Posted on 02/25/2003 11:55:22 AM PST by E.Allen
Automotive group offers free service to military families
April Johnston, Times Staff 02/20/2003
His boss had the idea, but Steve Peterson had to deliver the news.
The Ron Lewis Automotive Group, with dealerships in Beaver Falls and Ellwood City, wanted to start a program called Service for Soldiers. They would offer free maintenance service on vehicles belonging to spouses or dependents of U.S. military and National Guard personnel called to duty.
But there was just one little catch. The mechanics would have to work for free.
Peterson had some idea of how that would go over, and it wasn't pretty.
But Peterson, general manager of Morrow Ford Lincoln Mercury and Morrow Chevrolet Kia in Beaver Falls, asked the favor all the same.
Yes, yes, yes, 12 mechanics answered.
"They are the key to this program," Peterson said on Tuesday. "We can brainstorm all we want, say this would be good and that would be good, but their cooperation is really what makes it work."
Under the program, the participating dealerships will offer free maintenance, such as oil changes or tire rotations, on vehicles belonging to military spouses or dependents. Labor on vehicle repairs would also be free, but participants would have to pay net cost, or dealer cost, for parts.
However, the dealerships can only provide the discounted parts for the vehicles they sell.
Ron Lewis, principal owner of the group and a former Air Force reservist, dreamed up the Service for Soldiers program this year. He knows firsthand what hardships befall families when the military comes calling.
More than a decade ago, during Desert Storm, his auto group sent packages abroad to active soldiers. This time around, Lewis wanted a program that would hit a little closer to home.
"When people are called into active duty, they're called away from their civilian jobs and usually lose part of their pay and benefits," said Gwen Mohan, group public relations/Internet manager and Lewis' daughter. "It puts a financial strain on the families. This is our way of helping out and saying thank you."
The program will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. on four consecutive Saturdays beginning this week. The service is by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling Morrow Ford Lincoln Mercury in Beaver Falls at (724) 843-1000, Morrow Chevrolet Kia in Beaver Falls at (724) 846-1440, Ellwood City Dodge Chrysler Jeep at (724) 752-0073 or by visiting the Web site at www.ronlewisautomotive.com.
Proof of military activation is required at the time of service.
Mohan and Peterson fancy Service for Soldiers as a practical way to show their appreciation and a welcome financial break for military families - especially those whose vehicles are up for inspection.
"Those repairs and services cost a lot," Mohan said.
April Johnston can be reached online at ajohnston@timesonline.com
©Beaver County Times/Allegheny Times 2003
Ping for the Troops from Western PA.
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