grateful.

“Our target is 75% of those to be veterans, because we owe our veterans and that’s the way we give back in a small way with a hand up,” Ross said.