Seidner’s Collision Centers, along with the Auto Club of Southern California and California Casualty, recently presented two vehicles to local military veterans enrolled in Citrus College Veterans Success Program through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program.

Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, 32nd Congressional District, who is active in helping returning veterans re-adjust to civilian life, was on hand to help present the vehicles. The Congresswoman also presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to Seidner’s Collision Centers for their outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Veterans Ashley Bozeman, U.S. Navy, and Allan Weaver, U.S. Army, were the proud recipients of a 2013 Kia Rio, donated by the Auto Club, and a 2010 Toyota Camry, donated by California Casualty.

Bozeman served in the Navy from 2007-2011 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. During a mission in Japan, she was exposed to radiation and, as a result, has suffered many illnesses. She was later sent to the Persian Gulf during the Iraq invasion where she again was injured. Currently, Bozeman is taking courses at Citrus College towards her AS degree and holds a 3.7 GPA.

Weaver served in the Army for more than seven years, joining right after 9/11. He was injured during his deployment in Iraq and returned home in 2008, struggling to find a job and eventually becoming homeless. Six years later, he has remarried, has a 2-year-old son and is currently pursuing a degree in business at Citrus College.

“Our employees always feel such a great sense of pride when working on the Recycled Rides, especially knowing the difference it will make in the recipient’s life,” said Steve Seidner, vice president of Seidner’s Collision Centers. “The feeling you get when giving back to your own community is indescribable, and knowing we are helping those who protected our county goes beyond words. It is simply the greatest of all honors and would not have happened if it weren’t for the generosity of the Auto Club and California Casualty.”

Added Rick Lewis, claims unit manager for the Auto Club, “We are pleased and proud to be part of this generous effort by Seidner’s, particularly because these worthy recipients have sacrificed so much for all of us and they deserve a helping hand.”