Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit based in San Antonio, received a grant in both 2019 and 2020.

“Our mission is to provide aid, comfort and resources to our service members, wounded heroes and veterans of all generations,” said Soldiers’ Angels President Amy Palmer.

San Antonio is home to 153,000 veterans -- the most densely populated veteran community in Texas, with more than 7 percent earning income that is below the national poverty level. The low-income veterans served by Soldiers’ Angels have tremendous needs – food, transportation, physical hygiene, housing, to name a few. Through its programs, Soldiers’ Angels honors these veterans by providing for these critical needs so they can maintain a stable and self-sufficient standard of living.

“We do large, once-a-month food distributions, where we distribute about 25,000 pounds of food to veterans,” Amy said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the requests for services has increased almost 60%. Thanks to help from the Neighborhood Assist grant, Soldiers’ Angels was able to keep providing these services, helping more than 2,700 veterans and their families.

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State Farm^® will be highlighted in a nationally televised program that focuses on the military and veteran community.

“Operation Career” is a special edition of “Military Makeover,” with 30-minute episodes profiling various industries and career opportunities with companies that help veterans assimilate into the civilian workplace.

Transitioning out of the military back to civilian life brings a variety of challenges.

State Farm was invited to participate in a segment, titled “Operation Career: Employment Opportunities for Our Military Spouses & Veterans – Helping Our Heroes Transition from Military Life to The Civilian Workplace.”

Three State Farm veterans – Information Security Consultant Tony Tran, Claim Specialist Roger Perez and St. Petersburg, Fla., Agent Mimi Lange – are profiled in a segment that will air on the Lifetime Network Feb. 7 and 13 at 7:30 a.m. EST. State Farm has been recognized as one of the leading military-friendly employers supporting veterans and military employees, since 2009. Human Resources Talent Brand Specialist Jennifer Sneen shares company philosophy behind hiring the unique skill-sets and core-values of those who served, and her own story as a military spouse.

Inspired by the events of 9/11, Tony Tran joined the Marines out of high school in 2004. As a Staff Sergeant, he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq in 2008 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2011. Tony began his State Farm career in 2016 as an Information Security Specialist.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Perez was commissioned through the Army ROTC program. Roger completed two one-year deployments to Kuwait, in 2003-2004 with the 336^th Finance Command and in 2010-2011 with the 335^th Signal Command. He retired after more than 20 years of service in 2012. Roger began his State Farm career in 2001 in Claims.

Mimi Lange joined the Army Reserves in high school before attending Delaware State University. The Civil Affairs Specialist spent her senior year of college in Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning, she attended the Defense Language Institute, learning to read, write and speak Arabic. Mimi began her State Farm career in 2009 as an agent in Atlanta and transitioned to work at Corporate for two years before returning to agency in Saint Petersburg, Fla.

Jennifer Sneen is a 24-year Army spouse who served as a Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader for the 209^th Military Intelligence Company while her husband was deployed in 2011. Jennifer also worked for the Department of Defense in the Retirements Office helping soldiers transition from active service. Jennifer began her career with State Farm as an Auto Claim Rep in 2013, accepted a Recruiter role in 2017, ascending to her current role.

The segment was filmed onsite at our Marina Heights campus in Phoenix.

“Operation Career” is a special edition of “Military Makeover,” with 30-minute episodes profiling various industries and career opportunities with companies that help veterans assimilate into the civilian workplace.

Transitioning out of the military back to civilian life brings a variety of challenges.

State Farm was invited to participate in a segment, titled “Operation Career: Employment Opportunities for Our Military Spouses & Veterans – Helping Our Heroes Transition from Military Life to The Civilian Workplace.”

Three State Farm veterans – Information Security Consultant Tony Tran, Claim Specialist Roger Perez and St. Petersburg, Fla., Agent Mimi Lange – are profiled in a segment that will air on the Lifetime Network Feb. 7 and 13 at 7:30 a.m. EST. State Farm has been recognized as one of the leading military-friendly employers supporting veterans and military employees, since 2009. Human Resources Talent Brand Specialist Jennifer Sneen shares company philosophy behind hiring the unique skill-sets and core-values of those who served, and her own story as a military spouse.

Inspired by the events of 9/11, Tony Tran joined the Marines out of high school in 2004. As a Staff Sergeant, he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq in 2008 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2011. Tony began his State Farm career in 2016 as an Information Security Specialist.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Perez was commissioned through the Army ROTC program. Roger completed two one-year deployments to Kuwait, in 2003-2004 with the 336^th Finance Command and in 2010-2011 with the 335^th Signal Command. He retired after more than 20 years of service in 2012. Roger began his State Farm career in 2001 in Claims.

Mimi Lange joined the Army Reserves in high school before attending Delaware State University. The Civil Affairs Specialist spent her senior year of college in Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning, she attended the Defense Language Institute, learning to read, write and speak Arabic. Mimi began her State Farm career in 2009 as an agent in Atlanta and transitioned to work at Corporate for two years before returning to agency in Saint Petersburg, Fla.

Jennifer Sneen is a 24-year Army spouse who served as a Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader for the 209^th Military Intelligence Company while her husband was deployed in 2011. Jennifer also worked for the Department of Defense in the Retirements Office helping soldiers transition from active service. Jennifer began her career with State Farm as an Auto Claim Rep in 2013, accepted a Recruiter role in 2017, ascending to her current role.

The segment was filmed onsite at our Marina Heights campus in Phoenix.

Searching For Help

Brian’s wife Shannon was familiar with programs that helped veterans get into homes, but didn’t know of any programs that helped veterans with necessary home repairs. That is, until she heard about HomeStrong USA’s Heroes Home Repair program.

Brian and Shannon recall the moment they learned their home had been selected for construction assistance. They were filled with overwhelming gratitude, knowing that fixing their dryer ventilation, attending to some electrical and mold issues, and installing maintenance free landscaping would change their lives drastically.

The family watched, with awe and appreciation, the transformation of their home. Shannon was very grateful. The HomeStrong USA volunteers even invited their children to participate in the work. “To this day, Cody and Allison still point out to me, which plants they helped plant. I love that. After all, it’s their home too,” said Shannon.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, as the work was wrapping up, HomeStrong USA arranged for the Ladd family to be honored. Family, friends, and neighbors gathered to celebrate the completion of the home repairs, as State Farm Agent Marshall Scott, presented the family with a new American flag.

State Senator Jeff Stone (R-Riverside County) shared, “Efforts like this by HomeStrong USA not only improve the quality of life for a brave Marine, but let’s all our veterans know their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“Seeing these projects actually get completed and turn out so great, really gives me a new sense of pride in my home; one that I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m truly grateful for everyone coming out to help our family,” Brian shared after the ceremony.

“Every one of our active duty military service members and veterans deserves a safe and healthy living environment for themselves and their families,” says HomeStrong USA CEO, Jed Davis, “We are honored to give back to those who make the American dream possible.”

HomeStrong USA was a 2015 State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship grant recipient, which provides funding to support education and volunteerism, and the Heroes Home Repair program.

Want to see more military home transformations by HomeStrong USA and State Farm? Meet the Chacon Family.

Rialto Army veteran and single mom of 6 surprised with free home repairs ABC Video

As she lifted her gift’s cover and removed a huge green bow, Philicia was trembling. She had an idea of what was coming; however, she could not hold back her tears, knowing it would help lift a huge burden. Underneath, a 2007 Chevy Impala was full of Christmas gifts for her and her five-year-old daughter.

“I now have the freedom to take my daughter, Ezyiah, to dance class and school activities without having to take three to four buses each time” says Philicia. “I can drive back and forth to work without having to depend on public transportation or my mom picking me up each time.” She added, “I had no idea how much a car would help me spend more time with my daughter and mom.”

One year after graduating from a Tampa, FL high school, Philicia got married and joined the Army. She proudly served two years in the Army, spending one year in Afghanistan as a Convoy Security Driver and Gunmen.

Philicia’s responsibility was to lead and protect the lives of soldiers and valuable military trucks as they traveled through dangerous Afghanistan terrain. During her service, Philicia’s mom took care of her daughter.

While she was on leave in US, Philicia’s husband suddenly handed her divorce papers and gave her full custody of their daughter, Ezyiah. As the sole provider for her daughter, Philicia honorably discharged from the Army.

After her ex-husband broke his agreement to pay car payments, Philicia’s car was repossessed. She was devastated but did not lose hope.

Philicia did not want to depend on others for financial support, so she quickly found a job and a new place for her and her daughter to live. She relied solely on public transportation to get to work and take her daughter to school. Fortunately, Philicia could rely on her mother to take care of Ezyiah while she worked late shifts and to pick her up from work when there was no bus service.

She did this for about one year until she learned about the Wheels of Success – Vehicles for Veterans program started by Gregory Griffiths, a State Farm Auto Estimator in 2009.

“Being an Air Force Veteran myself, I felt compelled to provide the resources within my reach to help my fellow Veterans maintain a quality of life during a difficult time in their lives,” said Gregory. “This car will give Philicia the freedom to move around much easier and live a more productive life.”

This is a “Pay it Forward program”, says Susan Jacobs, founder and CEO of Wheels of Success. Based on their income, veterans in the program pay a low monthly fee for a one-year period. The fee veterans pay help the program repair and obtain cars for other veterans. Veterans are also required to volunteer 36 hours annually with Wheels of Success or another community organization.

In the past five years, State Farm has donated 25 vehicles to the Wheels of Success Vehicles for Veterans and its Build- A-Car program. Since 2003, Wheels of Success has provided over 622 vehicles and 568 car-related services to Tampa Bay area families.

The organization offers a full range of transportation solutions, including vehicle replacement, car repairs, licensing and car payment assistance to low and moderate income working families.

“What a perfect gift for Christmas; the gift of independence and the ability to prosper in 2015,” shared State Farm agent, Dick Martin.

Based on a “wish list” provided by Philicia and her daughter, twelve State Farm agents surprised the Veteran with donated toys and gifts to fill the entire back seat of the car.

“My daughter is going to be extremely happy to see gifts under the Christmas tree. We had no gifts until today,” said Philicia. “Santa has arrived early this year at our home. I’m very grateful and appreciative to everyone at State Farm for donating the car and gifts. This is a Christmas I will never forget!”

Left to Right: State Farm Agents Elizabeth Lawson, Joyce Coleman, and Herma White, Veteran Philicia Burton, and State Farm Agent Dick Martin Back row (left to right): State Farm Auto Estimator Gregory Griffiths and State Farm Community Specialist Jose Soto

Truth is, he spends his free time giving back to those who gave so much for us. Dylan is part of a not for profit organization called Hearing Our Heroes. For two years Dylan and his friends have visited the VA hospital to provide lunches, run clothing and food drives, and shovel snow and do yard work.

“There is a future for America with kids likes this,” said Nick Mazella, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.

Hearing Our Heroes is a group founded in 2011 by high school student Sean Egan.

“For me, giving back to veterans is very important because I feel that after my father, a NYFD captain was killed in the 9/11 attacks, our soldiers reassured us all that everything was going to be o.k," Seth shared. 

Seth started the group with no funds but a lot of heart and friends who wanted to help. Each of the 150 members will tell you they have learned to appreciate freedom, liberty and America because of the veterans they met through the program. .

Sean faced an uphill challenge to make his dream of helping veterans come true. In 2013 he received the help he needed when Hearing Our Heroes won a $25,000 grant provided by the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program.

“The goal of the Neighborhood Assist program is to empower communities through the individuals that live there,” said Cooper Kennard, State Farm Youth Advisory Board coordinator. “Through these grants, we’re hoping to help build these incredible projects and allow them to be sustainable for years to come.”

Sean believes that a debt to veterans is something that all Americans have in common, and when we meet and spend time with these men and women, and hear their stories, we understand how huge that debt is.

“Our cause encourages and spurs a sense of patriotism in our members that I am convinced we will hand down to our children," Seth said.