Oklahoman Adam Ely has served his country and now, he serves those down on their luck in a surprising way.
The former paratrooper and helicopter mechanic is a disabled veteran pursuing his dream of becoming a special education teacher for children with disabilities –all while making a difference in others’ lives.
While being a full-time college student, husband and dad consumes most of his time, Adam has found a unique way to give back to others. The idea came to him after Adam offered to fix his daughter’s friend’s car.
That’s when he had an “aha” moment.
Adam only charged the other family for parts and fixed the vehicle for free, which they greatly appreciated. Inspired by what unfolded before him, Adam and his wife Toni established Hard Luck Automotive Services to do the same thing for more people.
“I’ve never turned anyone away. It doesn’t matter about economic status, race, or creed. I don’t even care if people take advantage, I will help them, regardless.”
As a disabled veteran, Adam receives money from the Veterans Association of America, which helps him be able to cut such a discount.
“If you can afford the parts, I’ll fix it for free.”
Another thrilled customer, Tamesha Rayes, happens to be a veteran who also is in college and raising her son. She turned to Adam to help her when her car broke down, she told the BBC.
“My car’s essential to take my eight-year-old son to school and for me to go to college. I was in a big mess and Adam helped us tremendously. He’s a lifesaver.”
Knowing how helpful his free service would be to Tamesha, he went one step farther. Adam called around to find the best deal on parts and discovered coupons she could use to help.
Then he invited her son Tysen to hang out with him while he worked on their car.
“My son Tysen was so impressed as he showed him his tools, and let him help out. He didn’t stop talking about him afterward. He still tells everyone he’s going to be a mechanic like Mr. Adam!”
Kindhearted individuals have donated tools to help Adam with his cause.
Toni designed and sells T-shirts to help offset some of their costs. Local auto parts stores have gotten on board with Adam’s initiative and offer his customers discounts on supplies.
“It might not help me, but if a single mum, for example, saves $100 on parts, that’s the best. It’s such a great feeling to be able to give back to people. I get so much more out of it than they do, to see that their burden is taken off them.”
Adam’s customers are beyond grateful for what he can do for them and others. He actually received tips from two appreciative customers in the past two years.
“One gave me $50, and another emptied the contents of his wallet into my hand, which came to $43.”
Many don’t realize that helping others the way he does actually benefits Adam, too, even though he must walk with a cane due to knee and back injuries.
Not only does he enjoy the relief he brings to people’s pocketbooks, but the work he does alleviates the flashbacks and PTSD he battles every day since leaving the military in 2007.
“My wife and I do this because we can. It doesn’t cost us anything, but our time and a little bit of gas traveling to folks. We have been blessed and have met some of the best people since starting Hard Luck Auto Services … Being able to give back to our community is truly the best feeling.”
What a wonderful thing Adam and Toni have done to help others!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
