There was no shortage of support shown this past week in the car wash industry for United States veterans on Veterans Day this past weekend. All across the country, free washes were offered to those who served our country.
Here are just some of the car washes who were proud to offer this benefit to veterans and wanted to share their thanks. Did you take part in offering free washes? Let us know at mdewolf@carwash.org.
Crew Carwash Provides FREE Ultimate Washes to Veterans
Crew Carwash, an Indiana based family business, honored those who have served our country by offering their top wash for free to all veterans and active military members.
Crew Carwash provided a free Ultimate carwash to all past and current service members to thank them for serving our country and protecting our freedoms. The offer was available at all Crew Carwash locations.
“We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and active military members,” said Bill Dahm, owner of Crew Carwash. “We want to show our appreciation by offering them a free Ultimate carwash in honor of Veterans Day.”
Mike's Carwash Honors America's Military with Free Wash
Mike’s Carwash offered Active Military personnel and Veterans a FREE Ultimate Wash on Veterans Day. The $20 value was available at all 36 Mike’s Carwash locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
“A free Ultimate Wash is just a small way for everyone at Mike’s to thank those who have served our country with distinction,” said Joe Dahm, President of Mike’s Carwash. “The free wash continues Mike’s commitment to honor and serve active service members and Veterans, all of whom are heroes in our eyes.”
Splash Car Wash Partners with Grace for Vets to Offer Free Washes to Vets
Splash Car Wash again offered free carwashes to all veterans and active-duty personnel. Splash has partnered with Grace for Vets (GFV), a non-profit organization that brings together participating car washes to offer free washes to vets on Veterans Day each year.
Since its inception in 2003, Grace for Vets and its car wash partners have successfully served 3,393,782 veterans. GFV has also grown from 1 participating car wash to 4,125 in 4 different countries. Last year, a total of 350,625 cars were washed for free at 4125 locations.
Splash founder and CEO, Mark Curtis, has run GFV for the past 10 years. He and his Splash team regularly attend carwash conventions throughout the country to promote participation in the Veterans Day event.
Are you a veteran or Active Duty? Find a participating wash at www.graceforvets.org.
Free Car Washes for Veterans at Tommy's Express
In recognition of Veterans Day, Tommy’s Express Car Wash offered a free car wash to all veterans or active military personnel. This is the national franchise’s sixth year honoring those who have served our country.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to recognize our Veterans for the commitment they’ve made to our country,” said President and CIO, Ryan Essenburg. “All of us here at Tommy’s Express truly appreciate the sacrifices and honor given by our Veterans and active military members.”
Magnolia Wash Holdings Honors Veterans
Magnolia Wash Holdings recently announced that all Whistle Express, Camel Premium Express and The Wave Carwash locations gave back to veterans and their families in honor of Veterans Day this month through their new partnership with Folds of Honor.
From Nov. 1 through Nov. 13, customers had the option to donate to the non-profit organization when paying for their carwashes at the service station.
Additionally, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, participating locations offered free carwashes to all veterans.
“We are privileged to be partnering with Folds of Honor this year, as we look to raise funds and make an impact in the lives of the family members of American heroes,” said Jose Costa, chief executive officer of Magnolia Wash Holdings. “Through this partnership and our complimentary service to veterans on November 11, our express carwash brands are coming together to give back to those who risk their lives for our country and their families in a meaningful way. We’re encouraged by all the work the organization does year-round and look forward to our customers joining us in our giveback efforts.”
Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization that allocates funds and contributions to award scholarships for spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving the U.S. Armed Forces.
The educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as post-secondary tuition assistance for spouses and dependents.
Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 35,000 scholarships totaling over $160 million in all 50 states.
Whistle Express, Camel Premium Express and The Wave Carwash are operated by Magnolia Wash Holdings.
DMV Locations Offer Free Car Washes to Military Members In Honor of Veterans Day Weekend
Veterans Day may have passed, but that is not stopping businesses in the DMV from honoring our veterans and active military duty members all weekend long.
That includes free car washes at dozens of locations in the DMV, including the Flagship Carwash located in Rockville.
During the event, FOX 5 spoke with United States Marine Corp Vietnam veteran Wayne Miller, who said the event is about much more than just getting a car wash.
Miller recalls how when he returned from Vietnam, injured both physically and mentally, resources weren’t readily available to him – let alone free ones.
"It’s not about the money, it’s about the thought, that someone still cares for veterans," Miller said on FOX 5. "Sometimes having a disability and a challenge it’s hard to do things, and you’re so busy everyday you don’t think about your car."
He went on to joke about how much his car needed the wash.
"I thought I bought a black car, but it was white after they cleaned it," said Miller.
Miller wasn’t the only vet who got his car cleaned.
U.S. Navy veteran Carlos Stein says it’s the small things that make him feel appreciated for having served his country.
"It’s a big thank you and the takeaway is that we are not forgotten and people still remember us," said Stein.
The free car wash is part of the Grace For Vets initiative, which focuses on honoring those who have served or are currently serving our country with a free car wash each year on November 11.
"I think it’s important to take a step back every once in a while and be grateful for the freedom that we have that these veterans and active duty have provided," said Dylan Hlavaty, the district manager of Flagship Carwash to FOX 5.
Autobell Car Wash Salutes U.S. Military Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members with Free Ride-Thru Wash on Veterans Day
To honor and thank U.S. military personnel on Veterans Day, Autobell Car Wash offered all veterans and active-duty service members a free Ride-Thru Exterior car wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland on Friday, November 11, 2022.
All Autobell locations are open daily; hours vary by location. Visit autobell.com to find nearby locations and hours of operation.
“This day is an important opportunity to thank and support those who have served and sacrificed for our country,” said Autobell President and COO, Carl Howard. “We want the many veterans and active service personnel among our team members and customers to know how much we value and appreciate them.”