Vehicles for Vets Finalist #9: James Koch – Marines

Once again, the Basil Family of Dealerships has partnered with the Veterans One Stop Center of Western New York to launch “Vehicles for Vets”, a summer-long promotion in which a veteran or active serving military member can win a new vehicle.

Every week, one nomination will be chosen and their story highlighted on Wednesday morning. During the final week, the nine finalists who were selected will be invited to Buffalo Riverworks on Friday, August 18th for the revealing of the grand prize winner!

There will be a final random selection for the winner of the vehicle. Winner chooses from one of six brand new cars or $21,000 in Basil Bucks towards a used vehicle. The person who nominates the winner will receive $1,000 cash!

Our 9th finalist is James Koch, who was nominated by his mother, Carol Koch. Carol writes:

Our son James Koch served his term in the US Marine Corps during the Iraqi war as an infantryman for two tours. One experience he told was when the Humvee he was in at evening slid down a water filled ravine. The water was chest high on him and he couldn't move because he was pinned down by another Marine who was unconscious. He held that Marine's head for approximately 30 minutes above the water until they were rescued. Jim's bravery is only known by a few friends and family but he is our hero for so many more reasons. He struggles with the events of war but perseveres. He returned home here after the Marines and became a registered nurse who currently works at our V.A hospital. He is enrolled in the fall semester in the Nurse Practitioner program at D'Youville. Jim drives a 2006 Honda Civic. He lives in his home in Cheektowaga and I know he has put a lot of money into his car just to get him to work and school. He REALLY could use a new car to help relieve the stress of maintaining an 11 year old vehicle. Jim is our veteran who loves this town, the people and "the vibe" as he so clearly puts it. Please consider him for a new vehicle so he can continue pushing on with less stress and a truly grateful heart.

Hear from James himself below:

Click the button below to nominate a veteran, and they could be selected to receive a free vehicle from Basil Family Dealerships!