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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MaryEllen Odell
Putnam County Executive
(845) 808-1001
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell will be present on Saturday, Dec. 15 when Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4927 in Suffolk County presents Carmel resident Patrick Brady, a disabled Navy veteran, the keys to a fully refurbished car.
Odell cordially invites all media to meet Patrick Brady and see his new car on Monday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Putnam County Veterans Home on Drewville Road in Carmel.
“Moments like these are what make the Season of Giving truly memorable,” said Odell. “Here is a young man who has given so much to his country and who now is receiving, through the efforts of his fellow Putnam veterans and the Vehicles for Veterans program, the priceless gift of independence.”
Brady’s story starts with the creation of Recycled Rides, a vehicle donation program, adopted by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) in 2006 to enhance the image of the collision industry. A green program, Recycled Rides recruits auto body shops, insurers, paint suppliers and parts vendors to contribute to the refurbishing of a vehicle which is then donated to an individual or service organization in need.
Vehicles for Veterans is an offshoot of the NABC Recycled Rides program and works in much the same way seeking donated time, parts and vehicles by networking with local Suffolk County businesses. It was started by VFW Post 4927 member Dennis Sullivan in March 2010.
Brady had long wished he had money enough to purchase buy a car of his own which would relieve him of being dependent on the kindness of others for medical appointments, shopping or attending local flea markets where he works to earn a few extra dollars.
THEY “HONOR THE DEAD BY HELPING THE LIVING”
Karl Rohde, Putnam County’s director of Veterans Affairs and Art Hanley, a life member of Brewster VFW Post 672, live up to the VFW code of honoring the dead by helping the living.
As Hanley gave Brady a ride home from a Veterans Service Agency appointment in September they passed a car with a For Sale sign posted in the window. Brady spoke of his wish to own a car. Soon after, Hanley repeated Brady’s wish to Rohde who in turn reached out to their Suffolk County friend Sullivan who said he knew of nine available vehicles. Hanley immediately notified Brady who filled out an application form. Then the two men worked on an essay to explain how having a car would improve Brady’s quality of life.
The next month, a panel of judges selected Brady as a recipient of one of the vehicles. All Brady had left to do was fill out the necessary title transfer paperwork and to file his insurance and registration information. Thrilled for his friend, Hanley drove a delighted Brady back to Suffolk County on Oct. 27 where they complete their tasks. The nine vehicles would be presented to veterans in need at a Nov. 10 ceremony.
But then Superstorm Sandy struck. The ceremony was cancelled and Brady anxiously awaited word of when he would receive his car.
Earlier this week, the announcement was made. Brady will receive the keys to a fully refurbished 2005 Chevrolet Impala at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 15 at the VFW Post 4927, 31 Horseblock Road, Centereach, NY 11720.
Several Veterans Service Organizations have purchased Gasoline Gift Cards to present to Brady during the ceremony.
