A local injured veteran saw his holiday season brightened Thursday when a charitable group presented him and his family with a check for $25,000.
Jose Montenegro, a married father of one, was given the check by the non-profit group, Fighting For Families.
Montenegro embarked on a career in the US Army following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
His life changed in an instant, however, when he suffered an injury during a training exercise. He was honorably discharged at the age of 32.
“I joined the army in 2002 so that I could do my part for the country that I love,” Montenegro, veteran told the Fighting For Families group recently. “The help that Fighting for Families is providing me and my family is going to change our lives.”
Fighting for Families, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3)corporation set up to raise money and provide support for local veterans and their families.
On Thursday, officials with the non-profit presented Montenegro with the check at the offices of Farmers Insurance in Northridge.
“It went fantastic,” said Carly Kraft, spokeswoman for the non-profit, who was on hand when the check was presented.
“Jose was so blessed by this, he started tearing up,” she said.
The money was intended to help Montenegro, his wife Karin and their daughter Katherine.
“Funds raised during the 3rd Annual Fighting for Families golf tournament (were) given to help Jose and his family,” said Kim Ring, spokeswoman for the non-profit.
Fighting For Families founder Patrick Lufrano, a Farmers Insurance Agent said: “We are honored to be able to help Jose and his family, and give back to a man who gave so much for his country and our freedom.
“Farmers has a strong history of supporting veterans and their families, and I am proud to share in this commitment through the important work of Fighting for Families,” Lufrano said.
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