Verizon Partners with Packers to Pay Veterans’ Debt

GREEN BAY, WI- (WGBW) – Verizon and the Green Bay Packers announced a $3 million debt relief program for Wisconsin veterans over the next two years. The announcement is part of a multi-year partnership, making Verizon the team’s official 5G mobile partner. 

Andy Brady, Verizon’s Market President, said the immediate investment of $1 million and the future investment of $2 million over the next few years is the “right thing to do.”

Today in the Green Bay area, there’s about $4.8 million in medical debt that veterans are carrying right now that, unfortunately, some of them can’t pay for. So what we’re doing is we’re paying off a million dollars in random acts of kindness,” Brady said. “I’m a huge proponent of helping those who helped create the life that we live. And certainly, we get the opportunity to watch a football game. We get the opportunity to live our lives because of people who, frankly, sometimes gave their lives.”

Clearing Veterans’ Debt: How it works.

Verizon is partnering with ForgiveCo to facilitate paying off the medical debts of Wisconsin Veterans. ForgiveCo is a company that identifies and handles the debt for veterans in need. It will reach out to veterans in the coming months. 

“What they effectively do is send a letter to these men and women that basically says that we’re paying off your debt,” Brady said. “It is a real letter! If you are a veteran and you get one. It is a real letter, and we really did just pay off your debt.”

Brady said paying veterans’ medical debt is personal to him.  

“When you have a young man come up to you crying and hugging you. Saying that this is such a burden off of his shoulders, it changes your life,” Brady said. “It is a substantial investment that we’re making into the men and women who provide us the ability to live our lives.”

Speaking of investment in preparation for the NFL Draft 2025 coming to Green Bay in a couple weeks, Verizon added five new cell towers and six new small cells to the area in and around Lambeau Field. 

“We added a bunch of new and improved products inside the Lambeau Field and inside the Resch Center,” Brady said. “By the way, we spent $21.5 million for the NFL Draft for coverage. That stays. It all stays.”

Verizon employs over 8,000 veterans nationwide and has been nationally recognized as a Military-Friendly company for seven years in a row. Verizon also provides special offers and discounts to veterans and military members nationwide. To check for discount eligibility, visit verizon.com/military or visit a local participating Verizon store for details.Brady was a guest this week on Civic Media’s Maino and the Mayor show.