TAMPA -- A U.S. Marine veteran with a service-related disability was presented with a newly-refurbished car in Tampa Thursday morning.
Mitchell Morrison served in the Marine Corps from 1974 to 1976 but had to retire early. His wife, Denise, helps care for him and their 18-year-old child with special needs.
While the family does currently have a car, it’s in bad shape and won’t last much longer, making this gift that much more important.
“I’m in tears right now. I’m not good at speeches, but I really appreciate what they are doing for veterans,” Morrison said.
To thank Morrison for his service and help his family, Caliber Collision and USAA presented him with the keys to a refurbished Hyundai Sonata Turbo 2.0 through the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides™ program. The program allows collision businesses to work together to repair and donate vehicles to people in need.
The car came complete with gas cards, supplies and gifts in the trunk.
"We appreciate it so much," Denise said. "It's a huge gift. It's going to help our family tremendously."
In the last five years, Caliber Collision and its industry partners have donated more than 200 cars valued at nearly $2.6 million.
“It’s a basic necessity for any family to get around,” Regional Manager for Caliber Collision Mark Self said. “You may take transportation like a car for granted, but when you don’t have it, it’s a big deal.”
Morrison was nominated for the vehicle by Soldiers Angels, a nonprofit group that provides help to military families.
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