Local veteran given car as thank you for service

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A combat veteran got a big surprise Friday-- a fully restored car through Cars and Stripes.

Maaco and Meineke partnered up to give Christopher Castro the keys out of appreciation for his service.

Castro served two tours in Iraq as a Marine from 2002 through 2006. He's also a purple heart recipient-- as a machine gunner, he was hit by a roadside bomb and shrapnel injured his knee.

"Stuff like this usually doesn't happen to us so when it does, wow-- this is something nice and words can't explain it sometimes."

Castro now has a family of four. He's engaged to be married and said the car is a blessing.