16 Dallas Area Veterans to Receive Refurbished Vehicles for Veterans Day

Sixteen Dallas-area veterans will mark this Veterans Day with a life-changing gift — the keys to a newly refurbished vehicle.

The presentation, part of the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program, will take place Tuesday, November 11 at 11 a.m. CT at Texas Collision Centers in Plano.

The effort brings together vehicle donors GEICO, Allstate, Farmers, Travelers, Mercury Insurance, and Liberty Mutual, along with repair partner Texas Collision Centers, to give veterans renewed independence — and a way to work, commute, and care for their families.

In an unprecedented show of support, 16 vehicles will be presented to veterans in need during the ceremony — each one restored and ready for the road ahead.

(Full recipient bios follow below):

Ryan Zimmerer is a father of two and served in the United States Marine Corps from 2007-2010.  Zimmerer was injured during a Fast Rope Training accident in 2009. Ryan fell 50 feet from a helicopter to the flight deck of a ship. He was medically retired from the US Marines in 2010. He has endured 10 surgeries, averaging 1 surgery every 18 months for 16 years that ultimately resulted in double leg amputation. Thanks to the Freedom Mobility Foundation, he will receive and adapted truck that will allow Zimmerer to share outdoor activities like hunting and fishing with his sons. 

Bryant Sanders is a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 2009-2013.  He recently secured a job, however the lack of transportation limits access to better opportunities and prevents him from taking his daughter to the places she would like to go.  This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will restore Sanders’ independence, reduce financial strain and improve his family’s quality of life.

Gabriel Torres Vargas is a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 2017-2021.  After arriving in Texas, Torres Vargas faced homelessness and suffered an automobile accident resulting in a total loss of his vehicle.  This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program would allow Torres Vargas to pursue his education more fully with the eventual goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in marine biology.

Dayunna Sias is already a veteran of the United States Air Force at just 21 years of age.  While attending technical school, an injury forced her to leave the service far earlier than she originally expected. Sias currently uses rideshare services because she is unable to afford a vehicle.  She is pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, determined to earn a bachelor’s degree and eventually obtain a master’s degree.  This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will be more than just a way to travel, but the key to unlocking her future.  

Charles Brown is a veteran of the United States Navy and was actively working with the HUD/VASH Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to secure employment when an unexpected medical setback made transportation a major barrier to his recovery and reintegration into the workforce.  His commitment to personal growth and service is evident in his active participation in church and mentorship of fellow veterans.  This gift will allow Brown to pursue employment opportunities, attend medical appointments and assist him with continuing his volunteer and employment efforts.

Dontreal Byars is a mother and veteran of the United States Army National Guard.  Her family was left without a vehicle when her daughter was involved in an accident and the car was totaled.  Having this refurbished vehicle will dramatically change this family’s lives, eliminating financial struggles, allowing her husband to not miss work and her to continue her National Guard assignments.

LaCata Jenkins is a United States Army veteran and single mother of four children.  After serving her country in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, she had to deal with eviction for her and her family and other challenges.  Jenkins has shown remarkable strength and sacrifice in service to her country and in her fight to overcome adversity at home.  This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will allow her to get to work, VA appointments and manage the day-to-day needs of raising her three children.

Matt Taulauniu is a veteran of the United States Army having served from 2016-2018.  He has been diligent in doing everything possible to keep his current job installing security equipment, despite troubles in getting to and from work. Getting this refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will allow him to cut transportation costs, attend work and navigate daily tasks without the pressure of relying on others for his transportation needs.

Trey Macaluso served a long career in the United States Army from 2008-2018.  He was in the United States Army National Guard for six years and was deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom. Since reentry, he has pursued training and employment services, as well as supportive services under the Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration program. This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will be a significant boost to this continuing success story.

Jevon LeBlanc is a veteran of the United State Army having served from 2008-2012.  His wife is disabled and requires frequent trips to the doctor and emergency room.  LeBlanc faces his own health struggles but continues to work nights to support his family of five.  His labor-intensive job is not sustainable given his own medical challenges.  This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will be life-changing, ensuring access to medical care, expanding his employment opportunities and by giving him the ability to achieve his educational goals in the IT field and build a brighter future for his family.

Terry Andrews is a United States Army veteran looking to work in his community.  He has medical appointments in Dallas and must rely on public transportation or the generosity of friends.  Andrews wants to volunteer, attend church and spread the “word of God.” Ultimately, he hopes this vehicle will be as much to help his service with others as it is for himself.

Brandon Lockett is a proud veteran of the United States Navy having served from 2008-2012.  He has faced numerous challenges, including losing his job as an independent truck driver.  The loss of work led to significant financial strain and, ultimately, homelessness.  Despite these challenges, Lockett remains actively engaged in supportive services and focused on achieving long-term stability.  This refurbished vehicle will significantly enhance his self-sufficiency, access to resources and ability to sustain progress toward independence.

After serving his country, McKinley Mamon faced significant challenges and experienced a period of homelessness before securing permanent housing. Despite these hardships, he has shown remarkable perseverance and drive to rebuild his life and create a better future for he and his young family.  Mamon is currently enrolled in an HVAC technician program and is determined to build a sustainable career that will allow him to fully provide for his family. Without transportation, he often leaves home as early as 5:00 a.m.  Mamon has overcome extraordinary obstacles and continues to strive toward independence and stability. He represents a spirit of perseverance and would make excellent use of this gift from the NABC to continue his path toward self-sufficiency and success.

Robert Silva served honorably in the United States Navy from 1991-2000 as a missile technician aboard the USS Nebraska.  He earned two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal and multiple commendations for his exemplary service.  In 2023, Silva lost his mother and was forced to resign from work after being denied time off from his job, losing his unemployment benefits in the process.  Eventually Silva lost his home, surviving solely on benefits provided by the VA.  In 2024, an accident totaled his vehicle.  This refurbished vehicle will allow him to access better job opportunities, maintain his health and continue progressing toward full independence and self-sufficiency.

Jarion Ervin is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving from 2014-2018.  He and his wife have two children of their own and became foster parents of four more young children.  Ervin is a disabled veteran, but he continues to excel in continuing his education.  This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will ensure all his children make their appointments, school activities and other family events.

Michael Rodriguez is a veteran of the United States Navy having served from 2011-2015 during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel.  During his service, Rodriguez injured his back and legs in a 25-foot fall.  After a period of homelessness, he eventually was able to find housing in a veteran’s village, donating money each month for housing and working in maintenance at the property doing electrical and security work.   This refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will allow Rodriguez to continue his part-time work as an electrician’s apprentice and gain experience to become an electrician. 

WHERE: Texas Collision Centers
1001 Preston Road
Plano, TX 75093
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11 at 11 a.m. CT