Fast Monkey Auto to Offer Free Oil Changes to Veterans on Veterans Day

CARTHAGE, MO. — Fast Monkey Auto in Carthage will host its second annual Operation Free Oil Change on Veterans Day, offering free oil changes to veterans as a way to show appreciation for their service.

The event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fast Monkey Auto, located across from Race Brothers in Carthage.

Jason, who represents Fast Monkey Auto, said the business launched the event last year as a way to give back to veterans by providing a service the shop knows best.

"On Veterans Day, we started this last year. We're going to do it again this year. We're offering free oil changes to veterans," Jason said. "We're good at changing oil, working on cars, so we're able to offer something we're good at to our veterans at no charge. It's kind of our way to be able to give back to them."

The shop can accommodate approximately 65 vehicles during the event, and appointments are encouraged. Jason said about 25 appointments had already been scheduled shortly after the event was announced Monday.

"It's best to make an appointment. Obviously, there's only so many hours in a day and there's only so many of us at the shop," Jason said. "We've already got about 25 scheduled, so we just launched this on Monday. And so we've already got quite a few people call and get scheduled."

Jason said some veterans who attended last year's event are already returning this year.

Although the event is being held in Carthage, Jason said veterans are welcome to travel from outside the area to receive a free oil change.

"If you want to drive to us, I don't care where you're at. If you want to come to us, we'll take care of you," Jason said.

Jason said the event is intended to recognize veterans who may not always receive the appreciation they deserve.

"A lot of people just look over this day, so we wanted to make sure that they see we know what they did for us," Jason said. "They know that we appreciate them very much. Everybody has their own way to be able to give back, and this is our way that we can give back because it's in our wheelhouse. We know what we're doing with that, so we're able to offer that service."

The event is also receiving support from the local NAPA store, which is donating oil and filters while Fast Monkey Auto provides the labor.

"One thing I just want to shout out our local NAPA store. They're supplying a lot of the oil and filters for us while we supply the labor," Jason said. "So I want to say thank you to our local NAPA store for kicking in on this."

Fast Monkey Auto is a full-service automotive repair shop that provides services including brake repairs, tire services, wheel alignments, electrical diagnostics and general vehicle repairs.

Jason said the shop works on a wide range of vehicle makes and models and continues to invest in training to keep up with advances in automotive technology.

The shop participates in monthly continuing education and attends a weeklong training program in Kansas City each year to learn about newer vehicle models and technology.

Jason explained that modern vehicles rely on interconnected electronic systems, making continued training important for diagnosing and repairing problems.

Veterans interested in receiving a free oil change can schedule an appointment by calling 417-358-0756 or visiting Fast Monkey Auto, located across from Race Brothers in Carthage. With limited appointments available, veterans are encouraged to schedule in advance.