Military Support Fund and EURPAC gave veterans a surprise of a lifetime

FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. (WTVY) – A group of veterans received the surprise of a lifetime as a token of appreciation for their service, made possible through the Military Warrior Support Fund and the EURPAC partnership.

At a store on Fort Novosel, the Military Support Fund honored three veterans by giving them mortgage-free homes and one a free car.

Over the years, with the help of partners like EURPAC, the foundation has gifted nearly 1,000 homes and more than 200 vehicles to wounded veterans and Gold Star families.

Helping veterans is a cause close to the heart of retired Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco.

“I had a crazy idea to give away houses. There are so many of our heroes that we can truly help them. We were told that we saved at least 150 lives, and I truly believe that. I asked them to tell me what they were planning, when, where and how they were going to kill themselves, and since they joined us, it hasn’t even crossed their minds,” Lt. Gen. Sisko said.

Among the veterans honored today, one had a special connection to Fort Novosel.

“Fort Novosel is where I came to advance my aviation training after training at Fort Walters, Texas, for my elementary school,” said retired U.S. Army Maj. Jerry Free.

Freeh had a distinguished career, earning three Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service during the Vietnam War and a Purple Heart.

His last Vietnam War medal was for rescuing a Vietnam POW who had been held captive for 5 years.

Free returned to Fort Novosel for the first time since training here many years ago.

“It’s great to be here again and I’m very grateful to the Military Support Foundation for giving us this opportunity. It was very nice and humbling to receive this award, and it allows me to pass on to others what was passed on to me,” Free said.

The foundation also provides financial literacy courses to each of the recipients.

One of the award recipients said it takes appreciation for our country’s heroes to a new level.

“This is amazing. The financial burden that has been lifted from us is very great. We came from Colorado and the cost of living there was very high. “A lot of people say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ but when an organization like this actually makes an effort to make sure veterans are taken care of, it really means a lot,” Gerardo Contreras Jr., retired Army officer. – said the sergeant.

EURPAC President Michael Stewart said there was no better reason to stand down than to show our gratitude to our country’s heroes.

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