My name is Chad Maddox,
I am a proud U.S. Air Force veteran. For 18 years, I served my country with honor until I was medically retired due to service related injuries. Today, I live with a 90% service connected disability, a daily reminder of the sacrifices made in uniform.
But while my injuries took me out of the military, they did not take away my purpose. Deep in my heart, I still feel the call to serve. Only now, that calling looks a little different: I dream of opening a veteran owned auto repair shop built on honesty, respect, and military values.
Why This Matters
Too often, families walk into repair shops and face hidden fees, dishonest practices, and poor service. At the same time, so many veterans, brave men and women who gave everything, struggle to find meaningful employment, stability, and purpose after transitioning out of the military.
This shop is my answer to both problems.
It will be more than a repair shop, it will be:
✅ A place where customers receive fair, transparent, and trustworthy service.
✅ A safe space where fellow veterans find employment, mentorship, and healing.
✅ A bridge between my community and the people who fought for it.
Why I Need Your Help
After leaving the Air Force, fixing cars became more than a skill, it became therapy. It grounded me, gave me peace, and helped me cope with the challenges of disability and transition. Now, I want to turn that personal healing into a mission that helps others.
But I cannot do this alone. Starting a shop from the ground up requires major expenses that I simply cannot cover without support.
Here is exactly what your donations will fund:
$12,000 – Gravel and concrete foundation
$32,800 – Shop structure
$9,200 – Two automotive lifts ($4,600 each)
$3,500 – Tire changer & balancer
$1,200 – Air compressor
Remaining funds, Permits, inspections, water lines, and electrical installation
Every dollar will go directly into building and equipping this shop. I will provide updates, photos, and receipts so that every supporter sees the impact of their generosity.
Why This Dream Deserves Support
I am not just asking for myself. This is bigger than me.
It’s for the veteran struggling to find work and self worth.
It’s for the young military mechanic who needs mentorship.
It’s for the family who just wants a trustworthy place to repair their car without fear of being taken advantage of.
I have always lived by service, discipline, and integrity, values that never left me when I took off the uniform. Now, I want to carry those values into my community through this shop.
A Veteran’s Plea
As a husband, father, and disabled veteran, I know the weight of struggle. But I also know the power of community, kindness, and generosity. I am humbly asking for your help in making this dream real, not for me alone, but for every veteran who deserves a second chance, and for every family who deserves honest service.
Please, if you can, donate to this campaign. Share it with others. Stand with me as I turn struggle into service and build something that will give back for years to come.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ❤️🙏
Chad Maddox
Veteran | Husband | Father | Mechanic | Future Business Owner
