GRESHAM, Ore. — A South-Central Washington Iraq War veteran was gifted with a payment-free vehicle Tuesday in Gresham in recognition of her military service.
The presentation was part of a partnership between the nonprofit Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank. For years, the two organizations have worked together to provide free vehicles and mortgage-free homes to veterans, as well as home repair programs, as a way of giving back.
According to Freedom Alliance, Army Specialist Tegan Shermikas, originally from Thompson Falls, Montana, and now a resident of Goldendale, Washington, joined the U.S. Army at age 17, inspired by her older sister.
In 2004, she was deployed to Iraq.
Serving as a squad automatic weapon gunner, Shermikas stood out, tying for top gunner in her unit and becoming the only woman in that role.
At age 19, she earned the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for her bravery during a sniper attack.
After receiving an honorable discharge in 2006, Shermikas became an EMT and later fought wildfires with the Oregon Department of Forestry.
According to Freedom Alliance, the vehicle is essential for Shermikas, who is still recovering from injuries sustained during her military service.
“She still has rehab appointments. She has a family member that needs to be taken to medical appointments. And in Portland, you have commutes of 30, 40, sometimes 50 miles each way. Having a reliable and safe vehicle is tremendously important to her,” Kilgannon said.
This marks U.S. Bank’s 58th payment-free vehicle donation in partnership with Freedom Alliance.
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