
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dale Ross
651.207.9652
dross@nationalautobodycouncil.org
The NABC® Recycled Rides® Presentation Took Place Wednesday, September 11, 2024,
in Clifton, New Jersey
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (September 13, 2024) – Two U.S. Army Veterans experienced a life-changing event – the presentation of a beautifully refurbished vehicle to each of them – to make it easier to get to/from work, medical appointments, grocery shopping and other errands, thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donor GEICO and repair partner New Trimble Auto Body in Clifton, New Jersey.
NABC®, GEICO and New Trimble Auto Body presented a fully refurbished 2018 Honda Accord to Raul Perez, and an equally fully refurbished 2017 Hyundai Tucson to Krystal Cordero, who were both nominated by the New Jersey Veteran’s Network. The two individuals and photos of their new vehicles are:

- Raul Perez is a Community Relations Manager for a children’s dentistry practice and is an active volunteer for helping with food and clothing drives. He served on Active Duty in South Korea from 1998-2001, and also served in the active U.S. Army Reserve from 2005-2006.
Perez said of his new vehicle, “Being a disabled Army veteran, the vehicle gifted will be a great help getting me to my appointments and therapy. Not xonly that, as a community relations manager, it will help me to continue my efforts in serving the community, and to help to participate in food and clothing drives as I’ve done in the past. I’m very happy to have received this vehicle. I appreciate the NABC® for choosing me, NJ Veterans Network for nominating me, and all others involved in making it possible.” - Krystal Cordero is an Army Veteran. New Jersey Veterans Network president Michael Boll said of Cordero, “I have had the privilege of working closely with Krystal Cordero, and I can attest to (her) outstanding character, dedication, and service to our country. Krystal Cordero served in Active Duty from 2006-2010 in the Army, as an Airborne soldier in Psychological Operations, demonstrating unwavering commitment, courage, and sacrifice during their time in the armed forces. She embodies the values of integrity, honor, and selflessness that are the cornerstone of our military. Transitioning to civilian life after serving in the military can present numerous challenges, and Cordero has faced these with resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles encountered, she has shown a remarkable ability to persevere and adapt. She has actively sought opportunities to contribute to the community and has been a positive force in uplifting and supporting fellow veterans. She dedicates her time assisting and being an advocate for Veterans in the real estate sector, (including) homeless Veterans to reintegrate into civilian life. The donation of this vehicle will be immensely beneficial to Krystal, enabling her to access employment opportunities, attend necessary medical appointments, and engage more fully in community activities.”

NABC® Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC® Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 3,300 vehicles valued at some $47 million.
Additional partners in the NABC® Recycled Rides® presentation included Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, Copart and Enterprise.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL®
The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,300 vehicles and provided extrication opportunities for some 5,500 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC® Recycled Rides®, NABC® First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Community Impact program. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars. The NABC® Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC® Recycled Rides® and NABC® F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allows NABC® to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.