As the 4th of July leads commitment to veterans, a Walmart store – and several of its managers – offered SafeAmerica to join in an East Cobb, Georgia parking lot today to help raise money for ‘VET Tran’ and helping veterans. Foundation CEO Len Pagano and his son, Charles Pagano, drove a newly- donated Mercedes ambulance – explaining how SafeAmerica is doing more this summer to save lives.
CEO Len Pagano thanked Puckett EMS for it donating two Merecedes ambulances. He noted that SafeAmerica staff will drive the ambulances and will also coordinate Knights of Columbus to drive more veterans in sedans.
“I was impressed that Walmart offered to help us and were touched to see how dozens of customers offered us donations,” Pagano said. “We’ll seek to do more with Walmart and thank the Walmart Foundation for encouraging SafeAmerica to ’round up’ more in stores plus seeking donor advised fund in September.”
Another organization that supports VET Tran is Knights of Columbus. Georgia’s former State Deputy – Jim Clifford – offered to share more this summer and introducing his successor, TJ McCuastland, for more conversation with Mr. Pagano. “I’ve had good conversations with TJ – and am looking forward to another visit,” Pagano observed. “Thanks to Georgia Knights, we’re building MORE to help veterans. And, it’s already been touching – sharing some disabled veterans to get into health care and not having to drive themselves.” Thanks to Knights national Senior Vice President Mark McMullen, more funds are being raised within SafeAmerica’s Board of Directors. Pagano thanked Mark for also sharing more insights with Knight leaders TJ, Jima nd Ed O’Connor. The three executives voluntarily donated $1,600 in June to help expand Georgia’s VET Tran.
Former Air Force veteran Greta Jackson says she supports VET Tran
“Knights are great – and to also have Walmart giving us encouragement – and exposure – it’s phenomenal,” Pagano added. “Seeing 30-40 customers make over $150 in just 3 hours was encouraging. And, with Enterprise, Cobb EMC and Primerica – plus other companies like AAA, NAPA, Ford, Wells Fargo, QT and Truist Bank – we’ll ultimately do MORE good – and help save more lives.” To make a donation, go online at livesafe.live website or safeamerica.org.
More plans are coming this summer – with VET Tran receiving more volunteers to drive in cars. If you have anyone who needs a free ride, call Dan Carfang at (470)-462-8245.