For seven years, Army veteran Tristan Carpe served our country in a challenging environment helping wounded troops at the U.S. Army Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. When she needed some help herself, LaMettry’s Collision in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, American Family Insurance and local vendor partners worked together to provide her family with a reliable vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program.
She received the keys to a fully restored 2016 Toyota Camry at a celebration ceremony on May 21.
A recurring theme of the event was taking the time to appreciate the service and sacrifice of our military, and offering help when needed. Assisting Tristan locally was Dan Tengwall, Carver County Veteran Services officer. He noted: “Tristan, like any other vet, came to our office. I think the one difference is she asked for help.” He reminded all vets “how important it is to ask for help, because the help is out there.”
Col. Bob Ayotte, part of the Nomination and Planning Committee for the event, shared: “I know the American Family. This is the American family … what you do, Americans helping Americans, has such an impact because the ones that receive the car are not happy about the car, they’re happy because you care.”
Speaking of the service and sacrifice of our military members, Minnesota state Rep. Kelly Morrison said, “Tristan Carpe is certainly a wonderful example of this ethic of sacrifice and service. You heard about her remarkable journey. She was stationed in Germany where she cared for troops medevacked from Afghanistan and Iraq. Her courage inspires us all. To enlist at the height of post-9/11 war on terror alone is brave and admirable. To care for our fallen and wounded warriors is a critical and unbelievably challenging task.”
Contributing partners making the event possible included American Family, LaMettry’s Collision, Burnsville Toyota, 3M, BASF, Chanhassen AutoPlex, Charity Cars, EP Auto, Tire & Glass, Flags and Honor of Minnesota, and IAA – Insurance Auto Auctions.
This is the ninth vehicle LaMettry’s Collision has repaired and donated through the NABC’s Recycled Rides program.
