Veterans Day was more than just a holiday for U.S. Navy veteran Terrance Williams, it was a fresh start and a reaffirmation that people care and are grateful for the service of men and women in our military.
Williams’ home in Richmond Heights needed repairs, and the Miami Dolphins and Bank of America community volunteers, along with Special Teams Driven by Chevy volunteers, got together on Veterans Day for a Miami-Dade Rebuilding Together project to make those repairs happen. Miami Dolphins alumni Lousaka Polite and Mark Duper were among those joining in for the work.
“Today’s event with Mr. Williams and his family is just one example of Bank of America’s commitment to connecting military men and women with the support they need to transition back into civilian life,” said Gene Schaefer, Bank of America Miami market president. “By providing access to financial education, wellness programs, recruiting and hiring events and home ownership, we’re making a difference for our U.S. military.”
Born and raised in Miami, Williams, now 36, has lived in his Miami house for much of his life. He graduated from Carol City High School, joined the Navy in 1995, and worked as a cryptologic technician on the USS Pittsburgh and USS John C. Stennis. Williams also was in the reserves from 2002 to 2007. Married to Danielle Williams, they have two sons. Williams was deeply appreciative of the Veterans Day project.
“Today is so heartwarming,” Williams said. “Originally this was my grandmother’s house. She passed away 13 years ago and I know she’s looking down. Words can’t even express what I want to say, but all great things. I’m just so thankful.”
The repair project was the first of several events the Miami Dolphins and Bank of America are partnering on during the month of November in their effort to salute our military and veterans for their service. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Dolphins and Bank of America joined forces for a military care packaging event at Sun Life Stadium. This marks the fifth year of this project with more than 4,000 soldiers receiving care packages.
Bank of America also was a planned sponsor of the Salute to Service Cowboys- Dolphins game at Sun Life Stadium on Nov. 22. As part of the partnership, Bank of America gave more than 60,000 rollabannas that say Go Dolphins and the hashtag #TroopThanks to attendees as part of the bank’s campaign to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Bank of America initiative aims to donate $1, up to $1 million, to Wounded Warrior Project for every social media post military service members using the hashtag #TroopThanks through a message, photo or video on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Wounded Warrior Project helps wounded veterans transition back to civilian life.
