Marine Veterans Get Refurbished Cars Through Recycled Rides Program

It’s not every day that a set of car keys comes with a new lease on life—but for two U.S. Marine Corps veterans in Bergen County, that moment arrived on July 23.

Michael Arocho and Dominick Carpentieri, both decorated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, were gifted two fully refurbished vehicles through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. 

“This is definitely going to help me get around to school. What can I say? This is really nice and I am really grateful,” said Archoco, who will begin his semester this fall at Bergen Community College, studying horticulture with an interest in aquascaping. “This is going to help me out as a student for sure!” 

He served 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, became homeless after losing his job in California and moved to New Jersey to stay with his sister. Undeterred, he got back on his feet through the Veterans Administration’s HUD-VASH housing program and enrolled in school under the G.I. Bill. 

Along the way, the unexpected happened when a tree fell on top of his sister’s home. “Having the incident occur, it took him back to the war, I’ve been his biggest advocate since then,” said Marisol Arocho, his sister who spoke with New Jersey Urban News.

The event brought together organizations in the auto industry market, such as the National Auto Body Council, a leading organization of collision repair industry partners focused on community service and professional collaboration. 

The initiative, launched back in 2007, the National Auto Body Council has already donated more than 3,500 refurbished vehicles to individuals and families in need, while also training more than 6,000 first responders in critical vehicle extrication techniques, according to their site.

Through its key partner programs—NABC Recycled Rides, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication and the NABC Community Impact initiative, along with a partnership with GEICO and New Trimble Auto Body, which provides reliable transportation to those who need a ride.

“Mike Arocho and Dominick Carpentieri, as you turn a page on this new chapter consider this vehicle your trustworthy companion, may it make life’s ride a little smoother,” said Scott Miller, who represented GEICO at the press conference held. He added through the program, last year 177 refurbished vehicles were provided to military schools and training programs.

The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation—a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit—is deepening its commitment to supporting veterans, active military, first responders, and families facing hardship. Backed by the collective strength of the collision repair industry, the foundation aims to create meaningful, lasting change in communities across the country.

“At the end of the day we are changing people’s lives,” said Ivo Rodrigues, the owner of New Trimble Auto Body, for 13 years serving the community in auto vehicle repairs at Clifton, New Jersey. He added that this was the fifth year they held the event and aspired to continue giving back to the community.

“It means everything to me, this is just such a special moment and I am really grateful!” said Dominick, who served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, making his way up to the ranks as sergeant. “I am without words, but it’s just a good feeling,” he said, standing next to his new  2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES, with a smile on his face.

The event also featured restaurant vendors such as Portuguese Tavern Steakhouse, offering traditional Portuguese-style cuisine.

“We get these vehicles pretty beat up, and we all come together to fix them, to give beautiful cars to these veterans,” said Abraham Toro, who helped with the paperwork for both vehicles, he stated. “Coming together this is what it’s all about, giving back to those who served this country.”