Refurbished Car Presented To Disabled Rockland Veteran

TALLMAN, NY — A Rockland resident who is a Marine Corps veteran received a refurbished car during a ceremony on Wednesday with officials presiding from Four Star Automotive Corp., the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9215 and Rockland County.

Michael Smith, the recipient of this year’s automobile, is a disabled veteran who served his country in the United States Marine Corps from May 1971 to October 1975.

“We in Rockland are extremely lucky to have organizations like Four Star Automotive Corp., our VFW Posts and others who consistently go above and beyond in service to our veterans," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

"I am proud of the role our Veterans Services Agency plays in assisting in these efforts and I urge our residents to remember the debt of gratitude we owe to every person who has served in the armed services. Without whom we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we cherish today."

The vehicle will get Smith to vital community resources he needs for recovery and will eventually serve as his transportation to work.

Four Star Automotive Corp. is constantly soliciting for donated vehicles with potential that we can restore to fully operational condition and present to a veteran, said Irwin Weisman.

“This is a key project for us and is important to our community and veterans,” said his partner, Dave Davidowicz. “Our staff is very involved in this program and donates their time and efforts and are excited to be part of another gifting ceremony.”

The program exemplifies the motto of the VFW: ‘Honor the Dead by Helping the Living,’ said Guy Gebbia, former Commander of VFW Post 9215.

"Together we bring much-needed vehicles to needing, worthy and deserving veterans and their families. The auto will improve the quality of Michael’s life significantly," Gebbia said. "It is an honor for us to be able to provide reliable transportation to local veterans and families that need access to get to a job, a doctor's appointment or other places they couldn't go without a reliable vehicle.”