AAMCO Officially Kicks Off '50 Cars in 50 States' Initiative

HORSHAM, Pa., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAMCO, one of the world's most recognized auto repair companies, begins its 50 Cars in 50 States initiative by repairing the car of a Vietnam War veteran in St. Louis, Mo. through its partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).

In celebration of its 50^th anniversary in 2012, AAMCO partnered with the MOPH to give back to America's veterans in communities across the U.S. Through the 50 Cars in 50 States program, AAMCO plans to repair the cars of 50 combat veterans, one in each state.

James C. Tillman, a disabled Army Vietnam combat veteran from St. Louis, Mo., was nominated to participate in AAMCO's initiative by the MOPH department in Missouri. Mr. Tillman has medical issues resulting from his time in combat, and the condition of his Ford vehicle and his financial situation have prevented him from obtaining medical care that he needs.

"AAMCO is providing a great service to me and other combat veterans," said Mr. Tillman. "I've missed several doctors appointments at the Veteran's Affairs hospital in the past because my car wasn't working. But once AAMCO makes the repairs, I will have a reliable way to get everywhere I need to be. I am so grateful for their help."

Mr. Tillman picked up his newly repaired vehicle today from the Ballwin AAMCO center at 15475 Manchester Road in Ballwin. Labor for the repairs was provided by ten local area AAMCO centers, led by owner Brett Miller. The AAMCO center picked up Mr. Tillman's vehicle on Wednesday, July 25 from his residence and brought it to the service center where all of the necessary repairs were made, plus additional services were performed to ensure Mr. Tillman's vehicle will continue to serve him for years to come.

"It's an honor for me to repair Mr. Tillman's car," said Brett Miller, owner of the Ballwin AAMCO center. "He and all veterans provide a noble and necessary service for our country, and they deserve our support. I'm just glad I can help."

"On behalf of all AAMCO franchise dealers, I want to extend our sincere appreciation for what  our brave veterans have done for our country and  we are glad to volunteer our time to help get them back on the road," said Mike Ganjei, president of the National AAMCO Dealers Association. "Mr. Tillman is the first of many veterans that AAMCO aims to help during this campaign."

"Supporting the communities in which we operate has always been one of AAMCO's top priorities," said Marc Graham, president and CEO of AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. "I'm proud that AAMCO and its franchises have made this commitment to service America's veterans through our 50 Cars in 50 States initiative."

The St. Louis vehicle is the first of fifty car repairs that AAMCO plans to make through its partnership with the MOPH to commemorate 50 years of total car care service.

About AAMCO
AAMCO is the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in total car care services. AAMCO has over 900 automotive centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. 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.

SOURCE AAMCO