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The only thing hotter than the coastal North Carolina heat were the 150 cars, trucks and motorcycles that brought nearly 500 Veterans, families and friends to the Wilmington VA Health Care

Center on August 24. Nicknamed Hotwheels and Heroes, the show is one of hundreds of nationwide Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Fest summer events to inform Veterans and families about

PACT Act-related benefits and services. The car show was the second of three Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System August Vet Fests each with different theme, resources and activities

focused on VA health care and other benefits. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act, was signed into law in August

2022. The PACT Act expands VA health care eligibility and benefits for Veterans with toxic exposures such as Agent Orange, burn pits and other toxins during the Vietnam, Gulf War, and

post-9/11 eras.  Vehicles ranging from flashy motorcycles to muscle cars to classic cars were the stars of the show.  Veterans came to see or show vehicles, yet some walked away with more

than they planned. Joseph Ledger, an Army Veteran, just wanted to spend the day with family and see the cars. When he found out he could enroll in VA health care on site, he joined the line

waiting to take advantage of the opportunity. “I noticed enrollment personnel were here so I thought it was a great way to get to see the show and get enrolled. I’ve been meaning to get

enrolled in the VA for a couple of years so this was very convenient,” said Ledger. Others like Army Veteran Dan Neizmik made the trip to the packed parking lot alone. No stranger to car

shows, his blue Mustang was one of the favorites even though it has been less of a show car in recent years and more of recreational transportation for him and his wife.  In February,

Neizmik buried his wife of 52 years. “I really didn’t want to do much with the car. He said that changed when he saw the car show flyer at his VA appointment. “I decided to clean up the car

and come out to be with other Veterans. “I think my wife would be happy that I’m here,” he said. Veterans in attendance weren’t the only ones benefiting from the car show. The Center for

Development and Civic Engagement accepted donations totaling nearly $2,000. The money will be used to purchase items for hospitalized Veterans.