Retired Navy Veteran Jonathan Simonds -

My name is Wade Burchell and I am a retired Naval Pilot and Aviator. I flew with Aircrewman Jonathan Simonds aka "JR" at HSL-94 in Willow Grove PA. If you know JR then you know he is a hard working and proud man, well liked by all! He would help anyone and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. It was brought to my attention that AW1 Simonds (retired) has had some events take place affecting him. JR dropped his only vehicle off at PEP BOYS for an oil change. 4 days after the oil change the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys and then towed to a MAZDA dealership. Mazda performed a tear-down of the engine and determined the engine seizure and damage were caused by oil starvation. The engine was a total loss requiring replacement to the tune of over $10,000. Mazda performed a tear-down of the engine at JR's cost and received the video proof that the engine bearing was destroyed and metal shavings were in the oil pan. This evidence was provided to PEP BOYS with the written invoice concluding that oil deprivation was the cause of the engine failure. Pep Boys denied JR's claims and have done nothing to help JR with transportation or to settle this egregious situation.

Where do we stand now? The engine has been replaced by Mazda and the vehicle is ready for pick up but JR is unable to pay the bill. He has been without his vehicle for almost six months and is at an impasse needing our support. JR needs funds to get his vehicle back. That is the reason for the fundraiser.

For the record, JR had an extensive OPEN heart procedure in June 2022 and is paying off his medical bills with a second food delivery job. He almost lost that job and income due to the PEP BOYS error.

UPDATE JUNE 13, 2023: JR took a high interest loan of 18% to get his car back in order to keep his second job.

Please help out JR in his time of need.

I thank you all in advance for your generosity and kindness.

The funds will be used towards his remaining medical bills and paying for the new engine invoice of $10,513.

This fundraiser will truly help out a disabled veteran get back on his feet and re-establish his ability to generate income lost by PEP Boy's BAD oil change. JR was too proud to ask anyone for help.

We thank you for whatever donation that can be given.

THANK YOU ALL!