On October 27th we surprised Emmanuel Rodriguez a retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal and his family at a special food distribution event at Armed Services YMCA San Diego with a new 2022 Honda Pilot Sport. This was made possible through our Transportation4Heroes program in collaboration with Wells Fargo and the San Diego Honda Dealers.

Emmanuel Rodriguez was born in Mexico and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He joined the military in 2007. He was a part of the Tactical Training Exercise Group and helped train U.S. Marines for war. He later was transferred to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. During his deployment, Rodriguez was wounded and received the Purple Heart for the injuries sustained while supporting combat operations. After 6 years of service, he retired in 2013. He received several awards for his service including the Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and more. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Emmanuel Rodriguez currently lives in San Diego with his family.  

Emmanuel was chosen to receive this life-changing gift after applying to MWSF’s Transportation4Heroes program. The application has a rigorous vetting process to ensure that the veteran chosen to receive a vehicle is the best recipient to participate in the program. MWSF works with the veteran to ensure that the gift of a payment-free vehicle assists them in their successful transition out of the military and into their new civilian life.  

Since 2015, Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program has worked with companies across the country to award over 145 payment-free vehicles – 68 of those with Wells Fargo. In addition to providing vehicles, MWSF supports those they serve through family and financial mentorship connected programs. These programs provide crucial transitional support that focus on housing, outdoor recreational activities, transportation assistance and leadership development. Through mentorship and throughout all their programs, they have enabled participants to pay off over $26 million in pre-existing debt.  

About San Diego Honda Dealers Association
The San Diego Honda Dealers Association, made up of 10 local dealerships in the region, created its “Helpful” campaign in 2020 to spread Random Acts of Helpfulness to residents to and organizations across San Diego. Helping to donate a new vehicle to a deserving local veteran for its second year, is one more way they are lending a hand to recognize and support those who go above and beyond in the community.