Former U.S. Army Private First Class Howard Lindy broke down in tears after he was honored by Progressive Insurance through the Keys to Progress Program.
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He was gifted a new car with a lot of bells and whistles, including paid insurance.
Lindy, from the Overbrook neighborhood in Philadelphia, feared he might not walk again after sustaining a critical injury at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri more than 10 years ago.
"They had to get scissors to get off the boots. And I crushed all the bones in my shins all the way to my feet," Lindy said.
The humble veteran said the new car is truly a new beginning.
"It means a new beginning. I can actually get around and help my veterans and my daughter, and my mother," Lindy said.
It's the 9th annual giveaway, and Lindy was honored among 45 other veterans nationwide.
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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 40% percent of veterans live in rural areas where affordable transportation options are limited. But for veterans like Lindy, it's a matter of making ends meet.
He said having a car is life-changing. It means no more begging friends for rides to run simple errands.
"I had to pick up medicine at CVS. I had to find a ride for that," Lindy said. "It's stressful when you're taking care of somebody, and you have a child."
The Army veteran was excited to drive off in his new apple red Hyundai.
He says it's hard to be on the receiving end when he is used to giving.