Citizens and Military Warriors Support Foundation present car to Gold Star family

Westwood, MA As part of its ongoing commitment to give back to the communities it serves, Citizens has partnered with Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) to donate a new vehicle to the family of a service member who was killed-in-action in 2006.

The Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid – donated by the bank to Military Warriors Support Foundation – was presented in a ceremony at the Citizens Consumer Bank headquarters, to Suheil Campbell, Gold Star wife of United States Army Corporal Edgardo Zayas. Inspired to make a difference and defend his country, Cpl. Zayas enlisted in the Army in 2004 and deployed to Iraq, where he was tragically killed in 2006. Cpl. Zayas received numerous awards and commendations for his service, including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal.

“We are proud to honor Cpl. Zayas and Suheil by providing their family with a new vehicle that will help allow her to make memories with their children and continue to volunteer in her community,” said Brendan Coughlin, head of consumer banking, Citizens. “Citizens is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work, and we are privileged and humbled to be able to support the family of a community member who gave his all for the greater good.”

“We are honored to have worked with Citizens for seven consecutive years as we honor our combat-wounded heroes, Gold Star spouses, and their families,” said Ken Eakes, executive director Military Warriors Support Foundation. “They consistently work to find meaningful ways to support our nation’s heroes. This year, we are excited to come together to award three payment-free hybrid vehicles to these military families. Having access to reliable and safe transportation is crucial as these families transition from the military to their new civilian lives.”

As a single mother without a vehicle, Suheil has still found time to volunteer in her community and at her local church. The new vehicle will allow her the flexibility to complete day-to-day errands and continue to give back. The Campbell family is excited to take their first family road trip to celebrate.

This donation is part of a long-term commitment the bank has made to give back to the communities it serves through its Citizens Helping Citizens initiative. As part of this year’s partnership, the bank has committed nearly $175,000 across three veterans and their families to help provide them with the freedom of a new vehicle.

Since 2017, Military Warriors Support Foundation has awarded over 110 payment-free vehicles through their Transportation4Heroes program, and has assisted combat-wounded veterans, Gold Star spouses, and their families in paying off over $1 million in personal debt through their family and financial mentorship program.