Kerry Roy isn’t used to attending workplace events that honor fallen U.S. veterans unless they’re part of traditional military appreciation holidays.
But the Meijer truck driver, who served in the Gulf War, was intrigued when he was invited to one last month at our Lansing Distribution Center.
“Any time I see leadership honoring military veterans it speaks volumes about the kind of company I work for,” said Kerry while eating a burger at the cookout.
The facility hosted Wreaths Across America (WAA) as part of the nonprofit’s Mobile Education Exhibit across Michigan and Ohio. The midday event was our latest collaboration. Meijer Outbound Logistics also supports WAA’s non-political mission each December by volunteering our fleet services for its annual Wreath Day, where our drivers transport truckloads of wreaths to military cemeteries in Michigan and Ohio. Once delivered, the wreaths are placed on the graves of fallen service members.
“The person I am today and all my experiences, including the military, are just a culmination of all those experiences and things that I’ve learned and the result of what I’ve been able to achieve,” he said. “When you take that step and sign up, you know not everyone comes home. So, any time I can recognize and honor the sacrifice of those who have served, it is my duty to make the time for fellow vets.”
When Kerry found out that the cookout was sponsored by mVets, one of our Meijer Team Member Resource Groups (TMRGs), Kerry was even more curious – not to mention enthusiastic – for the event, chance to talk to other team members who served, and tour the WAA’s mobile education exhibit.
“The chance to collaborate with the Meijer Logistics Team on events like this are ideal for raising awareness and fostering an inclusive community for active and veteran service members,” mVets Co-Lead and Lansing-area Store Director Jeremiah Hernandez said. “We believe enhancing understanding for what it means to serve only makes our company stronger.”
In addition to the hundreds of team members who took the time to attend the event, the highlight of the day was a special pinning ceremony for three of our veteran team members from the Outbound Logistics Team. Warren Greenwald, Gene Miller, and Steve Fankhauser received lapel pins and a medallion from WAA for their service during the Vietnam War.
“Truck driving doesn’t always lend itself to volunteering but being part of an event like this helps people see the big picture and might make a difference the next time they meet someone who served,” Kerry said. “That’s more than enough reason to do your part. I’m looking forward to taking the time and helping our Meijer Fleet deliver some wreathes in December.”
As a recently-recognized gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer, we’re pleased to partner with organizations like WAA to not only honor veterans but to also celebrate our own team members who served.