AAMCO Partners with Military Order of the Purple Heart for 50th Anniversary

AAMCO to launch "50 Cars in 50 States" program to provide auto repair service to combat veterans and their families

HORSHAM, Pa., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAMCO, the world's largest chain of transmission specialists, is celebrating 50 years, and to mark the occasion is collaborating with the Military Order of the Purple Heart to repair 50 Cars in 50 States. Also, one selected family will win a new car.

"Turning 50 is a tremendous milestone for AAMCO and a great opportunity to give back to the communities in which we operate," said Marc Graham, Chairman & CEO of AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. "In these times of national conflict, I can't think of a more deserving and appropriate group to work with than America's wounded veterans and their families."

In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2012, AAMCO is launching the 50 Cars in 50 States campaign with the charitable partnership. The Military Order of the Purple Heart and AAMCO will select a veteran in each state to receive free auto repairs, at a local participating AAMCO dealer location. 50 Cars in 50 States will launch this summer and will run through the end of the year until repairs are complete. Additionally, one deserving veteran and their family will receive a brand new car. Details of the individuals and families selected for the promotion will be announced at a future date.

"Our AAMCO dealers are proud to give back their time by conducting complimentary vehicle repairs for members of such a worthy and esteemed military veteran organization," said Mike Ganjei, chairman of the AAMCO National Creative Committee and president of the National AAMCO Dealers Association.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart serves the needs of its 43,000 members, all of which are combat-wounded veterans who have received the Purple Heart Medal. It also provides free services to all veterans to assist with Veterans Affairs claims, homelessness and employment opportunities.  

There are nearly 4,000 new Purple Heart recipients returning home from the War on Terror, and many of those vets are in need of a properly functioning and safe vehicle.

"We are thrilled to be working with AAMCO on their anniversary campaign," said John P. Leonard, National Adjunct at the Military Order of the Purple Heart. "America's combat-wounded veterans and their families appreciate support and acknowledgement from programs like 50 Cars in 50 States, especially at a time when the Federal government can provide only limited funds on car repairs."

About AAMCO
AAMCO is the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in complete car care services. AAMCO has over 800 automotive centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Established in 1962, AAMCO centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit AAMCO.com.

About the Military Order of the Purple Heart
The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.

SOURCE AAMCO