Assurant Gifts Mobility-Modified 2025 Chevy Suburban to California Veteran Josh Lopez
Assurant, Inc. a leading global protection company that provides services for connected devices, homes, and automobiles in partnership with major global brands, has once again demonstrated its deep commitment to supporting U.S. military veterans. In a heartfelt ceremony held last week at The Embassy Suites Woodlands near Assurant’s Houston offices, the company, in collaboration with the Assurant Foundation and Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS), presented a specially modified 2025 Chevrolet Suburban to Marine Sgt. Josh Lopez. The donation was part of WWFS’s Mobility is Freedom program, which provides adaptive vehicles to veterans who sustained severe combat injuries.
The event coincided with the nation’s observance of Veterans Day on November 11, symbolizing gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed.
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
“Supporting our veterans is a cornerstone of our community involvement at Assurant,” said Keith Demmings, President and CEO of Assurant. “We were proud to be recognized among Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2025 and to honor Josh’s extraordinary service and sacrifice through our ongoing partnership with Wounded Warriors Family Support. We hope this new vehicle provides him with the mobility and independence he deserves.”
This marks the fifth mobility-modified vehicle presented by Assurant through its partnership with WWFS — a continuing initiative that directly changes lives. Across the United States, it is estimated that around 350 veterans require mobility-modified vehicles due to combat-related injuries. Programs like Mobility is Freedom ensure these heroes regain autonomy in their daily lives.
The “Mobility is Freedom” Program
Launched in 2015, the WWFS Mobility is Freedom program provides specially equipped vehicles to U.S. veterans who were severely injured during active duty. These vehicles are not merely modes of transportation — they are tools of empowerment, helping veterans live more independently and reclaim aspects of normal life that are often taken for granted.
“The Mobility is Freedom program provides combat-wounded veterans with the independence they need to live full, productive lives,” said Kate McCauley, CEO and President of Wounded Warriors Family Support. “We could not provide Josh with a modified vehicle without Assurant’s ongoing dedication and support. Partnerships like this truly make a difference.”
A Story of Courage: Sgt. Josh Lopez
Marine Sgt. Josh Lopez’s story is one of extraordinary courage, perseverance, and unwavering resolve. On April 2, 2012, just six weeks into his deployment in Afghanistan, then-Corporal Lopez was clearing a house with his unit when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) while under enemy fire. The explosion launched him nearly 20 feet into the air, causing catastrophic injuries that led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee.
Lopez endured a long and grueling recovery process, both physically and emotionally. During his rehabilitation, he was promoted to Sergeant, a recognition of his resilience, leadership, and continued dedication to the Marine Corps. Reflecting on that fateful day, Lopez recalled, “All I could think of was my son.” His son, Joshua Jr., had been born only two weeks before Lopez deployed to Afghanistan — a powerful reminder of what he was fighting for.
Today, Sgt. Lopez continues to embody the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. His recovery journey, marked by countless challenges, has inspired many within and beyond the veteran community.
Empowering Independence Through Mobility
The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, donated to Sgt. Lopez, was made possible through the collaboration between the Assurant Foundation, Wounded Warriors Family Support, and Mac Haik Chevrolet. The vehicle was expertly modified by the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, featuring full left-foot driving controls tailored to Lopez’s needs.
In addition to the vehicle, Assurant is providing an Assurant Vehicle Care service contract. This coverage ensures that certain repair costs not included in the manufacturer’s warranty are covered, providing Sgt. Lopez with long-term peace of mind and security as he navigates his daily life.
“Restoring mobility is about more than transportation,” added McCauley. “It’s about restoring dignity, freedom, and independence — values that every veteran deserves after serving their country.”
Assurant’s Broader Commitment to Veterans
Assurant’s recognition as one of Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2025 underscores its long-standing commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for veterans and their families. The selection was based on an independent survey of over 17,000 U.S. veterans, assessing factors such as career development opportunities, workplace culture, advancement programs, and initiatives designed specifically for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
This recognition reflects Assurant’s broader corporate mission — to protect, support, and empower communities, both through its business operations and philanthropic partnerships. The Assurant Foundation continues to invest in initiatives that enhance lives through education, housing, and workforce development, with a particular emphasis on supporting military families and first responders.
A Tribute to Service
The presentation of the mobility-modified Chevrolet Suburban serves as more than a gesture of gratitude; it is a tangible expression of Assurant’s belief in empowerment through action. For Sgt. Lopez, the vehicle represents newfound freedom — the ability to move independently, care for his family, and pursue new opportunities without limitations.
For Assurant and its partners, the initiative reinforces a shared commitment to honoring those who have sacrificed for the nation’s freedom. As Veterans Day reminds the country of the courage and sacrifices made by service members, this collaboration stands as a beacon of hope and support for all wounded veterans seeking to rebuild their lives.
“Every mile Sgt. Lopez drives in this vehicle will be a symbol of perseverance and partnership,” said Demmings. “It represents the collective effort of individuals and organizations who believe that those who have given so much for our freedom deserve nothing less than the freedom to live without barriers.”
Through compassion, collaboration, and continued investment in veterans’ well-being, Assurant and Wounded Warriors Family Support are proving that mobility is more than movement — it is freedom, dignity, and the power to move forward.
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