A Gold Star Gifting
On June 12, 2024, God’s Garage hosted an unforgettable event filled with our community, clients, and volunteers. Throughout the event, we highlighted the heart of God’s Garage—our unwavering commitment to empowering single mothers, widows, and wives of deployed military. We shared stories that drive our mission forward, helping our clients regain their independence and take control of their lives.
We were honored to have a special address from U.S. Congressman and Navy Veteran Morgan Luttrell, whose words deeply resonated with our guests. He underscored the importance of lifting each other up during life’s challenging times. His presence as a decorated veteran and public servant brought added meaning to the day as he shared his personal connection to our mission.
The highlight of the day came with the emotional moment when three deserving women were surprised with the keys to their free vehicles. Surrounded by applause, tears, and grateful hearts, these women received not only vehicles but a renewed sense of hope and opportunity.
One of the women, Angela, is a single mother, widow, and disabled U.S. Army Veteran who served in Iraq and Kuwait in 2003-2004. She has three boys and cares for her mother. The trauma of losing her husband in a car accident reignited memories from her time in battle, all of which led to the loss of her job, her car, and nearly becoming homeless. Despite the circumstances, God sustained them and sent a variety of angels her way. The veteran warrior re-emerged, fighting to get their lives back while battling anxiety and depression.
When we met her months before, Angela was underemployed in a part-time role and could not work full-time without transportation. She did not have the ability to attend events for her special needs son nor watch her other two sons play in sporting events.
While our Client Ministry Team was processing Angela’s application for a vehicle, our Volunteer Driver Team received the donation of a minivan in excellent condition from The Millers, a Gold Star family. God shows up at the garage on a regular basis, but it was obvious that He alone was arranging all of these details.
When we introduced Mr. and Mrs. Miller to the crowd that day, honor filled the room. Their son, Billy, served in the Marines and was killed in Iraq fighting for our country. It was no surprise that Congressman Luttrell was the first one to stand to honor them, and then that honor spread like fire. The deep-rooted connections between the stories of Angela and The Millers were evident and incredibly powerful.
Today, Angela is experiencing restoration, working full-time with increased pay and benefits. She will tell you that the most priceless benefit of all is having the freedom of movement so she can be at events with her children.