The presentation of the vehicle was a surprise to Corporal Perez, who thought he would be providing feedback about a fishing experience for veterans at Lake Murray Reservoir. Fishing with his family had been something Corporal Perez had been wanting to enjoy for some time. After the vehicle surprise presentation, Corporal Perez and his family enjoyed a complimentary fishing trip together donated by Advenco LLC, including a free boat rental, bait, and fishing supplies.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Carlos Gomez Perez was born in Mexico and raised in San Diego. He joined the U.S. Marines in 2001 out of San Diego and was part of the 2nd Battalion 1st Marines Echo Company 2nd Platoon 1st squad. During his second deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, he was seriously injured during combat and received a Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained.
After five years of dedicated service to his country, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Carlos Gomez Perez retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006. During his service, he received several awards, including the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Carlos currently resides in El Cajon, CA, with his wife and two children and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity.
Carlos was chosen to receive this life-changing gift after applying to MWSF’s Transporation4Heroes 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 Transporation4Heroes program has worked with companies across the country to award over 160 payment-free vehicles.
Presenting the payment-free vehicle to Carlos and his family present were Bill DeRidder, Military Warriors Support Foundation, Barbara Johnson, Managing Director, Wells Fargo Commercial Auto and Carly Harris, Helpful San Diego Honda Dealers Association.
About Military Warriors Support Foundation
Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by Retired LTG Leroy Sisco celebrating 16 of their mission providing crucial transitional support 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 are well on their way to awarding 1,000 mortgage-free homes in all 50 states and over 160 payment-free vehicles. In addition to the home or vehicle, the families receive family and financial mentoring. Over $26.2 million in hero personal debt has been paid off through the mentorship program. For more information, visit MilitaryWarriors.org.
About Wells Fargo’s Sponsored Vehicle Donation Program
Wells Fargo started its Sponsored Vehicle Donation Program in 2015 to support combat-wounded veterans, Gold Star families, and military- and veteran-related nonprofit organizations. Since then, the company has worked with auto dealerships across the country to donate over 80 vehicles, along with financial mentoring for veterans and their families, valued at over $2.7 million as part of a broader effort to expand access to financial health as the Bank of Doing. Learn more about what we are doing at www.wellsfargo.com/impact.