‘Keys to Progress’ event helps Fort Myers Vietnam veteran

Giving back to those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice; That’s the goal of Progressive’s Keys to Progress event.

More than 100 veterans and their families will be getting the keys to newly-refurbished vehicles as part of the event.

On Thursday, it was all about Fort Myers Vietnam War veteran John Walsh.

“It’s something I never dreamed of,” said Walsh. “I need a new car.”

The insurance company and Caliber Collision donated a car to Walsh. For seven years now, the two companies have worked together to help our vets.

“Very proud to be part of a company that takes care of our military veterans,” said Sam Wilson, regional manager for Caliber Collision. “I’ve got a whole family of military veterans and active duty, so it’s very important to me.”

Someone else familiar with war: Vice President of Caliber Collision Tom Sadler

“Being a veteran myself, I understand what they’ve been through. Not everyone was successful making that transition back into the civilian world, so being able to give back to them and help them get a step up in life is very important to me,” he said.

Walsh served during the height of the Vietnam war. He knows the struggle of coming home.

“Our veterans come back telling their stories that bother them. That bothers me because I know anybody who’s been there…if they’re affected, your parents are affected, your siblings, your wife, your children. Today was a big help a huge help,” said Walsh.

And it doesn’t end after Thursday. Caliber says this will be a tradition for years to come.