As an Air Force veteran Lloyd Polmateer, chief executive officer of First Financial Group (FFG), has always had a deep connection to the military community. That link inspired him to get involved with Yellow Ribbon Fund, which provides critical support to post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured service members, including families and caregivers.
Yellow Ribbon Fund’s programs extend to housing, transportation, education, employment assistance, and family support to aid in veterans’ recovery and rehabilitation. The organization raises more than $2 million annually to support 2,000 veterans and their families.
Among fundraising events First Financial Group sponsors is the scenic Yellow Ribbon Ride, an annual fall affair when the community supports veterans by riding together through historic Pennsylvania and Gettysburg to raise awareness of, and funding for, the organization.
“I feel honored to be doing even a small part to make that veteran’s life better,” said Polmateer. “To ride next to a veteran through the battlefields of Gettysburg on a hand cycle, who is only able to do this because of the medical services they received supported by Yellow Ribbon Fund, is a humbling experience. What I am most proud of is how our entire firm has wrapped their arms around Yellow Ribbon Fund’s mission and has developed a similar passion for the cause.”
Over the past year, Polmateer dedicated more than 350 hours to Yellow Ribbon Fund — doing everything from working alongside wounded veterans to attending board meetings and hosting fundraising events. Polmateer serves the organization as a board member and events and fundraising chair.
In recognition of his Polmateer’s work with the organization, Yellow Ribbon Fund will receive a $25,000 donation from the MassMutual Foundation as part of its 2024 Community Service Awards program.
The donation will be used to fund veterans who travel to the Washington, D.C., area for medical care and caregiver support at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
First Financial Group (FFG) also supports Yellow Ribbon Fund and other nonprofit organizations by hosting the FFG Charity Golf Classic, a springtime event that typically raises $75,000 — $130,000.
Polmateer’s dedication to veterans also led him to launch VETSTEPs, an apprenticeship program approved by the Department of Labor and Veterans Administration, to help military members transition to civilian life by starting a career in financial services.
“You should volunteer for things dear to your heart,” said Polmateer. “People want to be around others who are giving back and doing the right things in their communities.”
Each year, the MassMutual Foundation awards grants — ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 — to help nonprofit organizations with which MassMutual financial professionals are involved. You can read more about the program here.
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