NJ veterans receive new cars through Recycled Rides program

PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) -- Air Force veteran Warren Chambers hasn't had a car for more than 20 years, yet he's walked to his job in Carteret every day — not once calling out.

"Twenty-three years, yes, I haven't missed work," Chambers told PIX11 News on Friday. "You can call my job. I haven't missed work; I'm never late."

Now, in a refurbished 2022 Honda Accord, he can make it to his doctor's appointments and more.

"This will help me," said Chambers. "I don't have to walk anymore. I don't have to borrow anybody's car. I can go to the mall, I can go to some different places. I'm so grateful and thankful."

He's one of three veterans receiving a gently used car as part of the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides program, which donates used cars to veterans in need.

Eddie Coronado, from Summit, served in the Navy. His wife has been battling breast cancer, and he's had to work extra jobs for his family while she couldn't work. His old car was in constant need of repairs. Now, he's in a 2022 Subaru Forrester Sport.

"This will help me... get to those extra jobs and allow her possibly take herself to different appointments that she may need when I can't take her," said Coronado.

As for Army and Marine veteran Steven Rypkema, from Wayne, he found himself homeless, yet still picking up his two kids from school every day. With his 2023 Toyota Camry, he'll be able to get to work more easily.

"This is the most exciting thing to ever happen to me," said Rypkema. "What goes around comes around, and I think God did answer my need to help my family."

An annual event at Dynasty Auto Body in Paterson, the program has donated more than 3,300 recycled rides across the country, many of them to veterans like Rypkema, who in turn will help other veterans.

"I just want to praise God, what He's done, and it's very humbling for me," said Rypkema.