CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chase announced today that, in partnership with Wish of a Lifetime and the WWII Foundation, the company is sending 93-year-old Glenview resident, Captain (retired) George Klein to Normandy, France for 2015 D-Day memorial services. Klein was to attend the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in 2014, but became ill and could not travel. Fully recovered, Klein wishes to make the trip in 2015 to find closure and to honor the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers and friends.
“We can never show enough gratitude to ‘the greatest generation’ for their service and all their sacrifices for our country,” said Melissa Bean, Chairman of the Midwest, JPMorgan Chase. “We are delighted to make George’s dream come true. Working with Wish of a Lifetime and the WWII Foundation to fulfill a meaningful and memorable wish is an honor.”
In June of 1944, Captain Klein, undertook one of the most dangerous missions that took place on D-Day; scaling the cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc. He scaled the 100 foot cliffs and engaged the enemy, but late in the day was wounded by the bayonet of a German soldier. He spent two days waiting to be evacuated from the battlefield. During his trip back to Normandy, Klein will meet the Band of Brothers and attend events at Utah beach, Omaha beach, and Pointe Du Hoc.
“George’s story of bravery and sacrifice is one that all generations need to hear,” said Jillaina Wachendorf, CEO of Wish of a Lifetime. “With the support of JPMorgan Chase and the WWII Foundation, we are honored to fulfill George’s longtime dream of returning to the beaches of Normandy, and share his incredible story.”
“Captain George Klein is a true American hero who demonstrated the courage to keep fighting despite all odds,” said U. S. Representative Bob Dold, R-Ill. “ I am honored to recognize the 71st anniversary of D-Day and all those who fought during World War II.”
Klein will leave for France in June. His wish began on VE Day with a celebration at Chase Tower that included a color guard, retired and active U.S. servicemembers, and members of Chicago’s French community that wanted to honor one of their liberators.
About Wish of a Lifetime
Wish of a Lifetime™ fosters respect and appreciation for deserving seniors by fulfilling their life-enriching Wishes. Founded in 2008 by two-time Olympic skier, World Cup gold medalist, entrepreneur, and former NFL football player Jeremy Bloom in living honor of his grandmother, Wish of a Lifetime has made over 1,000 Wishes come true for seniors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The organization aims to create a positive shift in the way society views and values aging by sharing the stories of its inspiring Wish recipients with those of all generations. After experiencing a wish, 93 percent of Wish recipients stated they felt their quality of life improved and 76 percent said they felt their overall health improved. To learn more about the organization or to help fulfill a senior’s Wish visit www.seniorwish.org
About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly half of America’s households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 5,500 branches, 18,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to Chase.com.