The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9215 Upper Nyack, N.Y., The Rotary Club of Nanuet-West Nyack and Nanuet Collision Center announced that they’re gifting four vehicles to three veterans and one disabled veteran at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Nanuet Collision Centers in Monsey, N.Y.
These organizations have worked together to help veterans in need and have gifted numerous vehicles in the past. The VFW receives vehicles as donations from community members and collaborates with Nanuet Collision Center, where the cars are refurbished. Nanuet Collision Center staff members repair vehicles on their own time and recruit suppliers, parts vendors, and auto repair and service centers to contribute in their own specific ways. The VFW and Nanuet-West Nyack Rotary provide funds for expenses associated with repairs and other related needs such as gas gift cards and car seats for children.
“This is a key initiative for our auto body shop that we feel is important to our community and veterans,” said Kevin Muir, president of Nanuet Collision Centers. “Our whole staff is involved. Our team has been great and is excited to be part of another gifting ceremony.”
Added Guy Gebbia, former commander of the VFW Post 9215, “Together, we will bring much-needed vehicles to these four veterans and their families. The autos will improve the quality of their lives significantly.”
Joseph Zannetti, Thomas Curran, Russell Wright and Thomas Kelly are the recipients of this year’s four automobiles. Zannetti serviced his country by doing two tours of service in Afghanistan as a Marine. Curran served his country in Vietnam as a Marine. Kelly served his country in Vietnam in the Army. Wright is a disabled veteran who served in the Army during WWII.
“Having a good working vehicle with a wheelchair ramp will help me and my family achieve a more normal life,” said Wright.
Hailing from Pine Bush, N.Y., Wright and his wife, Marcia, have numerous appointments and obligations on his behalf. Having a handicapped accessible vehicle with which to transport Wright will provide a tremendous sense of relief. Reliable transportation will no longer be an obstacle.
“It is an honor for us to be able to provide transportation to our veterans and their families,” said Gebbia. “It fulfills their needs to get to a job, to go to a doctor’s appointment or other places they couldn’t go without dependable transportation.”
