Marine Vet Who Serviced Disabled Vets And Children Gets A Brand-New Vehicle

PR Newswire

People who do charity work get rewarded not because they’re expecting something in return, but more because the community recognizes that they’ve become an integral part of the world. They recognize just how far their help can go and they give what they can selflessly and willingly.

The world is filled with so many individuals who can benefit from kind souls. Unfortunately, most people just go about their own day not thinking about what’s good for the rest of the world. Hence, those who extend a helping hand have become rare and valuable.

Veteran’s Day was recently celebrated and with this, a very dedicated and philanthropic 50-year volunteer for Disabled American Veterans was given a present. He was gifted with a new van in order for him to continue doing what he’s most passionate about.


The recipient is former US Marine Len Johnson. What he does is drive to the homes of other veterans who live in Philadelphia. This was his way of giving support the best way he knew how, and that was to give them a lift. The people at the TrueCar website saw what he did and the celebration was an opportunity for them to honor him and provide him with a more reliable form of transportation.

Len was 18 years old when  he served in Vietnam. It was then that he became a Lance corporal and received multiple shrapnel wounds when he found himself in the middle of a firefight. This was when he lost the use of his left foot. Even with a handicap, he served local veterans and dropped off toys for the children at the Catholic Workers Orphanage.

A video was made showing the moment Len was surprised with a new retrofitted Chevy Traverse from TrueCar’s 8th annual DrivenToDrive initiative. The car was specifically designed to honor the sacrifices made by service members and their families. It was also to help them with their mobility needs.


“I feel good knowing that I can finally retire my 20-year-old car and continue my service to the community with this donation,” said Len, who is now a 74-year-old vet. With age, he also experiences limited mobility with his right leg.

When helping, Len had been using his own car for all his volunteer work, and it now has more than 300,000 miles on it.  Along with driving, he also goes out of his way to aid veterans who have been incarcerated.

With a lifetime’s worth of service, Len has been recognized and has gathered several accolades such as the Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

“We’re honored to have the privilege to celebrate Marine veteran, Lance Corporal Len Johnson, who not only served in Vietnam but continues to serve various communities, including his fellow veterans,” said Mike Darrow. He is the President and CEO of TrueCar. “We’re thrilled to be able to help him continue his mission by awarding him this new vehicle.”

 

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