Buchheit installs Combat Wounded Warrior parking space

Cutting the ribbon (from left): Steven Skelton, American Legion Post 158; Jake Hanna, Buchheit team member and Marine veteran; David Hackworth, customer and Army veteran; Zack Moll, Buchheit team member and Army veteran; and David Hitt, American Legion 158/VFW 10495.

PRESS RELEASE FOR THE COMBAT WOUNDED WARRIOR

Buchheit is excited to announce the installation of the Combat Wounded Warrior parking space. The designated parking space which is painted purple, outlined in yellow and marked by a combat wounded sign stamped with the Purple Heart insignia. It has been given a place of honor at all Buchheit stores. Recipients of the Purple Heart medal are the warriors injured in combat regardless of the military branch served. These men and women will be able to park in this space designated by the “Combat Wounded” sign.

Robert Ayres, Assistant Manager at Buchheit of Jacksonville, IL, initiated the idea and presented it to Buchheit management. He served in the Army infantry from 1992 to 1996 and is passionate about the project.

Ayres explained, “My belief in this project is so strong because after serving in combat, I see how much struggle these men and women face every day. Buchheit has a military discount program already in place and these parking spaces in front of our stores are being established as a way to further recognize those who have serve our country.”

Robert Ayres went on to say, “Being a combat vet, I personally believe in what those behind this project are doing. Honestly these vets, who have given so much for us, need our support. Twenty-seven vets commit suicide every day. If we can help one vet to see that we care and that we are there for them, that’s what makes the difference.”

Buchheit management is very excited about the Combat Wounded Warrior parking space and has given their full support to move it forward. Buchheit wants to show respect and gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces. The company has a long standing tradition of hiring veterans, has a military discount program ad participates in the national Wreaths Across America campaign in December. This is just one more way for Buchheit to say, “Thank You.”

The signs designating the Combat Wounded Warrior parking spaces are provided by Wounded Warriors Family Support, an independent nonprofit organization, whose mission is to provide support to the families of the combat wounded warriors. All eight Buchheit stores in Illinois and Missouri are making this parking space available to those who have received the Purple Heart. Buchheit encourages other businesses to consider recognizing our veterans by also designating a parking space close to the entrance of their business for combat wounded warriors.