It’s Christmas in July for a Local Veteran

Photo: Dane Hampton

Most people know that Prescott is Arizona’s Christmas City. Many don’t know we’re also known as Arizona’s most patriotic city, and this story proves why. Five local businesses have pitched in to make it Christmas in July for a local veteran and his family.

Dane Hampton isn’t just any veteran. He’s a veteran who helps other veterans. Dane manages the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Chapter 16 “Trift” Store at 730 5th Street in Prescott. More than 80% of their proceeds are used to support veterans in our community. DAV helps veterans with their disability claims and appeals, as well as financial and housing assistance.

Photo: The totaled car

Last May, Dane, himself, became a veteran in need when a driver crossed over the center lane, totaling the family’s only vehicle, and inflicting significant injuries to Dane. The offending driver had no insurance or driver’s license, and then he skipped out of the country, leaving Dane and his wife, Shelley holding the bag.

While on his way to a full recovery, Dane is still in a cast and on crutches. Undaunted by his injuries, he continues to fulfill his role at the DAV Thrift Store.

Coincidentally, on June 3rd, KQNA launched DriveTime, an automotive talk radio show. Show co-host and owner of Prescott Valley Transmissions, Desmond Creighton, said, “Our first order of business was to find a home for a car that a member of Starting Point Church donated for us to give to someone in need. We wanted to give it to a deserving veteran during Frontier Days in celebration of the 4th of July.”

Louie Gomez, the locally popular owner of Prescott Tire Pros, added, “We received many nominations, all of which were for worthy veterans, but Dane’s circumstances and his track record of supporting other veterans made him the right choice.”

Photo: Dane and the DriveTime Crew

DriveTime is a show about anything automotive. It airs on KQNA 1130 AM and FM 95.5 and 99.9 on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 6:00 am. You can also catch replays 24/7 on the show’s website DriveTimeAZ.com.

Automotive industry veteran Thom Tschetter is the host, and he’s joined each week by one of the show’s sponsors who co-hosts that week’s show. The in-studio team interviews automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts and experts from around the world.

In addition to Thom, Desmond, and Louie, the team includes Car Show Guru, Ken Freund, “The Crew” (Bruce, Brandon, Matt, and Chris) at All New Again Paintless Dent Repair, Bruce Wallace of 5 Star Cars, and Lenora Bennett-Bateman, the President of Bennett Oil.

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say “Hi” to Dane and check out the many great values at the DAV Thrift Store. Don’t forget to thank him for his service to our country and our community.