Editorial note: The season of giving is in full swing. We love a feel-good story. Here’s a beautiful one happening right now through the combined efforts of Sam Pack Ford, the Dallas Cowboys, the Salvation Army coming together to honor a local veteran.
There are few things as American as football and coming together to share in this season of Giving.
MEET MR. BROWN
More than meets the eye, the man that you see to above is Mr. James Brown. Both humble and proud, he is a father and fellow North Texan. He is also an Air Force veteran that joined the service back in 1985, and has combatted a season of complex and difficult times that have spun his course into something he never had imagined or foreseen as the child of a military family.
As such, Mr. Brown has experienced direct effects of homelessness and as he battled a dependence alcohol and pain medication. That all being said, also served this country with honor and quiet grace.
STARTING A NEW CHAPTER
During a dark chapter in his journey, Mr. Brown came across the path of The Salvation Army where they gave him a warm and safe home through their Homor Sweet Home program. The community-based initiative helps the newly homeless get their legs back under them and gain long-term stability. While engaged in this program, Mr. Brown was afforded the opportunity to focus on securing and creating the tools he needs to pass through this season and get on to the next with the comfort of stability and the innate power of self-sufficiency.
90 SECONDS to CHANGE A LIFE
Every year millions of Americans enjoy the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day coverage. It is also an opportunity brands use to share their message and products with viewers nationwide. This year, Ford has chosen to spend the valuable :90s spot to share the surprise with us and honor veteran Mr. James Brown.
“At Ford, we’ve remained committed to strengthening the communities where we live and work for more than for 118 years, and our commitments will only continue to grow. For example, Ford is investing $90-million in Texas training centers over the next five years… and provide jobs…. In addition, by leveraging the power and expertise of the Ford Motor Company network – our employees, Ford dealers and community partners, as well as our philanthropic arm the Ford Motor Company Fund (Ford Fund) – we provide resources and opportunities that make life better.”
Debra Hotaling, Ford Regional Communications
Using the talents of Dallas Cowboys players Ceedee Lamb and Trevon Diggs, the do-good, feel-good of the Salvation Army and Ford’s President of the Global Ford Customer Service Division Frederiek Toney to deliver in the fun, the collective unit surprised James Brown with life changing news.
About the Surprise
Mr. Brown will be awarded a full two-year scholarship to the Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) program. Once he completes the program, he will have earned an Associate’s Degree in of Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology (ASSET). He will graduate with a guaranteed a job at Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford of Carrolton where he can apply his newly honed skills to keep vehicles in service including the new electrics that are coming off the line. He also was gifted with 2 tickets to the Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Game.
“Our team interviewed James and we thought that he was highly qualified, so we made an offer. He will be involved in the ASSET program now. He represented our country. He has experience in the service, he was a drug and dog bomb handler. Not unlike other veterans, returning home and trying to come back can be a challenge. Like many veterans, perhaps they experience things you and I have never experienced. It’s important for us to honor our responsibilities and make a better experience in quality of life, not just for veterans, but anyone we can touch.”
Sam Pack of Sam Pack Ford.
When asked about why Mr. Brown, Sam Pack said, “He has a son. That’s very important to him. In our view of things, we’re going to do everything we can for him and for his family. If you look what the Salvation Army has done and continues to do over the years, it’s been an incredible organization and we offer financial assistance to that organization.”
To Learn More About the Home Sweet Home Program, visit here
To learn more about what Ford is doing in North Texas Communities, visit here.
