Appleton veteran receives new car from Progressive’s “Keys to Progress” program

APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – U.S. Army veteran Justin Catlin and his family received a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Thursday, recognizing his dedication and service.

Progressive's Keys to Progress program supports veterans, military organizations, and veteran-owned small businesses by providing reliable vehicles to those in need.

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"This program is about choosing the most deserving recipient, and Justin and his family are absolutely deserving this year," said event organizer Andy Monday. "If it were up to me, I'd give away more than one vehicle every year."

This year, Catlin joins 96 veterans receiving vehicles through this initiative, which has donated over 1,100 cars to families in need since 2013.

Catlin's journey with the military began in 2007. After losing his job at Radio Shack and, subsequently, his home, he went to a recruiting office and asked how soon he could enlist. "I just asked them, 'What's the soonest you can get me out of here?' They said next week, so I said, 'Sign me up,'" Catlin recalled. "You have to remember, it was during OIF, OEF—all those desert conflicts we had at the time."

During his four years in the Army, Catlin served in South Korea for a year before returning to the U.S. at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, where he was stationed alongside a close relative.

With the holidays approaching, Catlin, his wife, and their six children had been dealing with car issues for over a month, making the timing of this gift especially meaningful.

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"I mean, having a vehicle that works the way that it should is a pretty big deal, and one that fits the whole family is a big deal as well. Something with enough space to, you know, bring the things you've bought from the store back home."

Now in its 12th year, the Progressive vehicle giveaway, supported by Enterprise Rent-a-Car, continues to help families like the Catlins get back on the road and move forward with their lives.