Industry titans step up for vets
May is National Military Appreciation Month, and several companies are stepping up their support to those who've served.
Home Depot is giving back by expanding its tax-free shopping benefits through partnerships with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the Navy Exchange. This program, which initially just covered large appliances, now includes nearly all online products. HD says over 34 million eligible Exchange customers can benefit.
"We are honored to extend these benefits as a way to give back to military shoppers and their families," said Jordan Broggi, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience. "This program is designed to offer significant savings and support for those who have served our nation."
The program includes:
- Tax-free shopping.
- Free shipping on major appliances.
- A 10% discount on full-priced, non-appliance merchandise – extending the same discount that is also available on homedepot.com.
HD says it launched its partnerships with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the Navy Exchange in 2023 and has around 90 major appliance showrooms located in military exchange stores across the U.S.
It's also expanded its military moving hub, in an effort to ease the transition for service members and families.
84 Lumber doubles down on veteran support
The Pennsylvania-based prodealer is doubling its in-store discount for military veterans, active-duty service members and first responders to 20 percent off merchandise for the month of May at all locations across the country.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of Operation Appreciation, and we’re incredibly proud of how this initiative has grown into a meaningful expression of our gratitude for those who serve,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber. “From expanded discounts and national partnerships to spotlighting veteran-owned businesses and supporting our own veteran associates, we remain committed to honoring the sacrifices of service members and their families — not just during Military Appreciation Month, but all year long.”
In addition to doubling discounts, 84 Lumber is sponsoring the National Memorial Day Concert, which will air live on Sunday, May 25, at 8 p.m. EST on PBS.
It's also rolling out several additional initiatives under the Operation Appreciation umbrella. All associates will receive commemorative Operation Appreciation T-shirts, and the company is offering veteran and active-duty associates an additional paid day off to be used on a military-related holiday such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or another observance.
In collaboration with the Pittsburgh Pirates, 84 Lumber is continuing its sponsorship of Military Mondays, where five games throughout the season will recognize local military organizations. One of these games will specifically honor the Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House, a nonprofit supporting military families. Each participating group will receive a $5,000 grant from Pirates Charities, in addition to social media coverage and complimentary game tickets.
As part of its philanthropic efforts, 84 Lumber will donate $5,000 to the Malone Family Foundation to support its Red, White, and Blue initiative, which benefits veterans, first responders, and their families. The company is also supporting the foundation’s annual Black & Gold Gala, which raises funds for military-related causes.
The company is also investing in career development for vets.
“At 84 Lumber, we understand that veterans bring invaluable leadership, skills and experience to the workplace,” said Smiley. “We are committed to not only honoring their service but also offering them opportunities to grow and thrive in their careers. Veterans are a vital part of our team, and we are proud to offer them a meaningful place to continue their leadership journey with us.”
ABC Supply revs up fundraising
ABC Supply Co., Inc., Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), AJ Foyt Racing and Santino Ferrucci are teaming up at the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge to drive support for veterans.
The company is setting an ambitious goal to raise $4 million to provide support for severely injured post-9/11 vets. Now through May 31, ABC Supply will match the first $1 million donated.
This is the fourth year ABC Supply is hosting this campaign and its fifth year as a platinum sponsor of HFOT. Last year, the campaign helped raise $5.2 million.
“It’s incredible to see the growing support for our veterans each year,” says Mike Jost, president and chief operating officer at ABC Supply. “We’re proud to help stretch every donation further with our $1 million match and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served our country.”
