safety
South Florida veteran gifted car through National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides Program
By Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News
· June 11, 2026
· 2 min read
A grateful South Florida veteran got to enjoy a new set of wheels. Former U.S. Marine Sergio Hernandez and his wife were gifted a 2018 Toyota Rav4 thanks to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, which partnered with Allstate, body shop Crash Champions and the Wounded Warriors Foun
Key takeaway Marine Sergio Hernandez and his wife were gifted a 2018 Toyota Rav4 thanks to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, which partnered with Allstate, body shop Crash Champions and the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
Why this matters in The Miami
The gift of a reliable vehicle to a South Florida veteran like Sergio Hernandez has significant implications in a region where transportation is crucial. Miami's sprawling neighborhoods, including Little Havana and Wynwood, can be challenging to navigate without a car, and public transportation options may not always be convenient. For veterans like Hernandez, a reliable vehicle can be a lifeline, providing access to employment, healthcare, and other essential services. The National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides program, which partnered with local businesses like Crash Champions, demonstrates the importance of community support for veterans in Miami-Dade County. As the region continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like these will be vital in ensuring that veterans like Hernandez have the resources they need to thrive. The program's focus on providing safe and reliable vehicles also addresses a critical safety concern in a region prone to hurricanes and flooding, where a dependable car can be a vital asset in emergency situations.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 11, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A grateful South Florida veteran got to enjoy a new set of wheels. Former U.S. Marine Sergio Hernandez and his wife were gifted a 2018 Toyota Rav4 thanks to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, which partnered with Allstate, body shop Crash Champions and the Wounded Warriors Foun
When was this published? This article was first published on June 11, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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