Reservists benefit from Charity Cars Program

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  For Airman Lamont Thomas, 445th Security Forces Squadron, Saturday, Nov. 5, began as an ordinary unit training assembly until he was surprised by a visit from Dave and Jan Murphy, owners of Murphy's Autocare of Beavercreek, Ohio.

The Murphy's along with other organizations are participants in a community program called Charity Cars that donates vehicles to those like Thomas who are in need. Prior to receiving his car, Thomas would take a bus from Toledo, Ohio to attend the UTAs.

Thomas, who couldn't stop smiling, was presented his car in the company of his SFS peers.

"This isn't a joke is it? Is this really my car?" he asked.

Thomas and another reservist from the 445th Airlift Wing were recipients of donated vehicles thanks to Candy Prystaloski, Miami Valley Military Affairs Association past president, and Dave and Jan Murphy.

The Murphys support the local community through events like the Charity Cars Program, where cars and vans are donated from customers of the local auto value service dealers. Repair services, inspections, and parts are donated by the auto value service dealers, (Genuine Auto Parts, Thoma Body Shop, and Murphy's Autocare in these two cases), and given to a recipient that shows a need for a vehicle.

"We are proud to be part of this program. But we didn't do this alone. This was a joint effort. Thoma Body Shop did the body and automotive restoration. We did the mechanical restoration. Genuine Auto Parts donated the parts to restore the vehicles," Jan said.

Master Sgt. Anthony Johns, 445th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant, said this time Prystaloski and the Murphys wanted to target reservists from the 445th AW for two cars they had available.

Johns said the task at hand was to narrow down individuals who were in need of a boost - something that would make a difference.

"I spoke with various leaders within the wing to get a short list of folks, reviewed their circumstances, and recommendations were made. After the names were approved, each individual's leadership was involved to set up the presentation," Johns said.

Tech. Sgt. Robert Monti, 445th Maintenance Squadron machinist, was presented the keys to his car, Oct. 19 at the annual MVMAA dinner. He and his wife, Sheri, were able to pick up their car Nov. 2 at Murphy's Autocare.

"No words can express how I feel. Because of our current situation, this has been a blessing. This is just a wonderful surprise that I wasn't expecting," Monti said.

With tears in her eyes, Sheri added on to her husband's comment, "This is just wonderful. Now I don't have to walk to work!

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