Sunday, April 03, 2011

Supporting the Supporters

My Mom sent me this story from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Car repairs offered to troops as a thank you

about Shon Kingrey, general manager of Duluth Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Duluth,MN, and a former Marine who had served two tours in Operation Desert Storm, offering free car repairs to the families of deployed National Guardsmen from 2 Duluth-based units, the 148th Fighter Wing and 1/94th Cavalry

Here's the letter Mr.Kingrey placed in his ad:

Dear Honored Heroes,

There are few moments in the span of a lifetime that equal the emotional impact of a military deployment. It is truly an event whose memory will reverberate through the archives of your family history. For it is not just you who are being deployed; but your spouse and your children as well.


I can speak from experience... because I, and in turn my family, have gone through this ourselves...


My name is Shon Kingrey, General Manager of Duluth Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and I want you to know that we will do our part to support your loved ones while you are away protecting our freedom. In the event that your family car (regardless of make or model) has any problems or issues, our service center will take care of it for you, at no cost. Just tell your spouse to bring the vehicle in, and to ask for me personally. I will do everything in my power to make it right again. Additionally, we would like to extend to them a one thousand dollar discount across the board on any new vehicle, should they be in the market. We feel whatever costs we may incur in doing this pales in comparison to the cost you are paying for your country... that you are paying for all of us. Frankly, we feel it is the least we can do to show our appreciation. Godspeed, brave heroes; and come home safe. But until you do, know that those you hold dearest are being looked after.

According to the Star-Trib article , Mr. Kingrey had a surprising response to his ad, being called 'warmonger' and even 'baby-killer' by some, and the sincerity of his effort was questioned, to which his response was "What do I stand to gain? It's not like this is a money-maker."

Mr.Kingrey has an employee who will be deploying this month, and also has a son currently serving in the Army in Afghanistan.

There's more on this story in the Duluth News-Tribune  and it was also mentioned on their local
Fox21News and on the Minnesota National Guard website  Thus far, according to the stories, Mr.Kingrey and Duluth Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram have had two cars brought into the dealership.

I just wanted to give Kudos, to Mr. Kingrey and pass the word along about this. Thank you, sir, for assisting these deployed families..and thank you, also, for your service, and your son's service, to our country.





2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mhow does the Today Show or Good Morning America not pick this up?

This man is a hero! Let's do a story on someone who gets it!!

Anonymous said...

This is truly one of the coolest things I have ever heard. How do the news stories not do a story on this guy? Seriously? Get off the negatives and let's get on the positives for a bit. The last writer was dead on! the Today Show or Good Morning America would be well served to have this guy on there show!

God bless you Mr. Kingrey and your family!!!! A heart felt thank you!