Oak Lawn’s Miranda Hobson wasn’t presented with a key to the city, but she was presented with keys to a new electric vehicle Chevrolet Equinox.
On July 31, the former U.S. Navy aviation boatswain was honored for her service and sacrifice during a special key ceremony celebrating her military career and continued commitment at Webb Chevy in Oak Lawn. The dealership, Wells Fargo, Congressman Sean Casten and the Military Warriors Support Foundation helped make this happen.
Hobson, a Hickory Hills native, was happy with earning the vehicle. She appreciates veterans getting recognition.
“I think it’s very important to recognize veterans because we sacrifice so much,” she said after the ceremony. “We’re away from our families. And it’s not necessarily a guarantee that you are going to come back home.
“We lost a lot of service members in the war, so it’s important for us to guide each other and provide different resources that will help us cope with everything.”
Ashley Clyne of the Military Warriors Support Foundation appreciates Hobson’s post-military work.
“She continues to serve helping fellow veterans get the resources they need,” Clyne said. “That’s one of the things we find inspiring about her.”
Casten presented Hobson with a certificate of recognition and a flag.
“Public service is not something you have to do,” he said. “Modelling for the community and modelling for your family…it makes the community better. I want to thank you for everything that you have done.”
Clyne said her group has helped veterans pay off $25 million in debt over the years and in partnering with Wells Fargo they have given out 140 vehicles.
“It’s really important that our heroes know that in their own community that they are supported and their service matters,” Clyne said. “This is a great way to show that.”
Mark Evans, of Wells Fargo Advisors, said that a vehicle is important to a veteran.
“A reliable vehicle can make a meaningful difference,” he said. “It can provide access to work, family commitments and everyday opportunities.”
