H-E-B’s Grand Salute: Honoring Veterans With Homes and Hearts
Francis Page Jr. | 11/16/2023, 12:27 p.m.
As Veterans Day unfolds across the Lone Star State, H-E-B reaffirms its position as a top workplace for military veterans, launching a statewide celebration of valor and service. With over 300 community events and a gift that turns a house into a home for our nation’s heroes, H-E-B’s tribute extends far beyond a single day.
Every day is a day of gratitude at H-E-B, where partners statewide honor the sacrifices of our military veterans and their families. This year’s tribute is marked by a series of over 300 appreciation events, community outreach efforts, and a life-changing gift—a mortgage-free home for a wounded veteran, demonstrating the company’s un- wavering commitment to those who served.
In a gesture of deep gratitude, H-E-B stores are distributing gift bags packed with H-E-B brand items and thank- you notes to veterans in stores and through local nonprofits, including VFW and American Legion outposts. Moreover, Veterans Day receptions across numerous stores are just a slice of the appreciation pie.
The centerpiece of this year’s Veterans Day is H-E-B’s collaboration with Homes for Our Troops, presenting the 46th custom-built, mortgage-free home to U.S. Army SFC Justin Menchaca and family. This act is a cornerstone of H-E-B’s Homes Built for Heroes program, which has donated 46 homes to severely wounded veterans, thanks to the collective efforts of H-E-B and the H-E-B Tournament of Champions.
H-E-B’s Operation Appreciation and the H-E-B Tournament of Champions have committed over $6 million to con- structing and furnishing homes for our he- roes. In partnership with organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation, Homes for Our Troops, and Operation Finally Home, H-E-B has been building specially-adapted homes
across Texas since 2013, with the promise of more to come.
Celebrations reached new heights as H-E-B Partners and the USO united with 10,000 military families at fall festivals at Fort Cavazos and Joint Base San Antonio. In a touching tribute for Veterans Day, H-E-B also contributed a $10,000 check to Wreaths Across America, ensuring wreaths for fallen military veterans’ headstones.
H-E-B customers are invited to share in this salute to military veterans through the Operation Appreciation check- stand donation campaign, bolstering the Homes Built for Heroes program and various military nonprofits.
With roots dating back to Howard E. Butt Sr.’s service in the U.S. Navy during World War I, H-E-B’s Operation Appreciation, now in its 10th year, epitomizes the company’s dedication to military heroes. As H-E-B Group Vice President Winell Herron states, “Our commitment is steadfast—to honor the dedication and sacrifices of mili- tary veterans and their families.”
Through Operation Appreciation, launched in 2013, H-E-B has provided over $12 million in support to military nonprofits and initiatives, including employment for service members and spouses and homes for wound- ed veterans. With a comprehensive year- round schedule of events, H-E-B continues to support military families, champion education, and celebrate service members
both at home and abroad.
Engage with H-E-B’s efforts by donating at checkout or online, and join in the communal embrace of our veterans. Your contributions support the enduring legacy of those who’ve served.
For more information, visit www.HEB.com