Retired Army Veteran Awarded Car As Show Of Gratitude

SEVERN, MD — Heroes are all around us. They are the men and women in blue, they are teachers, they are emergency workers and they are soldiers both active and retired. Friday, Sept. 13, one such local hero will be presented with a new car for his dedication to his country.

When he was younger, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Bryan Maximo was regaled with stories told by his grandfather, a retired soldier. The words he heard inspired Maximo to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and join the Army when he was old enough. Maximo served as an infantryman during two deployments to Afghanistan and also to Italy.

"I joined the Army because it has been my dream since I was a kid. I wanted to serve the country and defend our nation. I wanted to become part of the elite team. I was inspired by my grandfather who was a retired army. His experiences and stories of war has always fascinated me," Maximo said.

After surviving a parachute/jump accident that fractured both bones in his leg and required surgery, followed by surviving an IED blast that occurred during his service in Afghanistan in April 2012, Maximo was awarded the Purple Heart and eventually retired medically from the Army. Now, a father of two to Maharlika and Malakas, and a husband to Mae Aquino, Maximo is being honored for all that he has done to protect Americans' freedom.

Both of Maximo's parents are seniors and live in the family's home, along with his sister. He and his wife support all seven of his immediate and extended family members.

At the Walmart in Severn at 3 p.m. Sept. 13, Maximo will be presented with the keys to a 100 percent payment-free vehicle paid for by Walmart and Keurig Dr Pepper through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transporation4Heroes program. In addition to the vehicle, MWSF will provide the Maximo family with one year of family and financial mentorship sponsored by Keurig, Dr. Pepper and Walmart.

“My family and I are very excited about all of the possibilities that this vehicle presents for us,” Maximo told Patch. “It’s a good opportunity financially because it removes the financial burden of car payments, and it means we have the ability to take the entire family where they need to be when they need to be there, from school and medical appointments to emergencies.”

Not all veterans return home and quickly assimilate themselves. Some struggle to find work, some battle PTSD. Receiving a free car means the world to this Temple Hills resident and his family, he told Patch.

"I am currently seeking treatment for my PTSD and TBI. I also need a re-surgery of my left ankle due to a pinched nerve. As soon as I get better physically and mentally, I would like to go to school and get back to the workforce. My family plans to move South maybe after five years, because the cold weather affects my health," he said.

Maximo served in Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division (D Co. 2-504th PIR, 82nd ABN), Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (HHC 2-504TH PIR) Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment and 173rd Airborne Division (A Co. 1-503RD IN, 173RD ABN).

In addition to the Purple Heart, he has received the following awards: Combat Infantryman Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal With 2 Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge.