03/31/09: A Soldier’s Surprise! Amherst Soldier Returns Home to ‘New’ Old Car

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 03/31/09:
Specialist Richard Scalfani couldn’t believe his eyes when saw his supped up used car. The last time the Amherst soldier saw his 1993 Pontiac Trans AM it was dirty, dusty and needed a lot of work. Scalfani’s best friend, Nick Leonardis nominated Scalfani for a “Soldier’s Surprise” from Carruba Collision. The auto show refurbished the Trans AM with a snazzy body and paint job. Scalfani bought the car after serving two tours in Kosovo. After he got it, he headed off to a third tour in Iraq.
“I was looking forward to seeing it in its old paint with nothing done to it. And to see it with these new wheels and the paint,” said Spec. Scalfani. “And to know the amount of work that goes into it just speaks volumes for my family and friends. I’m just floored.”
“He’s been to Iraq, served his country, so it’s the least we can do for him,” said Leonardis. Scafani attended Canisus High and Erie Community College before heading off to serve his country.
Auto shop Manager Joe Carruba says the next soldier to receive a car in 2010 will be a soldier back from Iraq and drive an American made car.