Heritage | MileOne Autogroup and Vehicles for Change Provide Transportation Independence to Veterans

Heritage | MileOne Autogroup and nonprofit partner Vehicles for Change marked their fifth annual Veterans Day collaboration by presenting 10 vehicles to local veterans, addressing critical transportation needs that directly impact employment opportunities, family relationships, and personal independence. The event featured remarks from Maryland Interim Secretary of Veterans Affairs Ed Rothstein alongside representatives from both organizations and included car recipient Daniel Ray Whiteaker, a Marine Corps veteran and father of two from Cecil County whose new vehicle enables him to pursue job opportunities and maintain regular contact with his daughters in Virginia.

Since initiating their partnership in 2017, MileOne Autogroup and Vehicles for Change have awarded more than 230 vehicles valued at over $1.5 million to individuals and families facing transportation challenges. This longstanding collaboration also supports VFC's Full Circle Auto Training Program, which provides reentry and workforce development opportunities for justice-involved and underemployed individuals seeking automotive technician careers. Through MileOneCares, MileOne Autogroup's corporate giving initiative, the company invests in programs that expand transportation access and create sustainable community impact throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

The vehicle recipients represent diverse military backgrounds and personal circumstances where reliable transportation creates transformative change. Cory Mussenden, an Army veteran and father of five from Baltimore County, will use his vehicle for safe family travel and increased quality time together. Sylvester Palmer, an Army veteran and caseworker from Anne Arundel County, currently endures a six-hour daily commute to help others—a burden reduced to just 20 minutes with his new vehicle, freeing substantial time for family and community engagement.

Eugene Anthony, an Army veteran and father of four from Cecil County, gains independence and stability after years of dependence on public transportation systems. Byron Branch, a Navy veteran from Baltimore City, receives opportunity to secure stable employment and rebuild vital family connections across state lines. Xavier Travers, a Navy veteran from Cecil County, views his vehicle as the final step in rebuilding his life after overcoming homelessness and securing stable housing, enabling regular visits with family members.

The event took place at Heritage Toyota Owings Mills, located at 9801 Reisterstown Road in Owings Mills, Maryland. MileOne Autogroup's philanthropic efforts extend beyond vehicle donations through programs like the NextMile Scholarship Program and MileOne Support Fund, which provides financial assistance during emergencies. Additional information about MileOneCares is available at https://www.mileonecares.com, while details about Vehicles for Change can be found at https://www.vehiclesforchange.org. Since 1999, Vehicles for Change has awarded more than 8,000 vehicles, empowering over 28,000 individuals to achieve economic and personal independence through their innovative model that combines vehicle distribution with automotive technician training.