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Waterford comes to aid of injured soldier
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Phil Waterford’s reverence for those who serve America extends to those on active duty as well.

The owner of Manteca Ford who has been a primary financial backer of the Memorial Weekend Commemoration at Woodard Park working in conjunction with the Place of Refuge made a $5,000 donation to the Go Fund account to assist with Army specialist Nick Cargill’s recovery from a devastating drunken driving crash early on the morning of Jan. 1.

The donation allowed the effort to raise $10,000 meet its goal. Cargill will eventually receive state-of-the-art neurological care and other treatment from the Army once he can be transferred from Doctors Hospital of Modesto’s trauma center. The funds raised are designed to help with expenses that won’t be covered by the military.

Waterford had an opportunity to visit with the 24-year solider for an hour Friday afternoon.

“He is surrounded by people who love and care about him,” Waterford said. “He was conscious sitting in a chair eating and responding to his therapy. I believe that this young solider will make a full recovery in time. His journey won’t be easy; however, he will make it.”

Cargill had been in a coma for a week after receiving a broken neck and brain injuries and surgery following the crash at Airport Way and Woodward Avenue where the Sierra High graduate was T-boned by an alleged drunken driver.

He came out of his coma on Thursday.

Cargill was on a two-week leave visiting family and friends after completing two tours in Iraq and before training to be sent on another war zone tour to Afghanistan. He had not been drinking as was almost to his family’s home when the accident occurred.

“Nick and his family have been in my thoughts and prayers,” Waterford noted. This young man has fought for the freedoms that we enjoy every day and now he is fighting for his life. Through the grace of God, Nick will recover. I want to encourage everyone to do what you can to support this young soldier and his family. If you will trust God and keep on moving in faith, even when you don’t see a way, he will make a way.”