Bank of America Partners with Military Warriors Support Foundation to Present a Mortgage-Free Home to a U.S. Marine Veteran in Columbia, SC
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Bank of America Partners with Military Warriors Support Foundation to Present a Mortgage-Free Home to a U.S. Marine Veteran in Columbia, SC
Veteran receives keys to mortgage-free home in honor of his military service
WHAT:Allen Makinson was 12 years old when he watched the attacks unfold on September 11, 2001, and when he turned 18 years old, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He joined the Marine Corps because he loves America, wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself, and in remembrance of all those killed on 9/11. He went to bootcamp at Parris Island South Carolina and then to the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger North Carolina. In 2008, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Around 2 months later, Makinson was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart for his injuries. Despite those injuries he would go on to serve in Jordan where his unit trained with the Jordanian Forces and was sent back to Afghanistan for another deployment. Allen Makinson was Honorably Discharged from the Marine Corps in 2011 at the rank of Lance Corporal. Now out of the military, his plan is to work in Law Enforcement where he desires to serve and protect others and make a difference in people’s lives. Makinson currently resides in Oconee County, SC with his family.“We remain extremely committed to supporting veterans, service members and their families who have contributed so much to our communities and our country,” said Kim Wilkerson, president, Bank of America South Carolina. “For more than 100 years, Bank of America’s commitment to serving military personnel, and helping families achieve the dream of homeownership, has been an important part of who we are as a company. It’s an honor to partner with Military Warriors and welcome Lance Corporal Makinson and his family to their new home.”In 2020, Bank of America celebrated 100 years of service to the military, a tradition that started in July 1920 when the company began providing financial services and products for service members and their families at the Fort Sam Houston base in Texas. Bank of America currently operates overseas military banking facilities in 10 countries, including 62 financial centers and 274 ATMs. In 2014, the company addressed the unique challenges military personnel face in finding employment after service with a pledge to hire 10,000 veterans, National Guard and reservists within five years. That goal was surpassed and the company continues to maintain that hiring momentum today by remaining committed to attracting, developing, and retaining military talent.WHO: U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lance Corporal Allen Makinson, home recipient and his family members WHERE: Columbia, SC
BACKGROUND:As part of Bank of America’s efforts to help revitalize communities and support the housing needs of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation, the company has donated more than 2,500 homes nationwide to military veteran-support charities and other nonprofit, community-based organizations. This donation is made possible through a partnership with Military Warriors Support Foundation, which works with financial institutions such as Bank of America to support its Homes for Heroes initiative. To learn more about Bank of America’s support of our service members and veterans, visit bankofamerica.com/militarysupport.
Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by LTG Leroy Sisco (Ret), in 2007. Their mission is to crucial transitional support with their programs for our nation’s combat-wounded heroes, Gold Star spouses, and their families. Their programs focus on housing and homeownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance, and leadership development. Through select programs, they have awarded nearly 900 mortgage-free homes in all 50 states and over 110 payment-free vehicles. In addition to the home or vehicle, the families receive family and financial mentoring. For more information, visit MilitaryWarriors.org. MEDIA CONTACT:John Hill Eliza MurphyMilitary Warriors Support Foundation Bank of America media@militarywarriors.org eliza.murphy@bofa.com210-615-8973 ext 112 347-603-6845