Marine veteran gets keys to car thanks to VFW post

After more than a year without a car, a Marine Corps veteran is finally back on the road thanks to a local VFW in Rockland County.

News 12 Staff

Apr 14, 2021, 9:46 PM

Updated 1,280 days ago

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After more than a year without a car, a Marine Corps veteran is finally back on the road thanks to a local VFW in Rockland County.
VFW Post 9215 donated a vehicle to Michael Smith. He served in the Marines 40 years ago and has PTSD. His diagnosis led to homelessness and losing his car.
On Wednesday, Smith accepted keys to a Chrysler Town and Country thanks to the VFW post.
“It feels good, I just got to get used to it and stuff,” says Smith. "This is a really fantastic opportunity."
The VFW runs a program in collaboration with Four Star Automotive where they renovate donated cars and gift to veterans.
News 12 is told that the aim of the program is to help heroes get their lives back on the road.
 “I can’t begin to tell you the gratitude I have for getting this car,” says Smith. “This car means a lot to me.”
Guy Gebbia, of VFW Post 9215, believes being able to gift the cars to America’s heroes is an amazing feeling.
“For us to be able to help a veteran makes us feel worthy and worthwhile, like we really are doing something special," says Gebbia.
The organization has donated 16 cars to veterans in need since 2009.