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“Honoring Our Veterans” Series
Highlighting a collaborative community partnership between Lithia & Driveway, JPMorgan Chase Bank & Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) to honor local military heroes with a payment-free new vehicle
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Veteran Hero: Jared Callaway, Retired US Army Sergeant First Class | Store: Wade Ford (Smyrna, Georgia)
It All Started at a Basketball Game. . .
When Jared Callaway and his family attended Military Appreciation Night at an Atlanta Hawks’ NBA game on March 12, they had no idea that he’d be given a brand-new Ford pickup as part of the celebration.
But thanks to the Military Warriors Support Foundation—and a partnership with Lithia & Driveway, Wade Ford, and Chase Bank—Jared, along with the crowd of fans, heard the happy news together.
During a break in the game, the arena announcer recognized Jared for his military service, and then, as part of the fun, asked him to go find his surprise out on the court—while blindfolded.
While the crowd cheered, Jared found his way to mid-court where Harry the Hawk, the team’s mascot, sat on a toy truck. When he took off his blindfold, Atlanta Hawks officials told Jared to watch the jumbotron screen for his real surprise.
Suddenly, everyone realized that Jared was getting a shiny 2026 Ford 150 XL pickup, payment-free, from nearby Wade Ford! Jared said he just felt “shock and awe” once he understood what was happening.
Heartfelt Presentation at Wade Ford
The next day, Jared got a firsthand look at his new Ford 150 pickup during a reception held at Wade Ford’s showroom. While there, Jared and his family met with well-wishers and those who helped make the free truck a reality—including those from Chase Bank, Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF), Wade Ford, and Lithia & Driveway (LAD).
Bret Macy, Operations Vice President at LAD, said that he and his colleagues were “honored to stand alongside Jared Callaway and our strategic partners, thanking him not only for his service to our country, but for his character, sacrifice, and commitment he represents. It’s a privilege to give back in a way to someone who has given so much.”
During a brief speech, Jared expressed his gratitude, telling everyone involved with the MWSF’s Transportation4Heroes Program that their efforts change lives. He shared that the special recognition gave him a feeling of hope and support, and a profound sense of honoring his brothers and sisters who didn’t make it home.
As for receiving a “beautiful” brand-new Ford truck, he said it was like getting a “fresh start” and a way to “refill my cup to continue pouring out into my community.”
Jared’s Story
The MWSF selected Jared as one of its heroes because of his exemplary military service, which included being awarded a Purple Heart and several other military honors. In addition, Jared’s inspirational story of resilience and helping his fellow veterans were reasons for his hero status.
After witnessing the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and inspired by his family’s military-service tradition, Jared joined the Georgia Army National Guard at age 17. Over his 15-year career in the US Army, he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of combat and humanitarian missions. In 2018, he retired due to combat-related injuries.
Jared continues to serve by advocating for veterans through Emory Healthcare Veterans Program and the Veterans Alliance Foundation in the Atlanta area. Jared and his wife, Tina (who is a veteran as well), have three children. Family is central to Jared’s community engagement, inspiring him to serve on a local school board and support opportunities for children with special needs.
Transportation4Heroes Program
The MWSF’s Transportation4Heroes Program awards payment-free vehicles to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses whose loved one was killed-in-action. In addition to the vehicle, the program recipients receive two years of family and financial mentoring.
If you know of a deserving veteran or have any questions about the program, email transportation@militarywarriors.org.
THANK YOU to everyone who came together to honor our veteran hero, Jared Callaway:
