If you are a Riverbank local you probably know of or have seen Korean War Army Veteran Eddy Jones – better known to many as Fast Eddy – around town. Last week, American Veterans First (AVF) CEO Duke Cooper, Shirley Serato Board Member and Director of Veterans Outreach, Executive Secretary Paige McLaughlin, Roger Rickett along with a few others delivered a Chevy Tahoe to Jones, who had been without his normal ‘wheels’ for some time.
On Monday, July 18 in the morning, Cooper picked up Jones to supposedly discuss his benefits. After grabbing a cup of coffee and bringing the Tahoe around they went outside and presented it to Jones. The vehicle was washed and had a full tank of gas, ready for Fast Eddy to hit the road.
Cooper expressed that Jones was so surprised; he did not believe it was his. He shed a few tears Cooper noted, and asked “why would you give this to me?” To which Rickett replied, “look at your hat” which had the words ‘Korea Veteran’ on it.
“You give to your community and you served your country,” said Cooper to Jones on delivery day. “Because of your service here is your new ride.”
Rickett is a friend of Cooper’s and a supporter of AVF that approached him about the Tahoe. Some friends were getting a new car and wanted to donate their 1985 green Tahoe to a veteran. That is exactly what they did and to one that was in need.
Jones had a Ford van that was previously donated to him from AVF that was totaled in an accident. He had been without a vehicle since then and was using a scooter to get around. Jones had approached Cooper about getting a bigger scooter for trips to the grocery store and other errands.
With weak knees and astonishment after seeing the Tahoe, Jones got in the driver’s seat and took a test ride with Cooper. All the paperwork is complete and the vehicle officially belongs to Fast Eddy.
Later that week, Jones reported that he still cannot believe that the Tahoe is his and that it is one of the nicest vehicles he has ever owned. He has even gone outside a few times to make sure it was still there and he wasn’t dreaming.
Cooper said, “I literally thought he was going to pass out. We are honored to help him. That is what we do. We gave Eddy back his freedom. He leaned up against it and said I can’t believe this is mine.”
AVF is always looking for volunteers and partners. Cooper noted, “If you want to change the world, join us at American Veterans First.”
They will host a Grand Opening of their Museum on Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AVF headquarters, 6436 Oakdale Road in Riverbank.
