News Summary
USAA collaborates with the National Auto Body Council to donate vehicles to military families in San Antonio as part of the ‘Recycled Rides’ program. During the local Fiesta celebrations, two military families received cars, enhancing their mobility and supporting community engagement. This ongoing initiative has donated over 150 vehicles, reinforcing the commitment to assist veterans and their families. The program addresses transportation needs, enabling recipients to access essential services and participate in activities.
San Antonio, Texas – On Wednesday, USAA teamed up with the National Auto Body Council to provide new vehicles to military families as part of the “Recycled Rides” program, coinciding with the local Fiesta celebrations. This initiative aims to repair and donate vehicles to individuals in need of reliable transportation, showcasing significant support for military families.
As a result of this collaboration, two military families in San Antonio received new vehicles. One of the recipients is Marine Corps veteran Sergeant Doug Gresenz, who runs a foundation dedicated to veteran kayak fishing. The second recipient, Air Force reservist Martha Rodriguez, received a car essential for transporting her daughter to medical appointments. This new vehicle will enhance her family’s ability to engage in community activities and maintain closer family connections.
Rodriguez previously faced limitations with her family’s transportation due to having only one vehicle, which made it challenging to participate in activities with other veterans during her time off. The donation of the new car represents a critical improvement in her family’s mobility and quality of life.
Since its inception, the “Recycled Rides” program has made a significant impact, donating over 150 vehicles to military families. This ongoing effort reinforces the commitment to supporting veterans and their families by providing them with essential resources to improve their daily lives.
Program Background
The “Recycled Rides” program was created to address the transportation needs of individuals facing hardships, particularly military families. By repairing and donating vehicles, the program helps bridge the gap for those who may struggle to maintain reliable transportation. Each vehicle delivered is a lifeline for families, enabling them to access employment, healthcare, and other vital services.
Community and Local Celebrations
The partnership announcement and vehicle handover were celebrated as part of the broader Fiesta events in San Antonio, emphasizing the community’s dedication to honoring and supporting local veterans. The Fiesta is a colorful and vibrant celebration that brings the community together, making it an appropriate backdrop for the vehicle donations.
Impact on Recipients
Both recipients of the vehicles expressed their gratitude and outlined how the donated cars would positively influence their daily lives. For Gresenz, as a veteran working with fellow veterans through kayaking, the vehicle will enable him to focus on his foundation’s activities and outreach. Similarly, Rodriguez’s new vehicle will save her time when attending her daughter’s medical appointments and allow her family to seize opportunities to engage more fully in their community.
Continued Support for Military Families
Efforts like “Recycled Rides” illustrate a robust commitment to military families, emphasizing the importance of providing support services that respond to their unique needs. The program ensures that veterans and their families have the necessary tools to thrive. As it grows, it continues to highlight the crucial role of community support and collaborative partnerships in making positive changes for those who have served the country.
This partnership and the newly donated vehicles highlight a significant movement of community support towards military families in San Antonio, reminding us of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of helping them succeed in their everyday lives.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio: USAA Gifts Recycled Rides
- Wikipedia: USAA
- PR Newswire: Progressive’s Annual Keys to Progress
- Google Search: Progressive’s Keys to Progress
- The Oklahoman: Meals to Oklahoma Military Families
- Google Scholar: Oklahoma Military Families
- CBS News: Janet Mello Sentenced After Theft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Janet Mello Theft
- Express News: USAA Top Insurance
- Google News: USAA Top Insurance
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
