Non-Profits, Veterans Receive 800 New Homes

Some 240 veterans and their families and non-profit organizations in Florida received some 800 new homes from the Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The donations were made to nonprofit partners that support military service members, veterans and their families.

At least 240 of those homes were donated to military service members, veterans and their families.

“The property donation program is an important aspect of our commitment to support our veterans and the communities where we work and live,” said Mike Fields, Florida state president for Bank of America. “It builds on our commitment to neighborhood stabilization, as well as our longstanding support of military service members across the country.”

Three new home dedications honored three veterans and their service to the country. The veterans will receive the keys to their newly renovated homes, which will be provided mortgage-free by the Military Warriors Support Foundation in partnership with Bank of America.

The bank works closely with nonprofit organizations that identify the home recipients and provide related services, such as financial counseling. Nonprofit partners include Military Warriors Support Foundation, HomeStrong USA and Habitat for Humanity.

Retired Army Sgt. Marcus Ziegler and his family received their mortgage-free home in Cocoa. Ziegler served from January 2008 to June 2013. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and while in Afghanistan, Ziegler sustained multiple injuries when the vehicle his unit was riding in struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He received a Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and National Defense Service Medal, among other distinguished awards for his service.

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Socheat Mom and his family received the keys to their mortgage-free home in Clermont. Mom served from October 2007 to April 2014. While deployed in 2012 to Afghanistan, he was attacked by a suicide bomber. Though he was wounded, Mom courageously assisted his fellow soldiers who were also impacted by the attack. For his bravery under enemy fire, Mom received an Army Commendation Medal with a "V" Device denoting valor and a Purple Heart.

Another retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Michael Leslie, received a home in Auburndale. He joined the Marine Corps his junior year of high school with the delayed entry program and served from June 2005 to July 2008. While his unit was deployed to Iraq in 2006, Leslie was wounded by an IED. He received a Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon for his service.

These donations expand on the bank’s three-year goal to donate 1,000 properties nationwide to nonprofits that focus on military members and first responders. In April, Bank of America surpassed that commitment – more than a year ahead of schedule – and announced it will continue the program. Bank of America has provided financial services to military personnel since 1920 and currently serves more than 2 million active or veteran military households. Bank of America employs approximately 7,000 veterans, Guard and Reservists, and in February made a commitment to hire 10,000 more over the next several years.

Last year, Bank of America provided more than $23 million in housing-related grants to nearly 900 nonprofits around the U.S.

Veterans and those in the military looking for a property or looking to buy a new home can check real estate digital media and technology offered  RealBiz Media Group, Inc. (OTC:RBIZ).

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RealBiz’s video microsite program offers an end-to-end solution integrating property videos and unique video content that can be easily viewed across all devices.

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