Richard "Doc" Essig, Jr. has proven to be a true servant leader and was selected to receive a wonderful surprise because of his dedication to helping wounded veterans in an active battlefield and serving his country. Service First Automotive, which created Wheels for Warriors to recognize the sacrifice veterans have made for our freedom and to help those that have fallen on difficult times, provided the gift of transportation to Richard May 9 at their facility.
“We're proud to support Wheels for Warriors, a charity that helps us say thanks to those who protected our freedom, by giving them the freedom of reliable transportation," says Nathan Pruski, Service First Automotive co-founder.
First Service Automotive—Wheels for Warriors
2830 Virginia Parkway, McKinney
What They Did
It was a windy, cloudy day, but that didn't dampen the spirits of those who honored this warrior, including McKinney's Mayor, George Fuller. With help from Service First teammates, local high school students and their customer family, First Service Automotive—Wheels to Warriors plans to annually donate a vehicle to a very deserving veteran.
While in the U.S. Army, Richard served as a health care specialist in the Afghanistan War and received several awards and medals including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with the campaign star, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Medical Badge.
However, since returning home, this North Texan has landed on difficult times while adjusting to civilian life. He attends PTSD classes to help process the emotional trauma of combat, but he didn't have reliable transportation to sustain steady employment. These are a few of the reasons why the Service First Automotive—Wheels for Warriors Selection Committee believe he is deserving of the gift of transportation that will help him advance his career forward.
Who They Are
Service First Automotive Centers, a Caliber Collision Company, was founded to enrich the lives of others and change the image of the automotive repair industry. Service First is built on educating consumers by building trust through transparency and respecting its customers’ time and their choices.