Army National Guard Veteran Receives Surprise Car in San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Ke Shoundra White, a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, received a donated Honda CRV on Wednesday, easing transportation challenges as she balances school, work, motherhood, and her husband’s military deployment. The surprise gift was presented in San Diego, where White is adjusting to civilian life after five years of service.

A Helping Hand for a Dedicated Veteran

Originally from Alabama, White has found the lack of a personal vehicle particularly tricky in San Diego. She currently works as a substitute teacher even as studying early childhood education, and relies on rideshares to acquire around. This situation created a strain on her family’s stability and success, especially with a new baby on the way.

The Gift and Those Behind It

White was nominated to receive the vehicle by Zero8Hundred. Allstate donated the Honda CRV, and Collision Experts refurbished it. The National Auto Body Council and AkzoNobel similarly contributed to making the donation possible.

“Overwhelming is definitely one way to put it, truly just blessed,” White said, expressing her gratitude.

National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides Program

The donation is part of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program, which has donated nearly 4,000 vehicles to veterans, military members, and first responders since 2007, totaling a value of $67 million.

Auday Shamoon, owner of Collision Experts, stated, “We were really excited to give back to a military member. With a new baby on the way, this will be life-changing.”

Debby Robinson, Executive Director of the NABC, added, “It is just tremendous what they contribute to our country, our veterans who have served, those who are serving in the Middle East right now, our hearts go out to them and we thank them for their service.”

A Brighter Future for a Growing Family

White expressed her relief and excitement about the impact the car will have on her family. “Feeling amazing right now and to grasp my family has an opportunity to expand, travel, make it to work, and put a car seat in the back of this car,” she said. She also emphasized the importance of support for service members and their families, describing a sense of “sisterhood and brotherhood” within the military community.

Those interested in supporting programs like this can make a donation or nomination.