For the past three years in Connecticut, a local veteran, Service Officer Richard Linnon, has been using his own truck to transport veterans in need of rides, and now CARSTAR, Berlin says it has stepped up to show its gratitude. Nearly 40 people, including Connecticut State Senator Paul Doyle, watched as employees from CARSTAR, Berlin handed the Newington American Legion Post a set of keys to a refurbished minivan recently.
CARSTAR Berlin honored America’s active duty military as well, collecting supplies for deployed military personnel in Afghanistan. National industry partners participating in the project include Connecticut Progressive Insurance Service Centers, Hertz Rental Car, LKQ Corporation and NAPA Auto Parts.
"It’s an honor to be able to give back to our military members and their families who make so many contributions to protect our freedom and way of life,” said Lisa Siembab, director of business strategies at CARSTAR, Berlin.
After hearing of Linnon’s work, she said she knew she wanted to do something for him: "We approached one of our insurance partners and asked if they would be willing to donate a salvage vehicle. They immediately responded and provided a van. We recycled it for Officer Linnon and Post 117."
Linnon had been using his personal truck each Thursday to transport veterans, most of whom are homeless or disabled, back and forth to Hartford, which provides an array of services to veterans.
"I’ll have lunch with them and sometimes I bring my laptop to help them with applications," said Linnon, who volunteers a couple of days a week at Post 117. Among other uses, Linnon will use the minivan to provide rides to the U.S. Veterans Affairs’ hospital in Newington Connecticut.
"The main purpose of the van is veterans outreach," Linnon said. "If they need a ride, I give them a ride."
"This just offers veterans the benefits that they are entitled to," Linnon added. "When you make a difference in these veterans’ lives, it’s rewarding."
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CARSTAR, Berlin
