Six Chicago Area Midas Franchisees Help Donate Vehicles to Local Veterans

Six Chicago area Midas franchisees came together to donate a total of six refurbished vehicles to local veterans, as recently shared with NOLN.

The donations were part of Midas’ nationwide Project Spark initiative, and were made possible by parts donated from NAPA.

Franchisees from Tinley Park, Downers Grove, Grayslake, Chicago, Evanston, and Barrington all helped refurbish vehicles for deserving local veterans, which were gifted on July 2 at Soldier Field.

The following are the recipients, along with the vehicle they received:

• Joseph Vaghetto, 2007 Toyota Corolla: A U.S. Army Specialist 4 Tech who emigrated from Sicily at age 15 and served as a cook. Now 85, he remains fiercely patriotic and grateful for the life he built in America. 
• James Church, 2006 Cadillac DTS: A highly decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served two tours in Iraq. Now a single father of three young children, he's working to rebuild his life despite past transportation challenges.
• Amy Bergeron, Infiniti QX56: A U.S. Army veteran and single mother of six, who has long juggled transportation struggles while still finding ways to serve her community. Her oldest child is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.
• Robert “Tyler” Misla, 2009 Model Car: A U.S. Army Specialist (SP4/E-4) and Iraq War veteran, he's currently a single dad of two currently working in IT support and studying to advance his career. Previously reliant on a bike, this vehicle will better enable him to care for his family and pursue opportunities.
• Jason Shanahan, 2010 Jeep Cherokee: A U.S. Army Specialist, honorably discharged due to disability. An active American Legion volunteer serving in the honor and color guards, a vehicle will help him continue his dedicated community service and transport essential items for veterans’ events.
• Jacob Frascona, 2007 Lincoln MKX: A distinguished Marine veteran who served honorably for four years in multiple capacities, including Afghanistan and Asia as a mortarman and JFO. Despite recent hardships, he remains devoted to his stepdaughter and is eager to volunteer and give back.