Selfless Military Vet Turns Down ARM Charity Grant to Help Another

At a time when many people could use a little financial help, ARMing Heroes, the collection industry’s charity for military veterans, today shared an amazing story of one military vet who selflessly turned down his grant award so that the funds could be used to help another military vet who needed it more. It’s a shining example of the brotherhood mentality for which our American military is known.

Sergeant David Moton served in the U.S. Army for five years, and, following his honorable discharge in 2004, returned home ready to continue his education and improve his life. But his service-connected disabilities didn’t make it easy. Despite working full time, Moton needed help to cover his education expenses, so he applied for a grant with ARMing Heroes and was approved late last year. By the time the grant slated to be paid out, however, Moton felt that his finances were more manageable, and he graciously turned down his grant award in the hopes of helping someone who needed it more. As a direct result of Sgt. Moton’s act of kindness, another struggling military vet would soon receive wonderful news.

Sergeant Chris Cleland, a combat veteran, served two tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning several citations along the way, including two Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medals, and more. Upon his honorable discharge in 2008, Cleland returned home to his wife and daughter challenged with adjusting to civilian life while struggling with service-connected disabilities of his own. Faced with mounting expenses while waiting for educational benefits to kick in that would help offset expenses, Cleland turned to ARMing Heroes for a grant to cover his rent to see him through until those benefits would take effect. ARMing Heroes was initially able to pay one month’s rent. Because of Sgt. David Moton’s generosity in giving up his own grant, Cleland later received a larger grant to cover his rent for not just one month, but two, which he desperately needed.  As a result of this experience, Chris had this to say:

“I wanted to thank everyone who took part in allowing my family and me to receive this grant. Many people are in the same struggles we are, but it feels good to have peace of mind knowing my family will still have a place to lay their heads. My family and I are greatly appreciative for such a program to assist us. Thank you for all that you men/woman do for our veterans. It truly feels greats to know that we still have people watching our backs. Thank you and Merry Christmas.”

This story is just one example of how self-sacrificing veterans and members of our military are. As we move into the summer, ARMing Heroes will share another heartfelt story that’s just as genuine next month. These heroes have each other’s backs, and, by supporting the No Debts for Vets annual drive, you can have theirs.  Stories about other past grant recipients http://armingheroes.org/arming-heroes/vets-we-helped remind us all how rewarding this program can be.

The charity’s flagship No Debts for Vets Charity Fundraising Drive runs from September 11^th through Veterans Day, November 11^th every year.  However tax-deductible donations are accepted at any time online at www.armingheroes.org and via mail to PO Box 353, Collingswood, NJ 08108, payable to ARMing Heroes. Pledges may be made to info@armingheroes.org.  Any amounts pledged or donated now will be applied to the 2014 drive.

About ARMing Heroes

ARMing Heroes was founded and began operating in March, 2009.  The organization’s mission is to serve the needs of U.S. military veterans, including their spouse and children. ARMing Heroes fills a charitable niche by linking people identified with employment, credit, and financial counseling needs with the accounts receivable management industry, an industry uniquely poised to help in these areas.  Persons interested in volunteering their time and others interested in applying for benefits or pledging other forms of support are encouraged to contact the organization at www.armingheroes.org.

What Can I Do Right Now to Help?

• Visit www.armingheroes.org and donate now.
• Friend us and post this article to your page on Facebook.
• Tweet about this article on Twitter.
• Join our group on LinkedIn, the ARMing Heroes Veterans Charity Supporter / Assistance Center.
• Comment on this article online and ask us to contact you.
• Forward this article via email to your key contacts.
• Print this article and fax it to your local congressional office and ask them to post our website on theirs as a resource for vets.