The screen saver on Michael Zahringer’s computer read: “Smile … and customers will leave smiling.”

The general manager of the post’s Firestone Tire & Auto Center, Zahringer is committed to making sure his customers — most of whom are soldiers, their dependents and retirees — are well served.

And with fall and winter coming up, this makes sense.

“We want this business to be a vital part of the community,” said the 30 plus year veteran of the automotive industry. “We want to make life easier for everyone who comes in here with an automotive problem.”

To that end, Zahringer and his staff are offering soldiers a deployment/welcome home package.

“I’ve been here since 1993, and I have never seen such a large deployment of soldiers,” said Zahringer. “I want to help them while they are deployed and when they return.”

With close to 15,000 deployed Fort Lewis soldiers, their dependents will need to prepare for the winter months.

“Soldiers deploy, and in many cases someone is left behind to take care of things,” explained Zahringer.  “The last thing they need is to face a problem with the car.”

Hence the desire to offer preventive maintenance service in support of soldiers and their families.

In order to help keep family members from being overwhelmed by the potential automotive challenges they may face, the Fort Lewis Firestone store is offering deploying and returning soldiers the following services.

n Oil change and filter service with complete vehicle maintenance inspection for $29.99.  This price includes a $15 certificate that can be applied to any of the following maintenance services: fuel system cleaning, fuel filter replacement service, coolant system flush, transmission fluid flush, brake fluid flush, tire rotation and balance, alignment and service, timing belt service, and brake replacement service.

Besides offering preventive maintenance service for deploying and returning soldiers, Zahringer also wants to set up e-mail accounts for deployed soldiers.

“We want to create and maintain a better way of communication; there is no need for a soldier getting a surprise about an automotive bill,” explained Zahringer. “We can talk with them and ensure communication is clear.”

The deployment/welcome home package Fort Lewis Firestone offers will remain in effect indefinitely.


This is an offer that should leave customers smiling and prepared for the winter months.

The shop is located at the corner of 14th and Pendleton Avenue.

For more information, contact Zahringer at (253) 964-1090.