Retired Army Staff Sergeant Dominic Perrotte III expected to ride in the 126th Rose Parade to represent Americans who have served in the military. Instead, he was surprised with a mortgage-free home provided by Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) and the Military Warriors Support Foundation during the New Year’s Day parade.

Retired Army Staff Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient Dominic Perrotte III, his wife Kayla and thei ...

Retired Army Staff Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient Dominic Perrotte III, his wife Kayla and their son (c) are surprised with a mortgage-free home from Wells Fargo and the Military Warriors Support Foundation during the closing ceremony of the 126th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. The home is one of 200 awarded by Wells Fargo to veterans since 2013 and the first of 2015. Representing Wells Fargo is (l-r) Tyler Smith, vice president and Tim Sloan, senior executive vice president. Andrea Dellinger (r), senior program manager, represents the Military Warriors Support Foundation. (Photo: Business Wire)

The theme of this year’s parade was “Inspiring Stories” and the home donation to Staff Sgt. Perrotte is being described as one of the most “inspiring stories of the day.” The Purple Heart recipient, who served two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, will receive a home in Hampton, Virginia, where he and his family plan to settle down to be closer to family and friends.

“As we start off the New Year we could not be more excited than to honor Staff Sgt. Perrotte and help him achieve his goal of homeownership with a mortgage-free home donation,” said Tim Sloan, Senior Executive Vice President, head of Wholesale Banking, Wells Fargo. “Along with Military Warriors Support Foundation, we salute Staff Sgt. Perrotte, who bravely served his country, and take pride in being a part of the great tradition of the Rose Parade.”

Wells Fargo supports the Military Warriors Support Foundation, which is committed to helping veterans like Staff Sgt. Perrotte transition back to civilian life. For his service and sacrifice, MWSF selected him to receive the Wells Fargo-donated mortgage-free home through its Homes 4 Wounded Heroes program.

“Like many Americans, our heroes have a desire to own a home but with the battle injuries they have, there can be obstacles to making that a reality,” said Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco, founder and CEO, Military Warriors Support Foundation. “These homes help to fill a significant need for veteran housing, but it would not be possible without the support of great partners like Wells Fargo. Presenting these homes to veterans lets them know that people care.”

In 2012, the same year Wells Fargo and the Military Warriors Support Foundation began working together, Wells Fargo’s Military Affairs program pledged $35 million over a three-year period to assist service members and veterans with sustainable housing, career transition and customized financial education. Thirty million dollars of that pledge is earmarked for home donations. Since January 2013, Wells Fargo has donated nearly 200 properties valued at more than $30 million, surpassing the commitment it made two years ago.

Veterans interested in the Homes 4 Wounded Heroes program should visit the Military Warriors Support Foundation website for more details at www.militarywarriors.org.

About Military Warriors Support Foundation

The Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support for our nation’s wounded heroes as they transition out of the military and into their new civilian life. Through their Homes4WoundedHeroes Program, they donate 100% mortgage-free homes to combat wounded heroes, and their families, who were injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to the home, the families will receive three years of family and financial mentoring. For more information, please visit their website at MilitaryWarriors.org.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.6 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 8,700 locations, 12,500 ATMs, and the internet (wellsfargo.com), and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 29 on Fortune’s 2014 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade®, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of associated events. The Tournament’s 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game. Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year. The 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda and themed “Inspiring Stories”took place on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, followed by the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.