Minneapolis -- This Veterans Day, Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank are partnering to take action on behalf of veterans, presenting the keys to newly renovated, mortgage-free homes in four locations: Owensboro, Ky.; Arnold, Mo.; and two cities in Ohio, Sheffield Village and Cleveland.
Since 2013, U.S. Bank has donated 22 homes (including these four homes), valued at $4.8 million, to deserving military families in communities across the country. The four recipients served a combined total of nearly 50 years in the U.S. armed forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, receiving multiple recognitions for their patriotism, including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Jump Master Badge Certificate Army Commendation Medal. The recipients are Army Spc. Todd O’Neal, Army Sgt. Mark Bricker, Retired Army Master Sgt. Ed Hawk and Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Schrader.
“It is an honor to work with America’s veterans and to learn about the sacrifices they make to protect our nation," said Tom Kilgannon, president of Freedom Alliance. "We hope [this] project will help energize more civilians to be actively involved in caring for those who fight on our behalf. We’re pleased to partner with U.S. Bank to provide these homes to military families as we salute their courage, strength, and selflessness.”
The homes are donated by U.S. Bank through its Housing Opportunities after Military Engagement (H.O.M.E.) program, in conjunction with Freedom Alliance’s Heroes to Homeowners program. Several of the upgraded amenities for the homes include upgraded granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, replaced flooring, and rejuvenated landscaping, among other renovations. Additional partners include Altisource and Property Preservation Servicing, LLC.
“As we pause to honor our military veterans on this important date in our country, we are humbled to provide a home to these exceptional veterans and their families,” said Andy Cecere, chairman, president, and CEO of U.S. Bank. “Homeownership represents stability, community, and confidence. On behalf of our more than 2,000 veteran employees and our Proud to Serve employee group we want to thank Todd, Mark, Ed and Bryan for their service and many sacrifices. We hope that these veterans and their families will spend many, many wonderful years in their new homes.”
In addition to partnering with military service and other community organizations such as Freedom Alliance, U.S. Bank supports veterans and military family members through a suite of military-specific banking products and services. U.S. Bank also has an employee-led business resource group, Proud to Serve, which provides opportunities for employees to connect and network with other veterans at the company, give back to the community, and contribute to business results. The bank employs more than 2,000 veterans, including National Guard and Reserve members.
For more information, visit freedomalliance.org or www.usbank.com.
