You Won't Believe How 775 Phones Are Transforming Veterans' Lives—Find Out What They Need!

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by veterans, tech care leader Asurion has partnered with the national nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers to donate 775 smartphones to veterans in Middle Tennessee and beyond. This initiative is designed to enhance veterans' access to essential services such as family connections, healthcare, employment opportunities, and vital community resources.

Founded with a mission to combat isolation among veterans, Cell Phones for Soldiers provides free mobile devices and service to those in need, particularly low-income and unhoused veterans. “Cell Phones for Soldiers began with one simple goal — to make sure no service member ever felt disconnected from home,” said Robbie Bergquist, co-founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers. “With Asurion's support, we're expanding that mission here in Tennessee and helping veterans regain access to the people and resources that matter most.”

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by sobering statistics: an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide each day, a crisis often linked to feelings of isolation and a lack of access to support. Reliable mobile connectivity can serve as a critical lifeline, connecting veterans to healthcare providers, job applications, housing assistance, and loved ones.

Currently, Cell Phones for Soldiers provides free smartphones and one year of unlimited service to more than 4,500 veterans each month nationwide. With demand continuing to grow, the organization is poised to support nearly 20,000 veterans by the end of the year.

This local collaboration also involves We Are Building Lives, a nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness. The donated smartphones will support veterans participating in the organization’s Academy Program, facilitating their connection during critical transitional periods. “Many veterans enter our program without a phone,” noted Jeff Upton, Executive Director of We Are Building Lives. “This access allows them to remain engaged, informed, and supported during a critical time in their lives.”

For Nashville-based Asurion, this partnership is a demonstration of its commitment to supporting veterans and their families within the communities where its employees live and work. “At Asurion, we understand the powerful role technology plays in keeping people connected,” said Guru Gowrappan, CEO of Asurion. “For veterans navigating housing instability, health challenges, or career transitions, a smartphone can be a lifeline. We're honored to partner with Cell Phones for Soldiers to help ensure those who served our country remain connected to the support they deserve.”

As the initiative rolls out, the impact on the lives of veterans in Middle Tennessee is expected to be substantial, bolstering their ability to communicate with family members, seek employment, and access crucial resources that can lead to improved quality of life. For more information about Cell Phones for Soldiers and updates on the donation's impact in the region, individuals can visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com/blog/. Veterans in need of assistance can contact We Are Building Lives at:

Building Lives Foundation, Inc.
2000 Mallory Lane
Suite 130-166
Franklin, TN 37067-8231
(615) 678-4967

About Cell Phones for Soldiers:
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a national nonprofit organization committed to keeping military members and veterans connected with their loved ones. Since its founding in 2004, the organization has responsibly recycled more than 25 million cell phones, using the proceeds to fund over 8 million prepaid calling cards, providing more than 450 million “Minutes That Matter” to deployed service members worldwide. Today, they continue their mission by supplying free cell phones and phone service to over 4,500 low-income and homeless veterans across the country, with an ambitious goal to connect 20,000 veterans by the end of 2026.

About Asurion:
Asurion is the leading global tech care company providing protection, repair, replacement, and 24/7 support for all the technology in consumers' lives. With thousands of experts ready to help, Asurion proudly cares for millions of customers across various devices.

About The Building Lives Foundation:
The Building Lives Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. military veterans successfully reintegrate into civilian life. Through its core programs, it provides veterans with housing, employment assistance, and essential resources for long-term stability.