Veterans Received Refurbished Vehicles in San Antonio
The National Auto Body Council gifted two vehicles to local veterans at a conference in San Antonio.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Car Types
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The National Auto Body Council presented two refurbished vehicles to local veterans at the Hilton San Antonio Palacio del Rio. The giveaway took place during the annual CIECA CONNEX Conference.
Why it matters
The annual gifting event serves to support local veterans in the city hosting the CIECA CONNEX Conference. By restoring and donating cars, the organization aims to assist those in need with reliable transportation.
Caliber Collision has refurbished more than 600 vehicles over the last 12 years, while Crash Champions has completed nearly 300 restorations. GEICO has donated more than 1,000 vehicles through the Recycled Rides program.
The players
Paula Peterson
She is a U.S. Army veteran who received a refurbished vehicle.
Casey Franklin
He is a U.S. Army veteran who received a refurbished vehicle.
National Auto Body Council
This organization facilitates vehicle donations and refurbishment efforts for community members in need.
GEICO
This insurance company provides vehicle donations through the Recycled Rides program.
Caliber Collision
This collision repair company provides refurbishment services for donated vehicles.
The details
Caliber Collision restored a 2020 Toyota CHR for U.S. Army veteran Paula Peterson, who was nominated by Grace After Fire. Simultaneously, Crash Champions refurbished a 2020 Mazda CX-5 for U.S. Army veteran Casey Franklin, who was nominated by HUD-VASH.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The two vehicles were presented to veterans in San Antonio.
Roadmap
The automotive industry continues to leverage corporate social responsibility initiatives to repurpose vehicles for community support. This shift reflects a trend where repair networks utilize their technical capacity to address transportation barriers for local residents.
These donations provide veterans with reliable transportation, significantly improving access to employment and essential services. Recipients gain long-term mobility without the financial burden of purchasing a vehicle.
The takeaway
Vehicle refurbishment programs provide a tangible way for companies to utilize existing resources to benefit individuals in their communities. Veterans seeking support can look for similar partnerships between non-profit organizations and local businesses.
Further reading
Learn more about local vehicle industry initiatives in our Car Types section.
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