On Dec. 20, a Southwest Florida area U.S. Army veteran was presented with a vehicle to provide him independence and the ability to continue his volunteer efforts, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program along with car donor GEICO and collision repair partner Daytona Toyota.
The presentation was held at Daytona Toyota, where the deserving recipient, Quincy Lopez, received a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. Lopez, nominated by Wounded Warrior Project, is a combat veteran who dedicated nine years to the U.S. Army as a counterintelligence agent and intelligence analyst, earning numerous accolades. During his service, Lopez faced life-threatening injuries, leading to multiple surgeries.
Overcoming immense challenges and through determination and resiliency, he became an active athlete. He transitioned to Paralympic sports, competing in the bobsled for Team USA in the Paralympic Games, track for Team Army in the Valor Games, and wheelchair basketball. His determination extended beyond sports as he pursued degrees in medicine and psychology and became a certified trainer and adaptive trainer, aiding children with disabilities and fellow veterans.
Lopez passionately serves his community and helps other veterans through their journey after military service. Getting a refurbished vehicle will help Quincy continue to serve the community and stay active in the adaptive sports world.
“Receiving this vehicle has made a tremendous impact on my quality of life. It has enabled me freedom of movement, allowing me to go to the VA often and also given me the privilege of taking my son to school and picking him up. It gives us quality time together and eliminates the worry I feel when he walks alone to school. I am extremely thankful for this vehicle,” said Lopez.
“Thank you to GEICO and Daytona Toyota and all of the members of the NABC that have come together to make this happen,” said Dale Ross, program manager for the NABC Recycled Rides program. “Gifting a vehicle to someone who has worked as hard as Quincy has to overcome his challenges, and who continues to help others, makes it extra special for all of us. He is an extremely deserving veteran, and we are proud to do this for him and his family.”
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 program in 2007, members of the NABC have donated more than 3,200 vehicles valued at some $46 million.
Additional partners in the presentation include Copart, Cars for Charity, Advanced Remarketing Services and Enterprise.
