BRIEF: Military vet receives free refurbished vehicle from Sacramento-area repair center

June 25--A local U.S. Army veteran today received a free, refurbished vehicle from a Sacramento-area Caliber Collision repair shop, part of a Texas-based chain of repair centers.

The presentation was made to Hector Ponce at the Sacramento-Antelope Caliber Collision outlet at 7407 Roseville Road.

Officials said Ponce was homeless and jobless when he came to the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center, which subsequently nominated him for Caliber Collision's Recycled Rides program. The chain-wide program involves vehicles, donated by insurance companies, that are refurbished by Caliber employees who donate their time as a community service.

Officials said the vehicle Ponce received will enable him to pursue a catering job and eliminate an hours-long commute via light rail, bus and train between Sacramento and San Jose to be with his family. Nationwide Insurance donated Ponce's vehicle.

Caliber Collision Centers has 178 centers in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas.

Nominations for prospective Recycled Rides recipients can be submitted by individuals, co-workers and service organizations. More information is at http://calibercollision.com/.

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