Rockland County veteran recipient of donated and restored car
Michael J. Finlay now has a 2005 Toyota Corolla that was donated and restored, thanks to local veterans' groups, as well as other contributions from the Rockland County community.
The Rockland County community came together Friday to give a veteran a car.
Michael J. Finlay now has a 2005 Toyota Corolla that was donated and restored, thanks to local veterans' groups, as well as other contributions from the Rockland County community.
Finlay is a Navy veteran, a single dad and engineering science student at Rockland Community College, which hosted the official event on Friday.
Finlay received the new set of wheels in December after his car had stopped working last fall.
"Everyone has thanked me who is here today, and this is typically the time when I thank everyone back," said Finlay. "To be honest with you, simply saying thank you isn't enough."
Finlay served in the Navy from 2007 to 2012 and was honorably discharged.
He was deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2012 for Operation Enduring Freedom.
World War II and Korean War veteran Thomas Preston, 92, was also recognized during the ceremony.
Preston donated the car to VFW Post 1915.
The organization then helped to pay to fix it up along with funds raised by other efforts.
On Friday, VFW Post 9215 gave Preston an appreciation award and helped to officially give him a medal that was awarded to him in 1952 for his service.
