Navy vet Justin Griego and his family have been through more challenges than most people.

Griego has permanent disabilities from a helicopter-maintenance accident after his second deployment. His fiancé, Chelsea, had cervical cancer. Their son was diagnosed with autism. On top of all that, they recently were homeless.

Throughout it all, they’ve kept a positive attitude. According to those who know him, “Justin continues to provide service to others. He’s a very good example of service before self.”

Now Griego and his family have a reliable vehicle, thanks to LaMettry’s Collision – a Minneapolis/St. Paul MSO – along with State Farm, NABC’s Recycled Rides program and local vendor partners.

Griego’s military service was recognized at a Sept. 8 Recycled Rides event at LaMettry’s Collision Chanhassen (Minn.). He received the keys to a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan from LaMettry’s president of operations, Darrell Amberson.

“I think it’s very appropriate that we all remember that you stepped in to serve your country at a time of need, and it seems very fitting that this community stepped in to help you in your time of need,” Chanhassen Mayor Denny Laufenburger said at the event.

State Rep. Jim Nash reminded everyone: “It’s amazing to think of what just a simple act of [receiving] a vehicle can do for your entire life. It puts you back in control of your life, it gives you hope, it gives you pride and it gives you an opportunity to take care of your family much like you took care of our country.”

Contributing vendors include 3M, aaa Auto Parts, BASF, Charity Cars, Copart, Choice Auto Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, EP Auto Tire & Glass, Inver Grove Ford, NAPA Auto Parts, Park Chrysler Jeep, Richfield Chamber of Commerce, Schmit Towing and State Farm.

This is the seventh vehicle that LaMettry’s Collision has repaired and donated through NABC’s Recycled Rides program.