Automotive & Transportation
Sun, November 23, 2025
Mile One Auto Group Donates 10 Cars to Baltimore County Veterans on Veterans Day
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 1:14 GMT by WMAR 2 News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Veterans Day Honored in Baltimore County: Mile One Auto Group Donates 10 Cars to Local Veterans
In a heart‑warming display of community support, ten veterans from Baltimore County received brand‑new (for them) vehicles on the morning of Veterans Day, thanks to a partnership between local dealership Mile One Auto Group and a regional veterans’ charity. The donation—part of a long‑standing tradition of the dealership’s “Veterans Outreach Program”—came after a selection process that paired each veteran with a vehicle that best suited their needs.
The event, held at the County Veterans Affairs Office in downtown Baltimore County, featured a modest ceremony attended by local officials, the dealership’s owner, and the veterans who would receive their cars. The occasion was a reminder that the generosity of private citizens and community partners can help ease the daily burdens faced by those who have served.
How the Cars Came to Baltimore County
Mile One Auto Group, a family‑owned dealership that has operated in the Baltimore‑area for over three decades, has long been committed to giving back to the community. The dealership’s president, Lisa Henderson, said the partnership with the Baltimore County Veterans Assistance Fund (BCVAF) is part of an effort to “ensure that veterans—especially those who have financial or physical challenges—have reliable transportation to get to medical appointments, jobs, and family gatherings.”
According to Henderson, the cars were sourced from the dealership’s inventory of certified pre‑owned vehicles that were either no longer needed for sale or had been upgraded and ready for charitable distribution. The vehicles ranged from compact sedans like Toyota Camry and Honda Civic to mid‑size SUVs such as a Subaru Outback. Each car was inspected, cleaned, and, where necessary, serviced to guarantee safe operation.
The BCVAF, a nonprofit that provides financial and logistical assistance to veterans in the Baltimore region, was the conduit for the distribution. The organization has partnered with Mile One Auto Group since 2016 and has been responsible for vetting veterans and matching them to appropriate vehicles. “We work closely with our community partners to identify veterans who would benefit most from transportation,” explained James Ortega, the program coordinator at BCVAF. “On Veterans Day, it’s a special opportunity to celebrate and support our heroes.”
The Veterans Who Received the Cars
The recipients of the donated cars are all men and women who served in the U.S. military across various conflicts and time periods. While the article does not list every name, it highlights a few notable stories that illustrate the impact of the donation.
John “Johnny” Ramirez, a 58‑year‑old Army veteran who served in Iraq, had a broken leg during a recent fall that left him unable to drive. Ramirez’s daughter helped him find out about the program, and he was matched with a compact sedan that fits in a single‑person’s driveway and has a low‑floor entry. “It’s a blessing to have a car that can get me to my physical therapy appointments,” Ramirez said, his voice bright with gratitude.
Sgt. Mark D. Ellis (retired), a 65‑year‑old Marine Corps veteran, had lost his vehicle in a fire a few years ago. He had relied on public transit until the fire caused a loss of his residence. With the help of BCVAF, he received a 2019 Subaru Outback. “It’s not just a car,” Ellis told the reporters. “It’s a means of getting back into the community and staying independent.”
Sarah Nguyen, a 42‑year‑old Army Reserve veteran who also works as a school teacher, was chosen for a Toyota Corolla after she explained her need to pick up her children from after‑school programs. Nguyen said that “having a reliable vehicle will let me focus on my students without worrying about transportation.”
Other recipients were younger veterans—some in their early thirties—who were struggling to rebuild their lives after the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The vehicles will help them pursue educational opportunities, get to job interviews, and maintain contact with family members.
A Broader Context: Transportation and Veterans
Transportation barriers are a significant challenge for many veterans, especially those who are disabled or who live in rural areas. A 2022 study by the National Veteran’s Transportation Center found that up to 20% of veterans who use a vehicle report that it is either unreliable or inaccessible. For many, a dependable car is essential to maintain health, access services, and stay socially connected.
The BCVAF’s partnership with Mile One Auto Group addresses these challenges by ensuring that veterans receive vehicles that meet their specific needs. “Transportation is the key to unlocking opportunities for veterans,” said Ortega. “We’re thrilled to be part of this partnership that gives back in a tangible, lasting way.”
Mile One Auto Group’s Ongoing Commitment
While this year’s donation of ten vehicles was the highlight of the partnership, Mile One Auto Group has a longer history of supporting veterans. In addition to the annual car donation, the dealership sponsors a veterans’ job fair, hosts a monthly “Veterans Appreciation Day” at its showroom, and donates a portion of its sales to veteran charities. According to Henderson, the dealership’s “culture of service extends beyond the showroom—into the community we serve.”
The partnership is part of the larger “Veterans Outreach Program,” a joint initiative with BCVAF that has distributed over 150 vehicles to veterans in the past five years. The program also offers counseling and support services to help veterans navigate the transition to civilian life.
Community Reactions
The event drew attention from local media, community leaders, and the veterans themselves. The county’s mayor, Tommy Green, praised the collaboration, calling it “an exemplary model of civic partnership.” He noted that the cars will “empower our veterans to move forward with confidence and independence.”
Veterans who received vehicles also spoke about the emotional significance of the gift. One veteran reflected, “I’ve always been proud of my service, but it can be hard to feel proud of myself when I can’t get around.” Others mentioned that the donation reminded them that their service was remembered and valued.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s donation has prompted both Mile One Auto Group and BCVAF to discuss future expansions. According to Henderson, there is interest in providing a “veteran‑specific” service vehicle for those who are injured or physically limited. Ortega confirmed that the partnership will explore the possibility of adding more vehicles to the program each year.
For those looking to support veterans beyond the donation of vehicles, BCVAF offers volunteer opportunities and a “Veteran Resource Hub” that can guide individuals toward jobs, housing, and healthcare. Mile One Auto Group is also inviting members of the public to sign up for a “Volunteer Driver” program, where community members can help veterans in need of rides to appointments or job interviews.
Conclusion
The joint effort between Mile One Auto Group and the Baltimore County Veterans Assistance Fund demonstrates the powerful impact that local businesses and nonprofit organizations can have on the lives of veterans. By donating ten carefully selected, refurbished cars on Veterans Day, the partnership helped ten veterans reclaim mobility, independence, and hope. It’s a testament to the fact that even small acts of generosity—when amplified through collaboration—can create lasting change for those who have served.
Read the Full WMAR 2 News Article at:
[ https://www.wmar2news.com/news/region/baltimore-county/10-veterans-receive-donated-cars-for-veterans-day-through-mile-one-auto-group-partnership ]
