Hello, my name is Robert Griffin, and I am fundraising to replace my vehicle that has died. It is exceedingly difficult for me to ask for help because I am the one giving help most of the time. Many people have told me to just ask for help when I need it, which I normally would not do, so I am going to ask for help this time. I have a 2006 Ford Expedition with 275,000 miles on it. The motor needs to be replaced and the average cost would be around $5,000. I am looking to replace this vehicle with a newer one with less miles and the average cost I have found is around $10,000. I am retired and have a limited income and could not afford a new replacement, so I have always purchased used vehicles.

Ever since I was medically retired from the military, I have devoted my life to helping others. I served as an 8404 Combat Corpsman in the Naval Reserves working with Marines. I served as a Combat Medic in the US Army, with three deployments earning two Combat Medic Badges and a Purple Heart.

I work with several veterans’ organizations to help veterans in need. Because I do not want anyone to think that these organizations are endorsing my request, I will not name them. I volunteer with a disaster assistance organization that sends crews in to help with recovery efforts. With the disaster recovery organization, I serve as a sawyer helping with cutting up tree debris and helping to muck out storm damaged homes. I volunteer with a non-profit organization that provides equine therapy for special needs kids and veterans. I volunteer with an organization that helps veterans with home repairs that are needed, and they could not afford to have them done. I am also the person who will stop when I see a vehicle on the side of the road with their flashers on. If they try to pay me for helping them, I tell them to keep their money and just pay it forward if they see someone broke down on the side of the road.

I volunteer at the local volunteer fire department responding to medical and fire calls. I carry a full set of medical gear to help with medical issues. This is particularly important because, due to the location, I will respond to the scene in my vehicle. My volunteer fire service dates to 1983 as a junior firefighter. Collectively I have served 15 years in the volunteer fire service. I am a HAZMAT Technician, FF160, Wildland Fire trained and a Fire Service Instructor.

My vehicle is especially important to my daily life, not just for transportation, but also for being able to help people in need. I need to have a large SUV due to the amount of gear that I carry with me, and to be able to haul my tool trailer. Any help that could be given would be greatly appreciated. The new vehicle will allow me to continue to pay it forward. Thank you and God bless.