U.S. Army veteran receives vehicle at Lambeau Field from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of the NABC Recycled Rides® program

American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass teamed up to provide a refurbished vehicle to a Beloit, Wisconsin veteran.

U.S. Army veteran Zach Tadel was the recipient of a vehicle donated by American Family Insurance and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass as part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.

He was presented the vehicle at the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears Oct. 11 game presented by American Family Insurance, in the 214th meeting of the NFL’s most storied rivalry. The game at Lambeau Field featured the debut of the new NFL Rivalries alternate uniforms.

American Family Insurance has been a partner of the Green Bay Packers since 2005.

Through the NABC Recycled Rides program, American Family partners with local auto body shops to donate vehicles that have been declared a total loss. This nationwide, nonprofit project, organized by the NABC, repairs and donates vehicles to deserving recipients.

Since 2007, the program, along with their partners like American Family, has presented more than 3,800 vehicles, valued at more than $69 million to veterans, individuals in need and charitable organizations.

Refurbished vehicles meet essential transportation needs for recipients

When a car is declared a total loss, American Family pays the customer for the actual cash value of the vehicle before the loss. American Family usually takes possession of the vehicle and can sell it through a salvage vendor. With this program, rather than take the salvage proceeds, American Family donates the vehicles and a local auto body shop donates its services to repair them. Other vendors also offer parts and services. The vehicles are repaired to industry standards and meet safety requirements.

American Family and Gerber Collison & Glass work with a nonprofit organization to identify a deserving recipient, which often includes military veterans. For this presentation, the recipient was nominated by Stand Down Madison, a nonprofit organization that assists veterans obtain stable housing and support with other quality of life issues.

NABC Recycled Rides recipient

Zach took part in the presentation as a special guest at the game. Zach served in the U.S. Army for eight years including overseas in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. Zach is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to receive this gift of transportation as he works diligently to overcome challenges in his life and build a brighter future. His goal is also to help other veterans with a hand-up as they all navigate civilian life.

“We’re very proud to continue our participation in the NABC Recycled Rides program with our partners Gerber Collision & Glass to provide safe and reliable vehicles for deserving recipients,” said American Family Chief Claims Officer Tim Constien. “This beneficial program allows us to assist veterans like Zach who’ve proudly served their country and are putting in the effort to make positive choices in their lives, as well as assist other veterans. Our hope is this gift removes barriers around transportation and supports his progress.”

In addition, American Family partners Agero provided free towing of the vehicle across the country and payment for any storage/release fees, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car provided Zach with a generous gift card.

Representatives from the participating organizations presented Zach with the keys to a completely refurbished 2019 Chevy Equinox.

In addition to Tim Constien, also taking part in the presentation from American Family was Jerome Reynolds, vice president-claims operations. Attendees from Gerber Collision & Glass included Dennis DeMaio, national accounts director, and Gary Bunce, senior vice president of sales.

American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass have been honored to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program providing vehicles for deserving recipients for more than a decade. 

Captions for group photo (left to right at presentation on field and screen): Tim Constien, Jerome Reynolds, Zach Tadel, Dennis DeMaio, Gary Bunce

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About American Family Insurance 
American Family Insurance based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance company, ranking No. 226 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family has a current ‘a+’ credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a “Standing the Test of Time” company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of ‘A’ or better for at least 75 years. The company offers American Family-brand products through a network of exclusive agency owners as well as nationwide through key strategic partnerships. American Family Insurance also includes Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. The company has approximately 10,500 employees nationwide.