AAMCO's National Charitable Program Reaches Soldier in South Carolina

Fort Jackson Soldier Enjoys Free Car Repairs from Columbia AAMCO Center

HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAMCO, the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and leader in total car care, continued its 50 Cars in 50 States initiative by repairing the car of a soldier in South Carolina through its partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).

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In celebration of its 50th anniversary, AAMCO partnered with the MOPH to give back to America's veterans in communities across the country. Through the 50 Cars in 50 States program, AAMCO is repairing the cars of combat veterans, with the goal to repair one in each state to commemorate 50 years of total car care service.

Sergeant First Class Errick L. Holmes Sr. is currently stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., after serving two infantry tours in Iraq. Sgt. Holmes, who was awarded the Purple Heart, relies on his 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo to get to work and drive his son to school. The commander of the MOPH Department of South Carolina endorsed Sgt. Holmes's participation in AAMCO's program when he learned that Holmes could not afford the extensive repairs his car needed.

"I am humbled by the generosity of the AAMCO of Columbia," said Sgt. Holmes. "Without their support, I don't think I could have afforded the car repairs that I very much needed."                          

Sgt. Holmes picked up his newly repaired car on August 6 from the AAMCO of Columbia service center, at 2428 Broad River Road, where the services were provided free of charge. After Holmes dropped off his car, AAMCO technicians conducted a thorough diagnostic inspection to determine all repairs needed. Ultimately, they overhauled the transmission and installed a new instrument cluster to ensure that the car will continue to serve him for many years.

"My son is in the Navy, and I can appreciate the personal and family sacrifice Sgt. Holmes has made serving in the military," said James Chu, owner of AAMCO of Columbia. "It is an honor for AAMCO of Columbia to repair Sgt. Holmes's vehicle through the Purple Heart program. This is our small way of saying 'thank you' to our military personnel and veterans for their service and sacrifice to protect this great country."

About AAMCO
AAMCO is the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and a leader in total car care services. AAMCO has over 900 automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1962, AAMCO centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit www.AAMCO.com.

About the Military Order of the Purple Heart
The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes. The MOPH national headquarters is located in Springfield, Va.

SOURCE AAMCO