5 for 5: USMC Sgt. Jesse Odom

Wells Fargo and Benson Nissan of Easley sponsor vehicle donation to Military Warriors Support Foundation for local combat-wounded veteran

Former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Jesse Odom awarded a payment-free vehicle

Clemson, SC – Nov. 18 2020 – As part of its ongoing commitment to make positive contributions to the communities it serves, Wells Fargo, in collaboration with Benson Nissan of Easley and Military Warriors Support Foundation, presented a payment-free vehicle to former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Jesse Odom on Wednesday, November 18.Wells Fargo and Benson Nissan of Easley sponsored the donation of a new 2020 Nissan Frontier for Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program, which awards payment-free vehicles and provides one-year of family and financial mentorship to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families to help ease the transition from the military to civilian life.“I’m excited to be here today on behalf of Military Warriors Support Foundation to honor one of our nation’s combat wounded veterans,” said Sandy Ignaszewski, Director of Transition and Mentoring, Military Warriors Support Foundation. “The payment-free vehicle being awarded today is just one way we can show our gratitude to our nation’s heroes. We are thrilled to be able to continue working with organizations, like Wells Fargo and Benson Nissan of Easley, through our Transportation4Heroes program and continue serving more veterans like Sergeant Odom.”Jesse Odom joined the military in 1999, at the age of 17 through a youth challenge academy. He went on to serve in the Marine Corps as a squad leader and acting Platoon Sergeant, touring with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit throughout Japan, Guam, Australia and Iraq. After serving nearly four years, he was honorably discharged from service in 2003. Throughout his military career, he received many awards for his service and bravery including a Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Today, former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Jesse Odom lives in Easley, South Carolina with his family and is the proud father of three children.Since 2012, Wells Fargo has donated more than 400 homes, valued at over $60 million, to support veterans in all 50 states, and provided more than 40 vehicles and financial mentoring, valued at over $1 million for combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families in collaboration with local dealerships.About Wells FargoWells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.92 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,200 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 31 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 30 on Fortune’s 2020 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter: @WellsFargo.About Military Warriors Support FoundationMilitary Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by LTG Leroy Sisco (Ret), in 2007. Their mission is to provide support and programs that facilitate a smooth and successful transition for our nation’s combat-wounded heroes and Gold Star families. Their programs focus on housing and homeownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance and leadership development. Through their programs, they have awarded nearly 900 mortgage-free homes and payment-free vehicles to combat-wounded heroes, Gold Star spouses and their families in all 50 states. In addition to the home or vehicle, the families receive family and financial mentoring. For more information, visit MilitaryWarriors.org.About Benson Nissan of EasleyFor the past 60 years, the Benson family legacy has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the community. James Benson Sr., who left home as a teenager to work in the early automotive factories then returned to the Upstate to forefront one of the largest families of auto dealerships in the state now relies on his grandson to run day to day operations. Ashby Crow, General Manager of Benson Nissan Easley continues on the responsibility of upholding the reputation built through three generations of Bensons’. Crow started out in the car business early on at the age of 15. As he moved up through the ranks, Crow realized how important the people are in this business. Since 1994, when you walk in the door at Benson Nissan of Easley they make you feel like family. Nissan is recognized as the leader in innovation, with a significant emphasis on technology. Emphasis on technology innovation helped Nissan become a global market leader in sedan, SUV and truck sales.Media Contact Information:Amy Amirault, Wells Fargo843-937-4459Amy.Amirault@wellsfargo.com@WellsFargoJohn Hill, Military Warriors Support Foundation210-204-6863Media@militarywarriors.org@WarriorsSupportAshby Crow, Benson Nissan of Easley864-561-0911ACrow@nissaneasley.com@NissanEasley