Freedom Mortgage Announces Winner of the 2022 Celebrate Freedom Award

Boca Raton, FL – July 5, 2022 – Freedom Mortgage, one of the largest full-service independent mortgage companies and the top VA and top Federal Housing Administration (FHA) (government-insured) lender in the U.S. in 2021, has named Dr. Matthew R. Burke of Florida this year’s winner of the company’s Celebrate Freedom Award. Burke was officially recognized on July 4th at the Wawa Welcome America Festival in Philadelphia, where the Celebration of Freedom ceremony was held in front of Independence Hall. Burke received a check for $10,000 from Freedom Mortgage and a trip for two to the festival.

The Celebrate Freedom Award is open to all service members, veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. The contest is based on their essay in response to the question, "What does it mean to have the freedom to serve our nation and how has your sense of duty to help others made an impact?"

A former Safety Superintendent in the U.S. Air Force, Burke was severely injured during his fourth combat duty in Afghanistan. Upon returning to civilian life, Burke suffered multiple issues, including post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression. At one point, Burke and his family faced homelessness.

Finding hope in serving others, Burke launched 10 CAN, Inc., a non-profit that uses outdoor recreation, education, and rehabilitation to foster healing, prevent suicides, and build a community among those who have served in the military or as first responders. In less than 10 years, 10 CAN has saved over 3,500 people from suicide, assisted more than 10,000 children, and influenced more than 100,000 families around the world.

"I’m honored to receive the Freedom Mortgage Celebrate Freedom Award," said Burke. "This is a wonderful program that recognizes the many unsung heroes in our country, and I’m thrilled to share my story. This check will go to further enhance and expand the programs we offer at 10 CAN."

"During this year’s Celebrate Freedom Award contest, we heard from so many who have done so much for our country and their communities," said Stanley C. Middleman, Freedom Mortgage president and CEO. "It’s important that we continue to recognize the sacrifices these heroes made and thank them for their service and the immense impact they have made. We congratulate Dr. Burke for being this year’s award recipient and thank him and all veterans, service members, first responders, and healthcare workers for their service to our nation."

For the first 600 submitted applications for the Celebrate Freedom Award, Freedom Mortgage made a $5 donation to both Feeding America® and the USO (United Service Organizations). A total donation of $6,000 was split between both groups, which helped provide at least 30,000 meals to people facing hunger as well as programs for service members and their families.

Through Team Freedom Cares, Freedom Mortgage’s employee engagement and philanthropic program, the company provides assistance to many charities, including groups that support military service members, veterans, and their families. Last year, the company and its employees donated over $2.6 million to support several organizations, including Feeding America®, Habitat for Humanity, MBA Opens Doors Foundation, The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots, among others.

For more information on Freedom Mortgage’s philanthropic efforts, visit www.teamfreedomcares.org.

About Freedom Mortgage Corporation

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Freedom Mortgage is a full-service independent mortgage company that provides mortgage loans through retail, wholesale, and correspondent channels. One of the nation’s largest non-bank mortgage lenders/services, the company is licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Freedom Mortgage was the #1 VA and #1 FHA (government-insured) lender in the U.S. in 2021 (Inside Mortgage Finance, 2021) and one of the mortgage industry’s largest philanthropic supporters of the USO of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company is also renowned for its vibrant work environment where all team members can thrive. In 2021, Freedom Mortgage was named one of Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces as well as Top Workplaces USA. Additionally, the company recently joined the Inc. 5000 Honor Roll for being recognized for the seventh time as one of the fastest-growing companies across the country. Freedom Mortgage’s mission is to foster homeownership for all consumers across America. For more information, please visit FreedomMortgage.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About the USO

The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort and support. The USO is a private nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.