Veteran's Day Story: Local Hero Gets a Little Help From His Automotive Friends

CARSON, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor recipient SFC Carlton surprised his 17-year old son this weekend in Fort Meade, MD, with a totally reconditioned 1996 red Camaro to thank him for being such a support to the family while his Dad was away serving his country.  SFC Carlton was aided in this effort by AutoPartsWarehouse.com who, touched by his story posted in its Heroes Automobile Gallery, arranged to have the vehicle rehabilitated and outfitted with the parts it needed.  SFC Carlton had been on the verge of selling the vehicle because the repairs were too extensive.

At the event, Mark Nolan from AutoPartsWarehouse.com, presented David and his son, Tiler, with the new and improved 1996 Camaro, including a new engine, as well as a gift certificate for further upgrades. Walt Eger owner of local business, Walt Eger's Service Center, who donated the labor, was also on hand. Other sponsors included ETE Reman, PartsAuthority and Uni-Select of Severn, MD. Sergeant Carlton is one of hundreds of active and veteran service members who have posted their stories and vehicles in the AutoPartsWarehouse.com's Heroes Gallery.

"Veterans Day is a time to reflect on those who serve our country and who put so much on the line year after year for those at home," said AutoPartsWarehouse.com CEO Shane Evangelist. "We were all deeply moved by SFC Carlton's story on our Heroes Automobile Gallery. Knowing this particular car is back on the road and with the Carlton family could not make us more proud and we are honored to share their story and those of the many service men and women who have posted in our Heroes Automobile Gallery."

The AutoPartsWarehouse.com Heroes Automobile Gallery program provides service members with a 20% discount* on auto parts and an opportunity to share pictures of their vehicle, and what it means to them, as well as a little about their military history. The gallery has hundreds of vehicle photos and service member stories, painting a unique picture of the men and women who sacrifice so much for their country. "Just a quick trip through this gallery of heroes is a reminder of the sacrifices so many have made," continued Evangelist.

Said SFC Carlton: "The two things that are most important to me in life right now are my family and continued service to my country in the Army. My son is a great young man…and has always supported me in the Army. As parents, we don't always realize how much we need our kids -- just as much as they need us."

According to his Heroes Gallery posting, Sergeant First Class David Carlton, who is based in Fort Meade, has served in the Army for over a decade now. While working as a vehicle commander on a Stryker, his unit was ambushed from all directions – with a damaged weapon system, he continued combat under fire, and was struck in the back of the neck resulting in injuries for which he received the Purple Heart, and for his action under combat, he received the Bronze Star with Valor (BSM-V).

Says SFC Carlton, "If you ever talk to other combat veterans, they'll tell you though I wasn't worried about myself ever during that time, because I knew they had my back.  What I was worried about more than anything was keeping them safe. Being in the Infantry isn't a glorious job in the Army, but I do it for the men on my left and right. To me, that is what being in the military is all about."     

SFC Carlton chose the 1996 Camaro because he's always loved this model Camaro, and once he showed Tiler the picture of it, he fell in love with it too. He's been very focused on getting the car safe and sound for his son. Click here to read David's full story in his own words:  http://blog.autopartswarehouse.com/2014/10/apw-heroes-gallery-feature-david-carlton-importance-family-fighting-country/

AutoPartsWarehouse.com has long had a special interest in helping the brave men and women serving with courage and distinction in our military, especially with their special needs when it comes to their vehicles. In 2012, AutoPartsWarehouse.com surprised returning serviceman Staff Sergeant Ben Sorensen by fixing his beloved 1987 Chevy Blazer just in time for his coming home from duty, veteran Rick Roberston with much-needed parts for his truck, and raised $8,000 for Operation HomeFront in a special promotion on Veterans Day 2013. 

For more information about the Heroes Automobile Gallery, the 20% discount for service members and/or to upload a photo, go to http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/heroes.

For pictures and a video of the presentation to David Carlton and his son, click here: http://blog.autopartswarehouse.com/2014/11/veterans-day-story-local-hero-gets-little-help-automotive-friends

For raw footage and high res images contact Elizabeth Johnson at 213-713-4865 / [email protected] or Melanie Webber at 424-603-4340 / [email protected].

About AutoPartsWarehouse.com
Established in 1995, AutoPartsWarehouse.com is one of the nation's top online auto parts and accessories retailers and is dedicated to making it easy for consumers to save money by accessing auto parts online. AutoPartsWarehouse.com offers a comprehensive catalogue of over 2 million auto parts and accessories, to fit all domestic and foreign makes from top aftermarket manufacturers. AutoPartsWarehouse.com offers consumers free shipping on orders over $50 as well as flexible payment and extended warranty plans and options.  The company has parts warehouses in markets throughout the U.S. enabling rapid shipping of parts. AutoPartsWarehouse is operated by U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc., (Nasdaq: PRTS).

About The AutoPartsWarehouse.com Heroes Automobile Gallery program
The AutoPartsWarehouse.com Heroes Automobile Gallery program (http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/heroes) provides service members with a 20% discount* on auto parts and an opportunity to share pictures of their vehicle, and what it means to them, as well as a little about their military history. The gallery has hundreds of vehicle photos and service member stories, painting a unique picture of the men and women who sacrifice so much for their country.

Contact Media Relations:
AutoPartsWarehouse.com
Elizabeth Johnson, mWEBB Communications, [email protected] (213) 713-4865
Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, [email protected](424) 603-4340

Media Relations for Fort George G. Meade:
Steve Ellmore, Fort George G. Meade, Public Affairs Office, 301-677-1109, [email protected]

*Maximum discount $100. Participation is subject to the Terms and Conditions outlined here: http://bit.ly/1fJ8T9P

SOURCE AutoPartsWarehouse.com

Related Links

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/