LINCOLNTON, N.C. — A retired military couple in Lincolnton dealing with health issues and trying to raise a family is mobile again thanks in part to Icahn Automotive Group's Pep Boys brand, which partnered with Lifetime TV's "Military Makeover" program to repair their broken-down 2003 Kia Optima.
The Military Makeover episode featuring Pep Boys' involvement will air June 19.
The couple being helped, Luke Harvey and Natasha Woodruff, are both medically retired military veterans. Mr. Harvey earned a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation with Valor for his service, and Ms. Woodruff is a recipient of the Pentagon's Women of Courage Award.
The couple had been facing a variety of challenges at home, Pep Boys said, including a long broken-down vehicle.
The inoperable car was brought to the Pep Boys service center in nearby Harrisburg, N.C., where the store's team replaced the battery and brakes, put on a new set of tires and carried out a complimentary 120-point safety assessment along with detailing the car with the help of Armstrong Power Washing and Mobile Detailing.
"When we learned of Luke's and Natasha's situation, we saw it as an opportunity to show our appreciation for the sacrifices this couple, and so many others, made for our country," Brian Kaner, CEO, service, said.
"Pep Boys was founded by military veterans nearly 100 years ago, and it's important to us to continue the tradition of supporting our troops, whether it's through our efforts in the community, the stores' everyday military discount or jobs after their service."
Much of the work on the couple's car was done by Bryan Lamparter, a master technician who recently was singled out as one Pep Boys' "Top Techs" for 2020, an award that recognizes the company's best performing technicians who also demonstrate a commitment to customer service and their community.
Allstate Roadside and Safelite Autoglass, two of Pep Boys' partners, chipped in as well.
Allstate Roadside towed the couple's car to the Harrisburg location so the work could be performed, and Safelite brought one of its MobileGlassShops to Pep Boys and replaced the car's broken windshield onsite.
The vehicle project was part of a larger program that brought together additional partners to complete critical renovations of the couple's house in Lincolnton, where they're raising their three children, ages 1, 3 and 14.
Pep Boys also worked with Military Makeover to pay off the balance of the family's loan on the car.
Military Makeover is an ongoing show dedicated to giving back to members of the military and their loved ones. The show, hosted by Montel Williams, salutes those who have risked the ultimate sacrifice, offering hope and a helping hand by enlisting various home-renovation experts and other industry leaders to oversee the transformation projects needed in the makeover.