The National Auto Body Council (NABC), along with USAA and 3D Auto Body and Collision, recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a member of the United States Air Force through the NABC’s Recycled Rides program.
The vehicle, a 2023 Toyota Camry, was generously donated by USAA, the official NFL Salute to Service Partner, and refurbished by the technicians of 3D Auto Body. Legendary Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook was on hand to join the festivities and honor the recipient, Airman Keskel Yatrofsky.
“These young men don’t want a hand out, they deserve a hand up, they need to be able to drive back and forth to work, and that’s what we want to provide to them,” said Westbrook. “We’re blessed to have these young men and women serve us and help us and protect us. To be able to see the smile on Keskel’s face as he received this car was absolutely great.”
Yatrofsky is currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. After receiving this refurbished vehicle from USAA and the Recycled Rides program, Yatrofsky will be able to embrace his service to the country without having to worry about how he will get to work, training or any off-base adventures. On weekends, he will no longer be confined to the on-base dorms, as a refurbished vehicle will allow him the freedom to explore.
The recipient was nominated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania played a critical role in establishing the VFW of the U.S. A framed flag at their headquarters in Harrisburg historically shows that Post #1 of the forerunner of the VFW — the American Veterans of Foreign Service— started in Philadelphia. They are among the national leaders in VFW program activity and funds raised to support VFW and community projects. This success shows they are first and foremost a service organization. Of course, the VFW is quick to respond to needs of veterans, their families and military families. They know how to react to the many challenges facing military families and transitioning troops because they’ve “been there.”
“I was definitely not expecting something so awesome to happen, but I’m glad that it did,” said Yatrofsky. “It changes my life in giving me the ability to work better for the 305th Air Mobility Wing and the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron. It also allows me the ability to get out in the community and work within the neighborhood a lot more.”
USAA, a level one partner of the NABC, has donated more than 150 vehicles to people and organizations through Recycled Rides. Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves 14 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work.
3D Auto Body and Collision Centers is an MSO that has served the western and northern Philadelphia suburbs for more than 35 years. All locations are I-CAR Gold and members of the Certified Collision Group (CCG). CCG was founded in 2014 on a simple premise to level the playing field for the independent collision repair operator.
Additional partners in the presentation included Certified Collision Group, Copart, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.
For more information on Recycled Rides, click here.
