Miracle for Vets

Members from Miracles for Vets discuss what car parts are needed for a certain vehicle modification project on Sept. 11, 2013, in Grand Forks, N.D. Miracles for Vets is a nonprofit organization which provides affordable vehicle repairs and vehicle modifications that can help with disabilities to disabled veterans and struggling families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Xavier Navarro)

Miracles for Vets Crew

Larry Mendivil (left), president of Miracles for Vets and Marcos Frederick (right), vice president of Miracles for Vets, stand in front of the Miracles for Vets garage on Sept. 11, 2013, on Grand Forks, N.D. Miracles for Vets is a nonprofit organization which provides affordable vehicle repairs and vehicle modifications that can help with disabilities to disabled veterans and struggling families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Xavier Navarro)

Repairing Broken Miracles

Larry Mendivil (right), president of Miracles for Vets, grabs a screw to put the steering wheel into place while Marcos Fredrick (left), vice president of Miracles for Vets watches him during the step by step process on Sept. 11, 2013, in Grand Forks, N.D. Miracles for Vets is a nonprofit organization which provides affordable vehicle repairs and vehicle modifications that can help with disabilities to disabled veterans and struggling families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Xavier Navarro)

Miracle on 6th Avenue North

Published Sept. 12, 2013
By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- One miracle at a time.

That's what U.S. Air Force veteran Larry Mendivil, President of Miracles for Vets, wishes to provide to disabled veterans and struggling families who can't afford vehicle repairs or vehicle modifications in the area.

Mendivil, a former senior airman with the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Grand Forks AFB, came up with the idea about a year ago. The six-year Air Force veteran said he's seen the struggles veterans sometimes endure. He works side-by-side on projects with his partner and vice president of Miracles for Vets, Marcos Frederick.

The group consists of an all-volunteer staff and donated equipment, including a custom fabricated welding table provided by Tracy Bailey, a fellow Air Force veteran and owner of Pride Metal Works, LLC, based in Emerado, N.D.

Because of duty-related disabilities that came about during his time in service, it was unlikely that he would be able to re-enlist and Mendivil separated in April 2007. He feels he still has a duty to America so he says to others that his disabilities will not deter him from that ongoing mission.

"Even as a disabled veteran everyone has a chance to make a difference," said Mendivil.

His goals include finding dedicated service members who believe in the cause to form a team concentrated on making more miracles and to find a shop before the winter because he currently works out of his garage.

"It's not entirely about the services we offer, but also helping and teaming up with current military members and other veterans for the cause," said Mendivil.

Mendivil's favorite Air Force core value is "Service Before Self," and it shows in his work. So far, he has repaired and customized more than 150 automobiles, 60 of which are owned by veterans.

For more information visit the website at www.miraclesforvets.com or call Mendivil at (218) 280- 5676.