Laredo Crime Stoppers Offers Free Car Washes To Local Veterans
On Thursday, Laredo Crime Stoppers celebrated veterans in a unique way. In the middle of a beautiful, sunny and warm November day, a free car wash was held in honor of local veterans for the Federal Day holiday.
The event was a partnership between the law enforcement organization and other local partners such as Royal Laserwash and several media outlets who were able to bring together volunteers to help wash the cars of those who served. Hundreds of veterans attended these free car washes, and the executive director of Laredo Crime Stoppers called it a success.
“We admire veterans for creating and preserving America’s freedom and beauty,” Laredo Crime Stoppers Executive Director Colleen Rodriguez said. “Not only do veterans find themselves in unfamiliar situations, they are separated from their loved ones. To our men and women in uniform – past, present and future – God bless you and thank you. To those in uniform who serve today and to those who served in the past, we honor you today and every day – the home of the free because of the brave. “
Rodriguez says the idea of organizing events like these by the organization is key considering that many veterans themselves are now part of the law enforcement community and are serving after completing their career in the military.
“Many veterans who are retiring from military service also visit our local and federal law enforcement agencies and municipal departments like firefighters,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez says the free car washes are just a small testament to what these men and women have done in the past to protect the country from domestic and foreign threats.
According to Rodriguez, the idea behind the free car washes came after the owner of Royal Laserwash, Glenn Ruiz, who was part of Grace for Vet, which is an international program uniting the car wash industry each year by listing the Participating car washes honoring veterans with a free car. wash, told them about the idea. Decidedly, they agreed to be part of it.
“The partnership with Royal Laserwash and Laredo Crime Stoppers has been established as long as Glenn Ruiz was a member of the board of directors many years ago,” said Rodriguez. “He continued the partnership because he knows our organization is very involved in the community and more so, very grateful to our veterans and military personnel. It is one of the two collaborations that we carry out each year.
According to Rodriguez, the other event they partner with the auto cleaning company is May for Law Enforcement Week, which is Grade 12 and counts toward one such event.
While the number of car washes administered this year is still not known, Rodriguez says they expect to have surpassed last year’s numbers of close to 500.
“Last year we did an average of 500 free car washes, so we expect to have exceeded that number because it was a beautiful sunny day,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez especially thanked all of the volunteers who were a part of the event, such as the TAMIU Criminal Justice Associations, LCS Board members, LCS volunteers and staff.
She also thanked media partners such as Z93 Laredo, Big Buck 98.1, Royal LaserWash and @ Holis.TX for their continued support to the community. Finally, she said the biggest thank you should go to those who gave their all during the service and returned to be treated by the community that stayed at home.
“A thank you goes a long way, not only on special days, but also every day to thank our veterans for their bravery and service to the community and our country,” said Rodriguez.
