At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe that community is built through action. When we learn about people doing extraordinary work, we step in — not for credit, but because it is the right thing to do. That’s exactly how we felt after seeing the story behind Operation Second Chance.

Operation Second Chance is a Maryland nonprofit that supports our military veterans every single day. Their mission is grounded in compassion and necessity: providing financial assistance, emotional support, and a place for rest and recovery for wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families.

The organization was founded 21 years ago by Cindy McGrew, who spent years visiting wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. What she witnessed there changed everything — the physical hardships, the emotional toll, and the tremendous financial strain families endured were impossible to ignore. Cindy decided no one should face that alone. Out of that commitment, Operation Second Chance was born.

Through the years, the organization has provided emergency financial assistance covering mortgage payments, rent, utilities, groceries, and other essential needs. Their work expanded even further in 2020 when they purchased a beautiful retreat property called Heroes Ridge. For many families, this is their first real vacation — a peaceful environment fully funded by Operation Second Chance, from travel to lodging to all activities. For veterans living at or below the poverty line, these moments of rest are not luxuries. They are lifelines.

Cindy shared how difficult it is to sustain the level of support her organization provides. She personally writes the checks covering mortgages, rent, and utilities. That level of responsibility requires constant community backing — and that’s where we wanted to help.

As part of our ongoing 7News Helping Hands partnership, 7News’ Kellye Lynn surprised Cindy with a $1,100 donation from Easterns Automotive Group. The funds will go directly toward meals, activities, and travel costs for veterans and their families who rely on Heroes Ridge and the organization’s emergency support.

Cindy’s gratitude was immediate and heartfelt. She emphasized how every dollar is stretched to meet real, urgent needs. Her work is a reminder that support for our veterans must continue long after their service ends.

At Easterns, we are proud to stand alongside organizations like Operation Second Chance — groups that show what it truly means to care for one another. Supporting them is more than a donation. It’s a commitment to the people who have sacrificed for our country and deserve dignity, stability, and a second chance.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe that community is built through action. When we learn about people doing extraordinary work, we step in — not for credit, but because it is the right thing to do. That’s exactly how we felt after seeing the story behind Operation Second Chance.

Operation Second Chance is a Maryland nonprofit that supports our military veterans every single day. Their mission is grounded in compassion and necessity: providing financial assistance, emotional support, and a place for rest and recovery for wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families.

The organization was founded 21 years ago by Cindy McGrew, who spent years visiting wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. What she witnessed there changed everything — the physical hardships, the emotional toll, and the tremendous financial strain families endured were impossible to ignore. Cindy decided no one should face that alone. Out of that commitment, Operation Second Chance was born.

Through the years, the organization has provided emergency financial assistance covering mortgage payments, rent, utilities, groceries, and other essential needs. Their work expanded even further in 2020 when they purchased a beautiful retreat property called Heroes Ridge. For many families, this is their first real vacation — a peaceful environment fully funded by Operation Second Chance, from travel to lodging to all activities. For veterans living at or below the poverty line, these moments of rest are not luxuries. They are lifelines.

Cindy shared how difficult it is to sustain the level of support her organization provides. She personally writes the checks covering mortgages, rent, and utilities. That level of responsibility requires constant community backing — and that’s where we wanted to help.

As part of our ongoing 7News Helping Hands partnership, 7News’ Kellye Lynn surprised Cindy with a $1,100 donation from Easterns Automotive Group. The funds will go directly toward meals, activities, and travel costs for veterans and their families who rely on Heroes Ridge and the organization’s emergency support.

Cindy’s gratitude was immediate and heartfelt. She emphasized how every dollar is stretched to meet real, urgent needs. Her work is a reminder that support for our veterans must continue long after their service ends.

At Easterns, we are proud to stand alongside organizations like Operation Second Chance — groups that show what it truly means to care for one another. Supporting them is more than a donation. It’s a commitment to the people who have sacrificed for our country and deserve dignity, stability, and a second chance.