Bank of America Expands Support for Veterans and First Responders
In a significant move, Bank of America is enhancing its financial support for military veterans, first responders, and organizations honoring the memory of September 11 as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
The highlight of this corporate initiative is a new commitment of $250,000 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s “Veteran Villages” project. This program aims to provide permanent housing and essential support services to homeless and at-risk veterans in 14 U.S. cities, such as Las Vegas, Detroit, Buffalo, Charlotte, Long Island, and New Jersey. Additionally, company employees will create 3,000 “Welcome Home” care kits for veterans moving into these facilities.
Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, expressed gratitude for Bank of America’s support, emphasizing that this initiative will truly transform the lives of veterans facing challenges after returning home. He noted the importance of ensuring that no veteran ends up on the streets of the country they served.
Bank of America’s Ongoing Commitment
Over the past 15 years, Bank of America has invested more than $160 million in support of military members and emergency responders, a testament to its long-term commitment. Brian Moynihan, chair and CEO, remarked on the significance of September 11 in the nation’s history, reiterating the bank’s dedication to supporting first responders and veterans as we honor those who lost their lives and those who selflessly served.
On a cultural note, the bank is stepping up as the lead sponsor for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s new exhibit titled “In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11 Inspired Service.” Their $1 million donation brings their total contributions to the museum to over $20 million. Furthermore, Bank of America is allocating an additional $100,000 for the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, coinciding with the groundbreaking of its new Visitor Education Center in Arlington, Virginia.
In Manhattan, as part of this initiative, the bank is co-sponsoring the “Chairs of Remembrance” installation in Bryant Park, which features 2,753 empty chairs to symbolize the victims of the World Trade Center attacks. To support related efforts, the bank is donating $75,000, which will be distributed evenly among the New York City Police Foundation, the FDNY Foundation, and the Port Authority PBA Widows’ and Children’s Fund.
Besides financial contributions, employees have pledged an impressive 25,000 hours of volunteer work to support military and first responder initiatives by the end of the year. Various teams, including legal and corporate staff, will participate in the “Wills for Heroes” project, offering free estate-planning documents to local emergency responders and their spouses. Additionally, over 600 Merrill financial advisors will assist in packing food for local pantries alongside the nonprofit organization 9/11 Day, and many employees will take part in the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K run in New York City.
