A Legacy of Service: The Birth of Mission Payback 

We've been busy behind the scenes at Mission Payback, and we're thrilled with the progress! We've sent out introductory emails to several part stores and grant foundations, getting the ball rolling on potential partnerships. Plus, we're incredibly excited to share that a fantastic group supporting veterans here in Central Texas has reached out! We have a meeting with them tomorrow at 4 PM, and they're looking like potential donors and partners for future fundraising events. We can't wait to share more after the meeting!

Support our mission: Check out the campaign Mission Payback on Givebutter! https://givebutter.com/missionpayback

Mission Payback Inquiry – Movement-Building, Veteran-Led Repair Services

A letter I wrote to TVC 6/30/25

Dear Texas Veterans Commission Grants Team,

My name is Christopher Lucas, Founder and Executive Director of Mission Payback (EIN: 33-4482160), a veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Leander, Texas. I’m a 100% disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, medically retired after 13 years of service, and I’ve spent over 25 years in the automotive and aerospace industries. I’ve served as a mechanic, instructor, QA inspector, doctrine editor, and mobile shop owner—and I don’t believe there’s anyone better trained or positioned to lead this mission.

Mission Payback is more than a charity—it’s a movement. Our first focus is delivering **free vehicle repairs to disabled and underserved veterans**, ensuring they’re not stranded due to lack of transportation. I personally perform as many of the repairs as I can, and **we always cover labor**. Parts are covered through donations, veteran-supplied components, or available funds. In just a few months, I’ve helped multiple veterans, saved over $800 in repair costs, raised seed funding, and built the full digital and operational infrastructure—on my own.

Now we’re scaling. I’ve built a growing social media presence and am cultivating leads within the CVMA, Leander VFW, and even a city official in Houston. We're ready to grow our footprint across Texas with a mobile rig, shop partnerships, and staff—but our infrastructure needs are urgent: insurance, supplies, tools, accounting, advertising, and fuel.

But that’s just **Phase One** of the vision.

**Phase Two:** I aim to begin teaching **hands-on automotive classes for able-bodied veterans**—many of whom want to fix their own vehicles but never had someone to teach them. With donated space from schools, service shops, or colleges, we could offer single-session lessons (brake jobs, oil changes, safety checks) in a small group format. It's low cost, high impact, and empowers vets with lasting skills.

**Phase Three:** The long-term goal is to launch the **Lucas Institute of Technology (“Get LIT”)**—a certified vocational training pipeline for automotive repair, funded in part through GI Bill and federal education grants. We’ll train veteran techs, then place them directly in **Lucas Automotive brick-and-mortar locations**, which will serve as commercial operations *and* Mission Payback hubs—providing a cradle-to-grave solution for veteran-led service, repair, and workforce development.

We’re ready to lead. I believe the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance could be instrumental in helping us stabilize and expand in Texas. As a first-time applicant, I’d greatly appreciate your guidance on:

1. When the 2025–2026 FVA RFA will open;

2. Whether vehicle repairs, parts, and educational workshops are eligible for support;

3. What advice you have for first-time applicants;

4. Any upcoming technical assistance sessions or staff consultations.

Thank you for all you do for Texas veterans. With the right support, Mission Payback will not only keep veterans on the road—but get them back in the driver’s seat of their lives.

Sincerely,  

Christopher Lucas  

Founder & Executive Director  

Mission Payback  

100% Disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran (Medically Retired)  

Honda- and Air Force–Trained Mechanic | 25+ Years Experience  

Texas ANG Instructor – Electrical Theory & Diagnostics  

QA Inspector | EPA Certified | Vocational Leader | Founder, Lucas Automotive  

Based in Leander, Texas  

EIN: 33-4482160  

📞 (512) 123‑4567  

✉️ missionpaybackusa@gmail.com  

🌐 [www.missionpayback.org](https://www.missionpayback.org)

The seeds of Mission Payback were planted in a simple conversation at a local barbershop. While getting my haircut, I noticed pictures of a Marine and his classic hot rod. The proud mother, my barber, shared that her son, a veteran, could no longer work on his beloved car. He had lost both arms and a leg in an IED explosion during his service.

As someone who had honed my automotive skills through years of training within the Air Force, I felt a deep sense of responsibility. I offered to repair his car for free. The mother's tears, and my own, were a testament to the need for support for our disabled veterans.

That moment changed everything. It made me realize that my skills could be used to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who had sacrificed so much. The thought struck me: if I could help one veteran, why not many?

Mission Payback was born from this desire to honor and serve those who have served us. We are committed to providing free vehicle repairs to disabled veterans, ensuring they maintain their independence and mobility. Our mission is to repay a debt of gratitude, one repair at a time.

An email to Autozone - 6/30/25

Dear AutoZone Community Relations Team,

My name is Christopher Lucas, and I’m the Founder and Executive Director of Mission Payback, a veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Leander, Texas (EIN: 33-4482160). We provide free vehicle repairs to disabled and underserved veterans—because no one who served should be left stranded.

As a 100% disabled U.S. Air Force veteran with over 25 years of experience as a professional mechanic, instructor, and QA inspector, I’ve built this organization from the ground up. In just a few months, we’ve:

- Performed free repairs for disabled veterans

- Saved over $800 in repair costs

- Raised grassroots funding and built a growing online presence

- Developed a scalable mobile repair model, preparing now for regional expansion

We’re reaching out to AutoZone because your mission aligns with ours—your parts power the repairs that keep veterans safe and mobile. We’d be honored to explore a partnership that could include:

- Parts donations or store credit

- Local or regional sponsorship

- Gift cards for veterans in need

- Event or training sponsorship

- Veteran-focused campaign collaboration

Our long-term goals include teaching hands-on automotive skills to able-bodied veterans and launching a GI Bill–eligible vocational program. But right now, we’re looking for strong, visible partners to help us serve more veterans and grow our impact.