AAMCO's National Charitable Program Reaches Military Veteran in Michigan

Montgomery Marine Corps Veteran Enjoys Free Car Repairs from Kalamazoo AAMCO Center

HORSHAM, Pa., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAMCO, the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and leader in total car care, continued its 50 Cars in 50 States initiative by repairing the van of a Vietnam War veteran in Michigan as part of its partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).

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Retired Marine Corps veteran Robert W. Devine served in the Vietnam War. Devine relies on his 2002 Chevrolet Venture to get to his medical appointments at the local Veterans Affairs facility and to run daily errands. Purple Heart member George Schneider recommended Devine for AAMCO's program to the MOPH Michigan state commander after learning that Devine could not afford the extensive repairs his vehicle needed.

"I'd like to thank AAMCO of Kalamazoo for repairing my van and getting me back on the road," said Devine. "I am so grateful to George Schneider, who recommended me, Helen, the AAMCO center owner, and the entire AAMCO repair team, as well as all the companies that donated parts and time to ensure I have a safe working vehicle."

Devine picked up his newly repaired van on Sept. 27 from the AAMCO of Kalamazoo service center, at 541 Portage Street, where all services were provided free of charge. Parts and detailing were donated by local automotive businesses. AAMCO rebuilt the transmission and made many updates, including a motor oil change, installing new valves, fluids, spark plugs, wires and a parking light. The AAMCO center owner, Helen Bogatschow ensured all major and minor repairs were provided by enlisting assistance from local businesses:

• Autozone provided all parts necessary to repair the van, including the brake pads.
• Transtar donated the parts and fluids to rebuild the transmission.
• Connie and Dale DeGroot, of DeGroot Carstar Collision Center at 572 East Walnut Street, provided the new hood and grill, as well as exterior painting.
• Gary Shoemaker, of Shoemaker Garage at 633 East Crosstown Parkway, provided the front-end alignment.
• Bunca Detailing, at 653 West Michigan Avenue, provided the detailing.

The AAMCO owner and repair team conducted a full inspection and review to ensure that the car will continue to serve Devine for many years.

"I am so pleased to help a deserving veteran, such as Robert Devine," said Helen Bogatschow, owner of the AAMCO of Kalamazoo. "I believe in doing our part to give back, and am thankful for the generous donations from local partners that donated the body work, parts, labor and detailing for this effort," she added.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, AAMCO partnered with the MOPH to give back to America's veterans in communities across the country. Through the 50 Cars in 50 States program, AAMCO is repairing the cars of combat veterans, with the goal to repair one in each state to commemorate 50 years of total car care service.

About AAMCO
AAMCO is the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and a leader in total car care services. AAMCO has over 900 automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1962, AAMCO centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit www.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. The MOPH national headquarters is located in Springfield, Va.

SOURCE AAMCO