Vehicle Donation Eases Stress for Guard Veteran With 6 Sons
After enlisting in the Air National Guard to help pay for college, Shanta Swinton learned something about serving in the military that surprised her.
“Once I got into the job, I found that there was a bigger purpose to community and country,” said Shanta (pronounced shaun-TAY), who worked in culinary services before transitioning to a role as a career adviser and housing specialist.
She deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2000 and to Pakistan in 2002 as Operation Enduring Freedom began. Shanta served 21 years and held the rank of master sergeant when she honorably discharged in 2021. She lives with PTSD.
The single mom of six sons lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic design at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Shanta and her sons—who range in age from 17-year-old twins to a 28-year-old—share a home and one vehicle.
In July, Shanta learned that the car, a 2008 Honda Accord with 193,000 miles on the odometer, needed engine and transmission work totaling $2,400. She had no choice but to have it repaired. Rideshares were expensive, and the family budget could not accommodate a vehicle purchase.
“A ride right down the street would be $20,” she said.
Paying for the repair stretched the already tight family budget to a breaking point, and the Swinton family faced food insecurity. Shanta learned about Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance Program® as she searched online for assistance.
“This vehicle and the people who helped make it possible for me and my family have been a God-sent blessing. I’m so thankful to have been seen, heard, and appreciated.” – Shanta Swinton, Air National Guard veteran
She felt relief when she learned the nonprofit approved her application. Receiving a gift card for groceries and essential household goods eased her stress.
Then, she got news of more relief. Shanta was grateful to learn she would receive a 2022 Hyundai Palisade through Operation Homefront and U.S. Bank’s Driven to Serve program. Through the partnership, U.S. Bank has provided 29 vehicles to military families in need.
“I was on my way to class when the Operation Homefront caseworker called,” she said. “I was in disbelief.”
Now, the family of seven can travel together, which was not possible in their sedan. Her sons are loving the leg room in the SUV’s three rows of seating.
“They were smiling from ear to ear,” she said.
Shanta’s first stop in her new car was at her mother’s home in Charlotte to surprise her.
“She knows the difficulties I’ve been having with my vehicle,” she said, adding that she is grateful to Operation Homefront and U.S. Bank’s Driven to Serve program.
“This vehicle and the people who helped make it possible for me and my family have been a God-sent blessing,” Shanta said. “I’m so thankful to have been seen, heard, and appreciated.”
