Citizens and MWSF Present Car to Military Veteran

PHILADELPHIA- As part of its ongoing commitment to give back to the communities it serves, Citizens has partnered with Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) to donate a new vehicle to a veteran and his family.

The Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid – donated by the bank to Military Warriors Support Foundation – was presented in a ceremony at Citizens Bank Park to Retired Sergeant Edwin Vera, who honorably served in Iraq. Inspired to make a difference and defend his country, Sgt. Vera enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and served two tours in Iraq. Vera has received numerous awards and commendations for his service, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.

"We are proud to honor Sgt. Vera by providing him with a new vehicle that will help allow him to continue building a future for himself and his daughter," said Brendan Coughlin, Head of Consumer Banking, Citizens. "Citizens is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work, and we are privileged and humbled to be able to support veterans and their families across our communities."

"We are honored to have worked with Citizens for seven consecutive years as we honor our combat-wounded heroes, Gold Star spouses, and their families," said Ken Eakes, Executive Director Military Warriors Support Foundation. "They consistently work to find meaningful ways to support our nation's heroes. This year, we are excited to come together to award three payment-free hybrid vehicles to these military families. Having access to reliable and safe transportation is crucial as these families transition from the military to their new civilian lives."

With a two-hour daily commute to his job as an IT technician, Vera needed a dependable car to replace his old car that died. The new vehicle will also allow Vera to take his daughter on a road trip to Florida, a trip they've always dreamed of taking.

This donation is part of the bank's long-term commitment to give back to the communities it serves through its Citizens Helping Citizens initiative. As part of this year's partnership, the bank has committed nearly $175,000 across three veterans and their families to help provide them with the freedom of a new vehicle.

Since 2017, Military Warriors Support Foundation has awarded over 110 payment-free vehicles through their Transportation4Heroes program and has assisted combat-wounded veterans, Gold Star spouses, and their families in paying off over $1 million in personal debt through their family and financial mentorship program.