Navy veteran in need receives rehabilitated car from Rockland Community College
The Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, in collaboration with the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars, has had a longstanding program dedicated to rehabilitating donated cars and offering them to veterans in need. Friday, Jan. 26 marked the inaugural ceremony being held at Rockland Community College, with a car awarded to Michael J. Finlay of Fishkill, a Navy veteran and RCC engineering science student.
"We are immensely proud to support Navy veteran and RCC student Michael J. Finlay with a gesture that signifies our gratitude and commitment to his continued success, both academically and personally," said Lester Sandres Rápalo, president of Rockland Community College, said in a news release.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Rockland County Veterans of Foreign Wars, the donors, RCC Veteran Affairs, and everyone involved in making this possible. It’s more than just a car; it’s a testament to the fact that when we come together, we can make a significant difference in someone’s life," Rápalo said.
Due to Finlay's car failing last fall, his ability to get to and from school was negatively impacted as was his ability to properly care for his children. That’s when Jonathan Barnwell, assistant director of veterans affairs at Rockland Community College and co-organizer of the Car Award Ceremony, stepped in with a grant from the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program, in Dutchess County, which provided funds for a weekly car service so Finlay could finish the semester at RCC. He continued studying remotely for the summer as well as fall 2023 semesters.
The car was donated and rehabilitated anonymously and the cost for the rehabilitation work was shared between the VFW and funds raised in April 2023.
"I cannot thank the Rockland County VFW, as well as the donors and coordinators enough for this great blessing. I know of no words that can adequately convey my most sincere gratitude and relief that this has brought me," said Finlay.
"To all my fellow veterans who are considering pursuing higher education, I would highly recommend doing so. I know firsthand that sometimes life gets in the way of that, and it can seem like there is no chance at success. Succeeding is possible however, and there are kind, decent, and even exceptional people who will aid in that journey, as they have in mine," he said.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland Community College student, a Navy vet in need, receives car
