Community Helps Repair Soldier's Car

News On 6 viewers have come to the rescue of a Mannford soldier. The News On 6 first told you last week about Specialist Joe Bray and his Mustang GT that was damaged during a hail storm. As News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports, thanks to the generosity of Green Country, there's a big sigh of relief on Monday for a 22-year-old Army Reservist who thought he had lost his prized car.

On Friday night, Specialist Joe Bray and two other soldiers touched down in Tulsa. Family and friends greeted the hometown heroes, including Specialist Bray's mom, who bears good news about the 22-year-old's car.

"I got a surprise for you. Your car is being fixed by A-1 Auto Broken Arrow. We get to go see it Monday so you can meet these people," said Debra Bernstein, Soldier's Mother.

The Mustang GT was pelted during the June 1st hailstorm. Its back window was blown out and dents covered the body of the car. When Bray's mom filed an insurance claim the day after the storm, she found out the coverage had been dropped, meaning the car was destined for the scrap yard.

But, the folks at A-1 Auto Body in Broken Arrow saw our story and, in only a few days, managed to drum up nearly a dozen donors to get the car repaired.

"A soldier shouldn't have to worry about coming home and getting his car fixed," said Matt Lewis with A-1 Auto Body.

Late on Monday morning, Specialist Bray saw the car and the gift with his own eyes.

"It's really shocking actually. It really is. I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what to say," said Spc. Joe Bray.

The 22-year-old's family is still trying to figure out why their insurance was dropped. His mom took over the payments the last year while Bray was deployed in Kuwait. She admits missing at least one payment after her husband was injured on the job, but adds the family has no record from GEICO as to why the car is no longer covered.

But, on this rainy Monday, Specialist Bray isn't thinking about paperwork. He's overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers.

The News On 6 checked around and learned the military has a program to help servicemen and women manage their finances while on active duty. It's called the ACS Financial Readiness Program. Offices are available at nearly every base in the armed forces.

Specialist Bray's car should be ready to hit the road in three weeks.

Vendors helping with Specialist Bray's mustang include:

A-1 Auto Body

Sigma Distributing

Sam Pack's 5 Star Ford

Abertson Towing

Dupont & Finishmaster

Big Daddy's Glass

Klean Kar

Tulsa Auto Tint

QuikTrip

Rex Lee