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Truck Refurbished for Gold Star Father Paul Monti

Some of you may remember our very first Recycled Rides™ event where we donated a vehicle to Mass Fallen Heroes veteran, Zachary O’Grady in 2015.  Since then, our relationship with the team members at Massachusetts Fallen Heroes has grown, and has become one of friendship.  The way their organization supports its members is unrivaled.  Each member has their personal story and we learn more and more of the sacrifices that have been made each time we get together with them.

We met Gold Star Father, Paul Monti, at one of our donation events, and he quickly became a close friend of ours.  Paul’s son, US Army Sergeant First Class Jared Monti, died while serving in Afghanistan in 2006.   Jared was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2009.  Paul has driven Jared’s truck since his death as a way to remember and feel connected to him.  Paul’s story inspired the Number One Country Song recorded by Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck.”

The truck, a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 V8, needed some major body and mechanical work for Paul to keep it on the road.  When he could no longer get an inspection sticker, Paul reluctantly handed over the keys.  (Thank you, Paul for trusting us with your precious memories.)  This week, we were able to return the truck to Paul, and he’s back on the road.  Revealing the truck to Paul had us mixed with emotions of pride, joy, empathy and sadness.  Watching Paul and the truck pull away from our shop, knowing that a Father can carry on with his tribute and memories of his son was a vision we will remember forever.  A special thank you to those employees who gave their time to work on the truck – Mike Walton, Mark Murray, Sal Diaz, Joe Firth, Fredy Correia, Adam Landry and of course, our own Bobby Cobb who insisted on personally painting the vehicle.  To our friends at Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, we thank you for your sacrifice, and all the work you do to help others!

Additional Photos: FB Album

 

Gold Star Daughter Receives Car from Today’s Collision

Recycled Rides Presentation Team (Photo Credit: Paul Hammersley, City of Malden) (From Left to Right) Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis; Malden Mayor Gary Christenson; Today’s Collision Owner, Kevin Kyes; Met Life, Kristie Croteau; Today’s Collision Owner, Bobby Cobb; National Auto Body Council, Linda Sulkala; Mass Fallen Heroes Executive Director, Dan Magoon; Mass Fallen Heroes Director of Operations Kelly Roche; Recipient, Gold Star Daughter of Army Sgt. Glenn R. Allison, Kaleigh Hayes; Gold Star Sister of Army Sgt. Glenn R. Allison, Jons Allison-Cardoso

 

Additional Photos: Recycled Rides Event Photos

Malden, MA (September 27, 2017)  Today’s Collision Repair Center recently participated in the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides™ program, in which they received a salvage vehicle donated from MetLife Insurance, refurbished it, and presented the finished 2014 Nissan Sentra to Massachusetts Fallen Heroes’ Gold Star Daughter, Kaleigh Hayes.

Kaleigh was just 7 years old in 2003 when her father, Army Sgt. Glenn R. Allison, died in Iraq.  She is currently attending college, teaches at the Boys and Girls Club, works in a mentoring program and is a YMCA visitation supervisor.  Kaleigh gives back to the community and thinks of her father every day. “He inspired me to push forward, pay it forward, and make an impact on those around me,” Kaleigh told attendees and the press at the Gifting Event at Today’s Collision in Malden, MA.

Bobby Cobb, Owner, Today’s Collision commented, “Kaleigh didn’t have a car, and found it tough to get around.  MetLife donated a great vehicle.  We refurbished the exterior, brakes, gave it some new tires and performed some general maintenance.  I am thankful to have a crew of employees who enjoy making a difference and giving back.  For me, personally, these Recycled Rides™ events keep me grounded knowing that we can use our knowledge and skills to make a small change in someone’s life; like Kaleigh, who has given so much to our country and community.”

National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides™ program and 1-800 Charity Cars helped facilitate the difficult paperwork process associated with transferring the vehicle from the MetLife, to Today’s Collision, to getting Kaleigh on the road.  Today’s Collision also recognizes their associates at Enterprise for donating a $250 gas card to Kaleigh.

This is the fourth collaboration between Mass Fallen Heroes and Today’s Collision for this type of restored-vehicle donation.

After Kaleigh was given the keys, she received a police escort from the City of Malden police department as she drove away in her new car.  Today’s Collision will help Kaleigh keep her new car on the road for as long as she owns it.