Service King Collision Repair Centers, in continuation of its ongoing support of U.S. military veterans, on June 29th partnered with GEICO, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and the National Auto Body Council (NABC) to present a fully refurbished 2013 Scion xB to Robert Olivarez, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran wounded in combat in 2004.
The giveaway took place in Renton, Wash., as part of the NABC Recycled Rides Program to provide Olivarez and his family with reliable transportation. Joining Service King, GEICO and Enterprise were several community leaders from Olivarez’s hometown of Burlington, Wash., including Mayor Steve Sexton.
“Service King and our teammates from across the area are humbled by the opportunity to give back to Mr. Olivarez,” said Jeff McFadden, Service King president. “As a decorated U.S. Marine Veteran, he and his family have together given back so much to the local community and our country as a whole. It’s our hope that this small token of our deepest appreciation may bring joy and a greater opportunity to pursue his dreams.”
Olivarez currently serves as the junior vice commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 12 in Seattle. He also regularly volunteers at American Legion Post 91.
The vehicle donation will be vital in his continuing volunteer efforts while he also pursues his communications degree from Skagit Valley College.
Olivarez deployed to Iraq in 2003 as a gun team leader tasked to protect explosive ordnance disposal units (EOD). He refused to leave his team behind after being wounded in combat in 2004 and went on to complete his tour.
Upon hearing Olivarez’s story, Service King technicians and teammates from the company’s South Auburn, Wash., repair center quickly volunteered their time to fully refurbish the vehicle. Service King is a longtime partner with NABC and its Recycled Rides program and gave away 15 vehicles to deserving individuals, families and non-profit organizations in 2015.
Service King’s support of military veterans and families extends across the country as the organization’s ongoing Mission 2 Hire initiative has pledged to hire 500 veterans and spouses in five years. The program launched in May 2015, and through the first 12 months welcomed 105 new teammates.
