Keys to Her Future
- America's Warrior Partnership
- Dec 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Lottie McGill served in the United States Air Force from December 30, 1991, to April 8, 1996. Her time in the Gulf War left lasting effects, including PTSD, and she has survived some of the hardest moments that can follow military service.
Despite those challenges, Lottie found purpose in helping others. Three years ago, she sold most of her belongings and hit the road with her service dog, Cooper, traveling from place to place to help fellow veterans access VA services. Her work became a steady source of connection and meaning.
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In March 2025, everything came to a halt when she was involved in a car accident. Without a vehicle, she had no way to continue serving the veteran community. Financial struggles made it impossible for her to purchase a new car - she had been renting one for months, unable to afford a down payment or qualify for financing due to credit card debt. Eventually, she reached out to America’s Warrior Partnership for help.
Working with one of our case coordinators, Lottie completed an application to Progressive’s Keys to Progress program, which provides eligible veterans with reliable, recent-model used vehicles. Together they gathered the necessary documents and submitted everything, hoping for the best.
On September 9, 2025, Lottie learned she had been selected to receive a vehicle. The award ceremony was set for November 6 in Milwaukee. Keys to Progress would cover the title transfer, include an extended warranty, and provide six months of paid insurance. When she shared the news, she said the car would give her and Cooper the independence they needed to continue their work. She mentioned she doesn’t like to fly, so having a dependable vehicle would help her reach more veterans in person.
In November, America’s Warrior Partnership traveled to Wisconsin to support Lottie as she received her vehicle. Reflecting on the moment, she shared,
“Being seen, supported, and believed in gives others hope. It shows veterans that people do care, that their lives matter, and that there is purpose behind the pain. That life is worth living.”
With her keys in hand, Lottie looked forward to returning to the work she loves—and to the road ahead.