On September 17th, CARSTAR Precision Collision Auto Body in Cold Spring had the honor of presenting U.S. Army Veteran Tammy Wahl with a newly refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program.
Recycled Rides® brings together businesses in the collision repair industry to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. For CARSTAR Precision Collision, participating in the program was an opportunity to use their skills to give back to someone in their own community.
“When we decided to do this, we knew we wanted the vehicle to go to a Veteran — someone who had given their time in service to our country and helped protect the freedoms and way of life that we are fortunate to enjoy every day,” said Candice Eikmeier, General Manager of CARSTAR Precision Collision. “After meeting Tammy, we knew she was exactly what we hoped for.”
Tammy was connected to the program through the Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center (VREC) in St. Cloud, a Veteran-led nonprofit focused on Connection, Creativity and Purpose. VREC provides Veterans and their families with resources, peer connections and enrichment programs designed to help build stability, confidence and community.
Tammy has a special connection to VREC. Her mother, Cheryl, previously worked with the organization, and Tammy now volunteers with its photography program, sharing her creativity and talents with other Veterans.
During the presentation, Kerri of VREC recognized both Tammy’s service and the importance of reliable transportation.
“We are here to recognize Tammy Wahl, a hardworking woman Veteran who served our country and continues to give back to her community,” Kerri said.
She also spoke about the importance of recognizing women Veterans, who are sometimes overlooked for their military service.
“At VREC, we want Tammy to know without question that we see her as a Veteran. We honor the time she served, the sacrifices she made, and the strength it has taken to continue moving forward.”
Kerri summed up the meaning of the day simply: “Tammy, you served our nation, and today this community has the opportunity to serve you.”
For Tammy, dependable transportation will help remove barriers to employment, appointments, family responsibilities and staying connected to VREC.
As Kerri shared, “This is much more than giving someone a car. This is removing a barrier. This is creating independence. This is helping provide stability.”
The vehicle giveaway was made possible by many organizations and businesses working together. CARSTAR Precision Collision extends sincere thanks to the National Auto Body Council, Recycled Rides®, Allstate, Pam’s Auto, Kia of St. Cloud, Schwieters Chevrolet, LKQ, North Central Distributing and the Veteran Resource and Enrichment Center for their donations, services, support and commitment to making the project possible.
Together, these organizations turned a donated vehicle into an opportunity for greater independence and stability for a deserving Veteran.
