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Veteran Receives New Car in Heart-warming Surprise Ahead of Veterans Day

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 9:31 GMT by WLOX

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Veteran Receives New Car in Heart‑warming Surprise Ahead of Veterans Day

Biloxi, MS – In a touching demonstration of community gratitude, a local veteran was handed a brand‑new car at a surprise event held on Saturday, just a few days before the nation’s annual Veterans Day holiday. The gift, orchestrated by a partnership of WLOX, a Gulf Coast news station, and a group of generous business owners, was part of a broader initiative to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

A Surprise Presentation

The event took place at the Gulf Coast Community Center, a venue that has long been a gathering place for residents of the Biloxi‑Gulfport area. As the doors opened, the veteran, 42‑year‑old Sergeant First Class (Ret.) James “Jim” Thompson of the U.S. Army, could not believe his eyes. The new 2025 Toyota Camry, gleaming under the early morning light, had been delivered to the center in a dramatic “car‑tastrophe” moment that left a crowd of locals in stunned silence before erupting into cheers.

“We never thought we’d get a new car for my service,” Thompson said, laughing as he pulled the steering wheel. “I’ve always dreamed of something like this, and it’s the most exciting gift I’ve received in a long time.”

The ceremony was held in front of a modest crowd that included local veterans, their families, community leaders, and WLOX reporters. An emotional speech by WLOX’s chief of community affairs, Marcia Hernandez, framed the occasion as a reminder of the everyday sacrifices veterans make and the importance of local support.

“We know that many veterans face hardships after leaving the military,” Hernandez said. “From finding stable employment to maintaining health, it can be a difficult transition. A new car means not only a reliable means of transportation, but also a symbolic sign that we’ve got your back.”

The “Drive for a Day” Fundraising Campaign

The gift was made possible by the “Drive for a Day” fundraiser launched earlier in the year by the Gulf Coast Veterans’ Association (GCVA) in partnership with the Biloxi–Gulfport Chamber of Commerce. Over the past five months, local businesses—including car dealerships, grocery stores, and restaurants—donated cash, coupons, and time to purchase a vehicle for a deserving veteran. The campaign leveraged social media, local radio, and a series of community events to raise $27,000, far exceeding the $22,000 price tag of the Toyota Camry.

“We had a target of $20,000, but the community’s generosity blew that out of the water,” said GCVA President Maria Lopez. “We also received in-kind donations, like a new roof for Thompson’s home and a gift card for a local restaurant.”

The initiative was modeled after similar programs across the country, such as the “Hero’s Ride” program in Texas and the “Veteran’s Vehicle” drive in Colorado. By focusing on a single veteran, the organizers aimed to create a memorable, personal story that could inspire further giving.

A Veteran’s Journey

Sergeant First Class Thompson served three tours in Afghanistan as part of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He earned a Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge for his actions during a 2019 convoy escort. Following his honorable discharge in 2020, Thompson struggled to find stable employment, owing to a service‑connected lower back injury that limited his ability to perform heavy lifting.

“It’s been a tough road,” Thompson said. “But the support from my fellow veterans and the community has made all the difference. I’ve got a job at the port, but I still need a reliable way to get around.”

The new car, equipped with an advanced infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a backup camera, will help Thompson manage his commute and attend therapy appointments. According to a statement released by the GCVA, the program will also cover the cost of the vehicle’s first year of maintenance and insurance.

Community Impact and Future Plans

WLOX’s coverage of the event extended beyond the hand‑over. In a subsequent report, the station highlighted several other veterans who benefited from similar initiatives in the region, such as the “Veteran’s Vehicle” program in the nearby city of Pascagoula and the “Military Auto” partnership in Mobile. Each program shares a common goal: to provide veterans with reliable transportation to facilitate employment, education, and medical care.

The event also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing veteran needs. “These kinds of projects show that when the community works together—businesses, nonprofits, and media outlets—we can achieve real, tangible change for those who gave so much,” Hernandez said.

Looking ahead, the GCVA plans to expand the program to serve up to ten veterans per year. The organization is currently seeking additional sponsors, volunteers, and matching funds from state and federal programs. WLOX has pledged to continue featuring local veterans and their stories, hoping to inspire further action.

A Thank‑You from the Heart

As the sun set over the Gulf Coast, Thompson’s family gathered around the new car, sharing smiles and gratitude. The vehicle’s presence was more than a material gift; it was a tangible reminder that the sacrifices of veterans are recognized, appreciated, and supported by the community that surrounds them.

“I can’t thank everyone enough,” Thompson said to the cameras. “This isn’t just a car; it’s a bridge to a better future. Thank you for believing in me.”

The story of Sergeant First Class Thompson’s new car is a testament to the power of community, the resilience of veterans, and the enduring spirit of gratitude that marks Veterans Day. As the nation remembers the past, local initiatives like “Drive for a Day” ensure that the support for those who served continues to grow—one vehicle at a time.