U.S. Army veteran receives mortgage-free home in Macon
Bank of America and Military Warriors Support Foundation donate fully furnished home through Homes4Heroes Program.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer Michael Gawlik received the keys to a mortgage-free, fully furnished home in Macon on Thursday, thanks to a partnership between Bank of America and the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
The home donation is part of Bank of America’s efforts to support communities and address housing needs for military service members and veterans.
According to a news release from Bank of America, the company has donated more than 6,500 residential properties, including more than 2,700 homes provided to nonprofits serving military families since 2012. The donation in Macon was made possible through the Homes4Heroes Program, operated by the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Gawlik’s service and military background
Gawlik was born and raised Illinois. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1999 and served as a Gunner’s Mate and Master-at-Arms. During his deployment to Iraq, he worked in detainee operations, ensuring compliance with military protocols and human rights standards.
His service earned him multiple commendations, including the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Service Medal. Gawlik retired from the Navy in 2009. He and his wife, Beata, have one son.
Military Warriors Support Foundation’s mission
Military Warriors Support Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2007 by retired Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco, focuses on providing transitional support to combat-wounded veterans, Gold Star spouses, and their families. Its programs offer housing assistance, homeownership support, recreational activities, leadership development and transportation resources.
The organization says it has awarded nearly 1,000 mortgage-free homes and 200 payment-free vehicles, alongside financial and family mentoring, and more than $29 million in personal debt has been paid off through its mentorship initiatives.