U.S Marine Corps Veteran Emmanuel Rodriguez was at a loss for words Thursday afternoon when he was gifted a payment-free 2022 Honda Pilot during an Armed Services YMCA Food Distribution event.
Wells Fargo, San Diego Honda Dealers Association, and Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) collaborated told a surprise reveal during a food distribution hosted by Armed Services YMCA. The veteran was volunteering during the drive-through food distribution event when the vehicle was presented to him.
“I thought I was just going to load food for a family,” Rodriguez said. “When they told me the car was mine, I just froze. I didn't know what to do.”
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 the 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.
He was selected to receive this gift after applying for the 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.
Rodriguez described the new vehicle as “a gift from god”, as it will allow his family to do “bigger and better things as a family”.
MWSF works with veterans 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.
Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program has awarded 145 payment-free vehicles – 68 of those with Wells Fargo, since its inception in 2015. The foundation also provides family and financial mentorship-connected programs.
