A Valley veteran on a mission to help others has suffered a setback: his car, decorated with military tributes, caught fire.
All that's left of the car and trailer now are the metal frames. To Kelly Fromm, a veteran, the Camaro was more than just a car.
"Honestly, some of the souls that I know, some of the friends that I know that have died in combat or died as veterans after their service were with me with that car,” Fromm said.
The Camaro, named “Freedom Fighter,” was airbrushed with a military tribute and has traveled around the country to car shows and events. Fromm said his mission is to honor the fallen and educate people on veterans issues. The car, with its military images, often sparks conversation.
"Everywhere we go, whether it be a veteran, or whether it be a mother, father, daughter, sister, brother of a fallen hero, they want to share their stories,” Fromm said.
On Sept. 11, the Fromm family was coming back from a car show in Las Vegas, driving on US-93 near Wickenburg when drivers alerted them that their trailer, carrying the car, was on fire.
Fromm was about to start a cross-country tour at the end of the month, with the decked out trailer and car, to raise awareness about service dogs for veterans. Right now, he’s dealing with the setback.
The trailer and car were insured, but Fromm said the insurance won't cover the cost to fully restore the tribute car.
He’s started a donation page to help offset costs. Fromm said he plans to donate any extra funds to veteran charities.
If you’d like to help, click here.
