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Wounded GIs Build Fancy Cars and New Lives

avatar By Jeanne Goddard

18 Jun 2012 52 views
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Wounded GIs Build Fancy Cars and New Lives
The Automotivation program began eight years ago after the founder of San Antonio-based Operation Comfort talked with a soldier in Brooke Army Medical Center's burn ward. She said to the badly burned Aaron, What on earth can I do to make you use what hands you've got? He replied, If you put an engine block out there on that patio area I'd be working on it 24/7.

The "Automotivation" program began eight years ago after the founder of San Antonio-based Operation Comfort talked with a soldier in Brooke Army Medical Center's burn ward.

Aaron Coates was so badly injured after a rocket-propelled grenade struck his fuel truck that the gear shift knob and steering wheel melted into his hands.

She said to Aaron, "What on earth can I do to make you use what hands you've got?" He replied, "If you put an engine block out there on that patio area I'd be working on it 24/7."

Now, a cadre of war-wounded veterans are determined to rebuild lives through the assembly of unique vehicles.

(READ the story in the Houston Chronicle)

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