Colorado Springs – A local partnership between the Freedom Alliance and US Bank delivered a brand‑new, payment‑free car to Marine Corps veteran Dustin Gabehart and his family on Saturday. The donation honors Gabehart’s military service and his ongoing contributions to the community.
Veteran’s service and sacrifice
Corporal Gabehart served on a route‑clearance team in Afghanistan in 2013, tasked with clearing travel routes, recovering disabled vehicles, and guiding units through dangerous terrain. An improvised explosive device caused severe injuries, leading to twenty surgeries and his medical retirement from the Marine Corps in November 2015.
Local involvement after service
Since returning to Colorado, Gabehart has devoted himself to his hometown. For the past seven years he has volunteered as a football coach at La Junta High School, mentoring young athletes and reinforcing the values of teamwork and discipline.
Community donation
The Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, partnered with US Bank to provide the Gabehart family with a new vehicle that is completely paid off. According to the organizations, this marks the 69th payment‑free vehicle they have donated to a veteran.
“Just a wonderful time when you can help, not only a Marine and combat veteran, but when his family is part of it as well, and to see the joy on their faces,” said Tom Kilgannon of the Freedom Alliance.
Family reaction
Gabehart expressed deep gratitude, saying, “We are overwhelmed with joy and we’re so thankful that the community was able to come together and do this for me and my family.” He added that his children were surprised and thrilled, noting, “My kids had no idea, and today it was so hard to keep a secret because I was so excited and I wanted to tell them, but we were able to keep it together and then when we showed up they were ecstatic.”
Impact on the community
The donation underscores the strong tradition of Colorado Springs residents rallying around veterans and families in need. It also highlights the role of local businesses and nonprofits in providing tangible support, reinforcing the city’s commitment to honoring those who have served.
For more stories about local heroes and community initiatives, stay tuned to KRDO13 and the HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
