Wells Fargo on Oct. 13 donated a payment-free 2024 Ford F-150 to the Military Warriors Support Foundation to benefit the San Antonio nonprofit’s Skills4Life program.
The background
Wells Fargo started a vehicle donation program in 2015 to help support combat-wounded veterans, Gold Star families, and military- and veteran-related nonprofits, according to a news release. Since then, the company has been working with auto dealerships nationwide to donate more than 80 vehicles along with providing financial mentoring for veterans and their families.
The MWSF’s Skills4Life program provides combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses peer-to-peer mentorship via outdoor recreational activities, the release stated.
Led by combat-wounded veterans, the program hosts more than 300 veterans annually for recreational events nationwide. The Skills4Life program also extends to veterans' adaptive equipment to allow wheelchair-bound veterans and amputees the ability to participate in outdoor activities.
Donors pay for all trip expenses, MWSF officials said, adding it is important that wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses have reliable transportation to such events.
Digging deeper
MWSF officials said a veteran or Gold Star spouse must apply and fill out an online application to be considered for a payment-free vehicle. According to MWSF officials, the application process is rigorous, ensuring the veteran chosen to receive a vehicle is the best recipient to participate in the Transportation4Heroes program.
The MWSF works with the selected veteran to make sure the vehicle helps them in their successful transition. The veteran or Gold Spouse also receives one year of mentoring in budgeting and debt management.
What they're saying
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. David Dougherty, the foundation's vice president, said Skills4Life allows veteran clients and Gold Star spouses to not only enjoy recreational trips, but also transport fishing gear, golfing equipment and camping equipment.
“This vehicle will allow us to do this for several more years, helping our Gold Star family members and our combat-wounded veterans by transporting what we need for them to have a successful recreational event,” Dougherty said in a statement.
