SoCal community thanks Marine Corps veteran with brand new Honda Pilot

AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) — Jose Vasquez is the definition of an American war hero.

After enlisting in the army in December 2001, the Marine Corps sergeant served two tours of duty in Iraq.

In 2004, Vasquez was injured by an IED explosion and was honorably discharged. Several years later, a community now says thank you.

Vasquez, who now lives in Azusa with his family, received a brand new Honda Pilot.

He asked for help, but had no idea it would happen.

“Oh my God, I couldn’t even believe…I still can’t believe this is my vehicle,” Vasquez said. “I’m at a loss for words, thank you.”

The new ride was made possible by Helpful SoCal Honda Dealers in partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation and Wells Fargo.

“They think they’re here for one thing and you walk in and surprise them, I could really tell how touched he was and how much it means to him and his family,” said Tami Horetski of Help Honda Dealers.

Since 2015, the Military Warriors Support Foundation has donated cars to veterans nearly 150 times and it never gets old.

“Getting a brand new car without payment and being able to enjoy it with your family is probably the best part of my job,” said Barbara Johnson of Wells Fargo.

Vasquez is beyond grateful for what this gift has done for his family.

So what’s the family’s first step into their new vehicle? A local pumpkin patch!