Rebreu Body & Frame Repairs Injured Marine's Car

Shortly before he was deployed, Jackie Hoover’s son, Marine Lance Corporal John Mittelstedt, damaged his beloved ’97 Firebird in a collision.

He had only been in Iraq a few weeks when she got the call every mother dreads: on August 25, a roadside bomb had struck her son’s Humvee, and John was seriously wounded.

Since then, John has been recuperating and undergoing several surgeries in the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. When Jackie got the news that he would be returning to Texas in early December, she had an idea: she decided to get John’s Firebird fixed up for him as a "welcome home" surprise.  She posted an ad on Craig’s List, offering her services as a professional housecleaner in exchange for the repairs.

Fox News reporter Arezow Doost picked up the story.  According to her report, Fox contacted some local body shops, which reported the repairs would be costly.  Jackie had no one taking her up on her offer.

At the same time, John Reid and Jim Abreu, owners of Austin’s Rebreu Body and Frame, heard about the Fox news report.  After talking with Jackie, they decided repairing the car was something they wanted to do.

The Firebird was towed to Rebreu on Thursday, Nov. 29 and on Friday, Nov 30 repairs began. Arezow found out about Rebreu’s offer to help and came to the shop for a follow-up report.  Rick Contreras, Pres. of Austin’s F-Body Club for Firebird, Camaro & Corvette enthusiasts, contributed several critical parts for the repairs.  Other donors have committed to new tires & wheels, and a new sound system.  Employees at Rebreu have all volunteered their labor. Needless to say, the shop was very busy on Friday.

Update:

LCpl Mittelstedt's good-as-new Firebird was unveiled at a special ceremony held at Camp Mabry. Rebreu is gratified to have been able to donate our efforts for a returning local veteran injured in service to his country.

For Additional Information

Rick Contreras, along with many other Austin F-Body Club members, have generously contributed time, money, labor, expertise, and boundless enthusiasm towards this project.  The Austin F-Body Club forum details their involvement and includes many photos of the project.

Some additional info and supporting links can be found via Arezow Doost and Fox 7 News.