Verizon is stepping up its game in supporting military veterans, announcing an ambitious $22 million commitment through 2026 to abolish debt for those who have served. This sweeping initiative, developed in partnership with ForgiveCo, aims to tackle the crushing burden of medical and financial debt—a challenge that weighs especially heavily on veterans transitioning to civilian life and seeking care. According to a recent press release featured by Globe Newswire, the program has already erased $8.79 million in debt for over 6,000 veterans across the Great Lakes region, with each individual receiving, on average, more than $800 in relief.
The numbers are impressive, but the real story lies in how this relief is delivered. Rather than requiring veterans to jump through bureaucratic hoops, ForgiveCo contacts those impacted directly—no applications, no enrollment forms, just straightforward assistance. For many, this is more than a financial reprieve; it’s a recognition of their service and a tangible step toward stability.
Verizon’s initiative is not just about writing checks. The company has woven its debt relief efforts into the fabric of American sports culture, forming alliances with some of the nation’s most beloved teams. Partnerships with franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Team Penske, Columbus Crew, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and St. Louis Blues have been central to the program’s reach and visibility. According to Verizon, these collaborations are designed to amplify the impact and celebrate the sacrifices made by veterans in ways that resonate with local communities.
One standout example is the partnership with the St. Louis Blues. For every Blues win during the 2025-26 regular season, $25,000 in debt will be erased for military veterans in the St. Louis region. Steve Chapman, the Blues’ Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, summed up the team’s involvement: “The Blues deeply value the courage and sacrifice of our region's military veterans, whose service inspires everything we stand for as a team and a community. We're proud to partner with Verizon and ForgiveCo on their program that celebrates every Blues win this season by providing life-changing debt relief to local veterans most in need.”
Verizon’s expanded commitment also includes a new corporate alliance with the Columbus Crew, a partnership that brings a unique twist to the program. The company will provide an initial $500,000 in debt relief, with an additional $100,000 for every win or draw for the remainder of the 2025 season, up to another $500,000. This performance-based approach not only incentivizes victories on the field but also ties community goodwill directly to the outcomes that fans care about. As reported in Globe Newswire, this model has the potential to create a ripple effect of support, excitement, and tangible benefits for veterans.
Andy Brady, President of Verizon’s Great Lakes division, captured the spirit of the initiative in a recent statement: “When a veteran in Detroit or Cleveland sees $3,000 in medical debt disappear because of our work with the support of their favorite team––that’s not just relief, it’s restoration. These aren’t numbers on a ledger. They’re our neighbors, our colleagues, our community. And they deserve more than gratitude––they deserve action.”
ForgiveCo’s President, Erik Antico, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader message behind the company’s commitment: “Verizon’s $22 million commitment sends a powerful message to our veterans: that their service, sacrifice and legacy will always be honored. When companies lead with purpose and connect that purpose to the cultural and community impact of sports, the results are both transformative and lasting.”
Since the initiative’s launch in 2024, the collaboration has delivered more than $4 million in medical debt relief to over 4,800 veterans, according to Verizon. The program’s average relief per person—over $800—may not sound life-changing at first glance, but for many veterans, it’s enough to make a significant difference. The burden of medical debt can be a major barrier to accessing care, maintaining housing, or simply getting back on one’s feet after service. By removing this obstacle, Verizon and ForgiveCo are helping to create a pathway to greater financial stability for those who have already sacrificed so much.
Verizon’s commitment to veterans doesn’t stop at debt relief. The company has been recognized as a Military Friendly® employer for seven consecutive years, employing thousands of veterans nationwide. Its support for the military community extends to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to supply VA medical centers with critical communications infrastructure—an often overlooked but vital component of modern healthcare. Additionally, Verizon offers specialized resources for veteran-owned small businesses, helping former service members launch and grow their own enterprises.
For veterans and active military members, Verizon provides special discounts on mobile and home internet plans—a small but meaningful gesture that recognizes both ongoing service and the unique challenges faced by this community. To learn more or check eligibility, veterans are encouraged to visit verizon.com/military or a participating Verizon store.
ForgiveCo, for its part, brings a unique expertise to the table. As a Public Benefit Corporation, the company specializes in acquiring, administering, and canceling consumer debt, transforming what could be a source of stress and hardship into an opportunity for goodwill and positive impact. Their advisory services help corporations, nonprofits, and brands manage bulk debt in ways that foster both financial health and community trust.
It’s worth noting that the program’s focus on medical and financial debt is not accidental. According to multiple reports, veterans are disproportionately affected by these types of obligations, especially as they navigate the often-complex transition from military to civilian life. Medical expenses, in particular, can be a hidden landmine—one that can threaten not just financial security but also access to necessary care. By targeting this specific burden, Verizon and ForgiveCo are addressing a root cause of instability for many veterans.
In a landscape where corporate social responsibility initiatives sometimes feel disconnected from real-world impact, Verizon’s approach stands out for its directness and transparency. There are no complicated eligibility requirements, no lengthy application processes, and no fine print. Veterans impacted by these relief efforts will be contacted directly, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most, with minimal hassle or delay.
As the program continues to expand—both in terms of funding and the number of sports franchises involved—its long-term impact remains to be seen. But for thousands of veterans across the Great Lakes region and beyond, the relief is already real, immediate, and deeply appreciated. In the words of Andy Brady, “They deserve more than gratitude—they deserve action.” Verizon’s $22 million commitment, combined with the cultural power of sports and the expertise of ForgiveCo, is offering just that: real action for America’s veterans, one erased debt at a time.
