It seemed like whenever disabled veteran Wendy Brunell took a step forward, something would occur in her life to force two steps back.

Serving in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2001, 44-year-old Brunell, of Hellertown, talks candidly today about her battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. She found a "rock" in boyfriend, Larry Wismer, also of Hellertown, in helping her overcome it, she said.

But then this past August, the single mother of two lost her job unexpectedly at a lighting corporation. A few days later, the engine went on her car -- the repairs for which was expected to cost thousands on a vehicle worth only hundreds.

Brunell fell on harder times when she didn't have transportation to get to medical appointments, the grocery store or laundromat. But what bothered her even more was not being able to do such things as watch her daughter play softball.

Brunell said she had too much pride to ask for help, but knew not to give up.

"I just kept fighting because I have a family," she said. "I said, 'I can't give up.'"

On Wednesday, Brunell was told by the Northampton County American Legion that her struggle in finding new wheels was over. She was handed a set of car keys to a white pre-owned Toyota Camry -- a surprise donation by the 25th Street Auto Sales dealership in Wilson Borough.

The car is worth $3,500, according to the dealership.

"We just want to help any of the vets out there in need," said David Daiello, legion commander. "Some gave all -- the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is my job as legionnaire and every veteran's job to help our fellow brothers and sisters in arms even after service to our country.

"And for some, the battle and struggle still carries on," he continued.

The act of kindness was shared through the "Veterans in Need" fund, which was started by Daiello in 2014.

Daiello, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran himself, wanted to find a way to help more veterans in need through donations by Lehigh Valley residents, corporations and businesses.

In the past, Daiello has secured donations from The Home Depot and Lowe's for handicapped-accessible projects, food donations from supermarkets, clothing from department stores and toiletries from the Valor Clinic Foundation. The American Legion also has hired clowns and magicians to visit veterans at the Gracedale nursing facility in Upper Nazareth Township.

But this was the first car Daiello ever received from a dealership for a veteran, he said.

Daiello bought several cars in the past from 25th Street Auto Sales and asked Ralph Tromba, sales manager, if he would be willing to help with his veterans' support efforts. Tromba said he instantly was willing.

"We are here to support our vets who have supported us," Tromba said.

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Daiello said the American Legion has even more events on tap to raise money for veterans, including a June clambake fundraiser and a program for the homeless.

He's hoping more people will pay it forward.

"We're hoping the kindness spreads and more people catch on who are willing to help -- kind of like a snowball effect," Daiello said. "All it takes is a few good men and women."

Brunell said she was "overwhelmed" by the donation and it restored her faith when so many doors previously closed on her. She has found a new "military family" in the American Legion, she said.

Besides American flags on and stationed around the Toyota, Brunell stood Wednesday with Wismer, family members and American Legion veterans in salute.

"It's been so exciting because we've gone through so many hard things," Brunell said.

"It's wonderful," Wismer added. "It's a godsend."

Brunell said if any lesson could be learned through her hardships, it's not to be afraid to ask for help. Wismer added those who have fallen on hard times need to keep trying.

"There's a lot of people who try and there are walls they run into," Wismer said. "They get tired of trying, but they should never stop. Look how long it took us. Just don't give up."

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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