AAMCO of Orlando Provides Free Auto Repairs to Local Vietnam War Veteran as Part of 50 Cars in 50 States

Eduardo Figueroa is a U.S. Army veteran from Orlando. He was awarded the Purple Heart for serious injuries he sustained in combat during the Vietnam War. Mr. Figueroa relies on his 2001 Acura MDX to get around and to attend medical appointments, but his financial situation and the failing condition of his vehicle have prevented him from doing so. Mr. Figueroa was nominated to participate in AAMCO’s program by the MOPH Region IV commander.

Veteran Eduardo Figueroa with his wife, Aida Contreras as they pick up their newly repaired vehicle at the AAMCO of Orlando

“I am so thankful to AAMCO for helping me with this car repair,” said Mr. Figueroa. “As a proud military veteran, it is wonderful to know there are companies that appreciate and support our sacrifice and service.”

AAMCO of Orlando owner Curtiss Kinard with his repair team

“Since before the American revolution, men and women have risked their lives for our freedom,” said Curtiss Kinard, AAMCO of Orlando owner. “This is an incredible service that they provide without even knowing us. We are glad to honor that sacrifice by returning our service to them. We are proud to help Mr. Figueroa and we feel fortunate that we are able. I hope our gesture inspires others to help our many great U.S. veterans.”

AAMCO of Orlando owner Curtiss Kinard hands the keys over to veteran Eduardo Figueroa

Mr. Figueroa picked up his newly repaired vehicle on May 14 from the AAMCO of Orlando service center, at 6304 E. Colonial Drive, where the repairs were provided free of charge. After Mr. Figueroa dropped off his SUV, AAMCO technicians conducted a thorough diagnostic inspection to determine all repairs needed. Ultimately, they performed a transmission rebuild to ensure his vehicle will continue to serve him for years to come.

Rockingham County Iraq War Veteran Enjoys Free Car Repairs from AAMCO of Manchester

Kenith Chase is a combat-disabled veteran from Sandown, N.H. He served as a U.S. Army Sergeant E5 in the Iraq War. Mr. Chase was awarded the Purple Heart for serious injuries he suffered during his service. Mr. Chase relies on his 2004 Acura RL to participate in volunteer activities, attend medical appointments and to get to his classes at Granite State College. He also serves as the Adjutant for the MOPH national Region One. The failing condition of his car and financial situation have made it challenging for him to reliably get to all of his obligations. Mr. Chase was nominated to participate in AAMCO’s program by the MOPH Region One commander.

Veteran Kenith Chase shakes hand with AAMCO of Manchester General Manager Tom Romano.

“In today’s tough economy, it is hard enough to survive and move on, let alone be unable to work,” said Mr. Chase. “Due to my injuries, I was forced out of a good job with the government and medical retirement is not the retirement that I had seen myself to be a part of at such a young age. AAMCO has graciously accepted my vehicle for the 50 Cars in 50 States program and this is a godsend. My current vehicle is one that I use often for school and I honestly cannot afford the repairs, being a disabled veteran on a fixed income. I am grateful to the AAMCO staff, and local locations, for their incredible service to our Nation’s combat wounded.”

Veteran Kenith Chase, AAMCO of Manchester General Manager Tom Romano, Jose Cruz, master tech, Jon Ortiz, assistant manager, Mike Greenleaf, master tech.

Mr. Chase picked up his newly repaired car today from the AAMCO of Manchester service center, at 792 Gold Street, where the services were provided free of charge. After Mr. Chase dropped his car off, AAMCO technicians conducted a thorough diagnostic inspection to determine all repairs needed. Ultimately, they replaced the timing belts, plugs, two seat belts, installed four new tires, and provided a full tune-up. They performed additional services, including an auto detail, to ensure his vehicle will continue to serve him for years to come.

“Kenith Chase is a brave patriot who has sacrificed a lot for our country,” said Tom Romano, general manager at AAMCO of Manchester. “It is an honor and pleasure to help him with this car repair through the 50 Cars in 50 States program.”

Veteran Kenith Chase and his newly repaired Acura, along with AAMCO of Manchester General Manager Tom Romano

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, AAMCO partnered with the MOPH to give back to America’s veterans in communities across the country. Through the 50 Cars in 50 States program, AAMCO is repairing the cars of 50 combat veterans, with the goal to repair one in each state to commemorate 50 years of total car care service.

Cook County Veterans Receive Free Repairs for MOPH Vehicle from AAMCO of Chicago

John Kapior and Dan Finn are U.S. Army veterans from Oak Lawn, Ill. They both served in the Vietnam War and were awarded a Purple Heart for severe injuries sustained during combat.

Now retired, they are dedicated volunteers with the MOPH Department of Illinois. They rely on a 2005 Hyundai Tucson for MOPH community outreach activities in Illinois.

Veterans John Kapior and Dan Finn pick up their MOPH car from AAMCO of Chicago

They use it to haul the moving “Memorial Wall of Honor,” a memorial wall that has the names and photos of Illinois service members who have fallen in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

Mr. Kapior and Mr. Finn transport the Wall of Honor throughout Illinois, to schools and community events, to share the story and sacrifice of the state’s veterans. However, the failing condition of the vehicle and their limited financial resources were preventing the pair from attending various events.

“We are so grateful for AAMCO’s assistance,” said Mr. Kapior. “We need this vehicle to transport the moving Memorial Wall of Honor to ensure that our brave soldiers are never forgotten.”

“It was an honor to help Mr. Kapior and Mr. Finn with this auto repair,” said Dale Mueller, AAMCO of Chicago owner. “These veterans and volunteers are providing a wonderful service to Illinois and I’m glad we were able to get them back on the road.”
Mr. Kapior and Mr. Finn picked up the newly repaired vehicle today from the Chicago AAMCO service center, at 6435 South Cicero Avenue, where the services were provided free of charge. After they dropped the car off, AAMCO technicians conducted a complete diagnostic inspection and then made the needed repairs. Ultimately, they replaced the alternator and installed a new battery, spark plugs, and power purge. AAMCO performed additional services, including a tune-up and oil change, to ensure his vehicle will continue to serve them for years to come.

Mr. Kapior and Mr. Finn will be driving the Memorial Wall to the Navy Pier in Chicago next Saturday, May 18, for display during the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

To view press release, please click here

WW2 Veteran from Allentown Receives Free Car Repairs from AAMCO of Quakertown as “50 Cars in 50 States” Reaches Pennsylvania

Clair E. Boatman is a World War II veteran from Allentown, Pa. He served in the Pacific Ocean theatre with the Army’s 11th Airborne Division. Mr. Boatman was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received during the battle at Nichols Field in the Philippines in 1945. He relies on his 1997 Cadillac Catera to get around, running errands and to visit relatives in central Pennsylvania. The failing condition of his car has made it difficult for Mr. Boatman to get around, but since he is retired and living on a fixed income, he had not been able to get the repairs it needed. Knowing of his trouble, the MOPH Department of Pennsylvania nominated Mr. Boatman to participate in AAMCO’s program.

[From L-R] Will Cherosnick, lead AAMCO technician, Cheryl Lewis, AAMCO center manager, Thomas Hearn, AAMCO of Quakertown co-owner, Lynn Hearn AAMCO of Quakertown co-owner, Army veteran Clair Boatman, and MOPH Pennsylvania Adjutant Chuck Jackson

“I’m so pleased and gratified with the results of AAMCO’s program,” said Mr. Boatman. “Everything is running and looking just great. Tom and his staff are certainly a credit to AAMCO’s name and reputation.”

“Our veterans sacrificed their lives to protect this country,” said Thomas Hearn, owner of AAMCO of Quakertown. “Assisting Mr. Boatman with these car repairs is the least we can do.”

[From L-R] Lynn Hearn, AAMCO of Quakertown co-owner, Thomas Hearn, AAMCO of Quakertown co-owner, Army veteran Clair Boatman, and MOPH Pennsylvania Adjutant Chuck Jackson

Mr. Boatman picked up his newly repaired car May 1 from the AAMCO of Quakertown service center, at 49 South West End Boulevard, Quakertown, Pa., where the services were provided free of charge. After they received Mr. Boatman’s car, AAMCO technicians conducted a thorough diagnostic inspection to determine all repairs needed. Ultimately, they provided repairs to the transmission, air conditioning system and wiper motor and provided additional services to ensure his vehicle will continue to serve him for years to come. AAMCO’s Quakertown repair team provided a bonus service of washing and detailing the car as well.

To view press release, please click here

AAMCO’S “50 Cars in 50 States” Reaches Iraq War Veteran in Arkansas.Fort Smith veteran enjoys free car repairs from Fayetteville AAMCO center.

Leroy Farmer is a decorated Army veteran from Fort Smith, Ark. During his 13 years with the Army, the Staff Sergeant served in the 101st Airborne Division, the Second Infantry Division in South Korea, and the 362nd Psychological Operations Company in Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his heroic service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device, and the Valorous Unit Award.

Veteran Leroy Farmer shakes hands with Fayetteville AAMCO owner Waymon Henry.

Mr. Farmer sustained serious injuries during his service, including traumatic brain injury, moderate degenerative disc disease in his back and post traumatic stress. He is on permanent disability as a result. He lives with his wife, Tina Farmer, and their two children. Mr. Farmer relies on his 2002 Honda Accord to run daily errands, take his children to soccer, Cub Scouts and Brownie activities, and to attend medical appointments at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, more than an hour drive from his home. But, the failing condition of his car and his financial situation have made it difficult for Mr. Farmer to get to his engagements and obtain the medical care he needs. He was nominated to participate in AAMCO’s program by the commander of the MOPH Department of Arkansas.

“I am deeply grateful for the generosity of AAMCO of Fayetteville Arkansas,” said Leroy Farmer. “The difficulties of raising a family on disability income only would have meant that the car would have been left unrepaired for a long time. The lack of an economic vehicle would have produced a great strain on my family.”

Veteran Leroy Farmer with Fayetteville AAMCO owner Waymon Henry.

Mr. Farmer picked up his newly repaired car on May 1 from the AAMCO of Fayetteville service center, at 3270 West College Avenue, where the services were provided free of charge. He dropped off his car on April 1. Technicians conducted a complete diagnostic inspection, and then made the needed repairs that included a totally rebuilt transmission and a new engine mount.

“It was a pleasure and an honor to help our veterans,” said Waymon Henry, AAMCO of Fayetteville owner.

Denver Vietnam War veteran enjoys free auto repairs from AAMCO of Lakewood center

Richard Turja is a U.S. Army veteran from Denver. He was awarded the Purple Heart for serious injuries he sustained in combat during the Vietnam War. Mr. Turja relies on his 2002 Dodge van to attend job interviews and drive to medical appointments at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, but his financial situation and the failing condition of his vehicle have prevented him from doing so. The MOPH Region 5 commander nominated Mr. Turja to participate in AAMCO’s program.

The AAMCO Lakewood repairs team and the Colorado veteran: Mike Rote, Mike Nelson, Gary Trenary, Richard Turja, Matt Birza, Jennifer Hern, Steve Fielder–owner, AAMCO Lakewood

“This is a blessing. I could never have imagined something like this. I thank AAMCO, the Purple Heart and those who have stepped up. I am just amazed by it,” said Mr. Turja.

The Turja Family gathers in front of their newly-repaired van: Richard Turja, Roberta Turja (wife), Dave Turja (brother), Gloria Turja (sister in law), Ronnie Turja (son).

Mr. Turja picked up his newly repaired van on April 26 from the AAMCO of Lakewood service center, at 8808 West Colfax Avenue, where the repairs were provided free of charge. After Mr. Turja dropped off his van in March, AAMCO technicians conducted a thorough diagnostic inspection to determine all repairs needed. Ultimately, they rebuilt the transmission, repaired the rear brakes, tuned up the engine, fixed the front end suspension and wheel bearings and performed additional adjustments to ensure his vehicle will continue to serve him for years to come.

Purple Heart Recipient Richard Turja and his van.

“It’s an honor to give back to our nation’s veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Steve Fielder, AAMCO of Lakewood owner. “My team here at AAMCO was proud to help Mr. Turja get back on the road safely.”

AAMCO Deland goes above & beyond

My husband and I were driving thru Deland in our Dodge Nitro on the way to Sanford Orlando Airport, where we were dropping off our friend, Elaine, who had been visiting with us for a few days. We had stopped in Deland for lunch and some shopping, had no problems until we got back in the car to go. We drove thru town to the AAMCO Deland, which we had never been to before. Chris told us the tensioner needed to be replaced and it would take at least an hour. We tried to find a taxi or rental to take our friend to the airport but couldn’t find one that could come right away. All of a sudden, the store owner, Richard Todd, offered to drive her there. Another employee, Kevin Kamp, lent him his vehicle to do so. My friend made her flight by 4 minutes. We are so grateful to all these individuals for their time and graciousness. Chris Knecht fixed our vehicle for an extremely reasonable amount and we were able to drive home that night without further incident. We will be coming back to AAMCO Deland, hopefully not an emergency, but for scheduled repair or maintenance. Thanks to a great team!

-Rick & Bonnie McGee
Palm Coast, FL.