Two U.S. Army veterans gifted free vehicles in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Two U.S. Army veterans received gifts of a lifetime in Charlotte on Thursday. They each got a free car!

It’s all thanks to members of the National Auto Body Council, Auto Glass Maker PPG, and Geico.

Ramir Maldonado

Maldonado, who served with the U.S. Army, received a 2019 Toyota Corolla. Organizers of Thursday’s giveaway said Maldonado has a young family with his wife and child.

Since his service, he has been challenged with panic attacks. Maldonado is attending school at Fayetteville Tech, but the panic attacks have made it difficult to concentrate in class.

During this time, he was driving an unreliable vehicle and he did not have the funds to buy a new car. This caused Maldonado additional concern. He has never given up on himself or his wife as they continue to move forward through difficult situations, organizers said.

He has been proactive with counseling and meditations. Having a reliable car that he can use to go to school and care for his wife and family will provide him with independence and confidence to continue to move forward, organizers said.

Ehab Elmenshawi

Elmenshawim who served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2025, was presented with a 2019 Toyota Camry. He is a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.

Organizers said Ehab is 100 percent disabled from his service, so he has frequent medical appointments. His wife is pregnant and due soon, so the lack of a vehicle is a challenge for both of them. The gift of reliable transportation will allow Ehab to care for his growing family, organizers said.

Both free vehicles have been refurbished. The National Auto Body Council has a program that repairs cars and donates vehicles to those in need.

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