Disabled Stagecoach vet receives vehicle makeover

Michael Ott, a disabled Navy veteran from Stagecoach, received free car repair this week through AAMCO’s 50 Cars in 50 States initiative.

AAMCO, a company that specializes in transmissions, partnered with the Military Order of the Purple Heart to provide car care to veterans in all 50 states.

Ott, who served as an engineer during the Vietnam War, was nominated by the Purple Heart order’s Department of Nevada commander. Ott, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and is under the care of his wife, Sally, has nearly 20 medical appointments each month at the Reno Veterans Affairs Medical Center, more than an hour’s drive from their home. The condition of their 2008 Ford pickup and financial situation have made it difficult for him to get the medical care he needs.

The Otts picked up their newly repaired pickup Tuesday from the AAMCO of Reno service center at 2155 Market St.

Technicians conducted a diagnostic inspection, then made repairs including transmission service, fuel, air and oil filter replacements, a differentials fluid change and a tune-up.

AAMCO is repairing the cars of 50 combat veterans with the goal to repair one in each state.