National Launch of Heroes at Home Helps Iraq Veteran Come Home
Article type: Press Release
Washington – June 22, 2007 – Heroes at Home, a new program focused on helping service members, veterans and military families in need, will kick off today in Silver Springs, Md. at the home of Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Army Specialist Ryan C. Major. The program is the result of a partnership between Rebuilding Together, the nation’s leading all volunteer home rehabilitation organization, and Sears Holdings Corporation.
Last November, Specialist Major, 22, suffered severe wounds when an improvised explosive device detonated near him while searching for suspected bomb makers on foot patrol with his unit in Ramadi. His injuries resulted in the amputation of both legs, damage to both arms and a traumatic brain injury. Ryan’s division had been in Iraq for nearly a year at the time of his injury.
Heroes at Home has made Ryan’s home safer and more accessible by installing an elevator and building a new wheelchair accessible bedroom and bathroom. Volunteers from local Sears and Kmart stores, along with local contractors secured by Rebuilding Together’s Montgomery County affiliate, donated their time and expertise to make his homecoming possible.
“I am proud to announce Heroes at Home,” said Aylwin B. Lewis, chief executive officer and president of Sears Holdings Corporation. “Through Heroes at Home, Sears Holdings will respond to the urgent need to assist military families such as Specialist Major’s. This is one of the many ways in which we will continue to acknowledge the sacrifice made by those who serve our country in their tour of duty.”
“We are privileged to be working with companies like Sears and Kmart who have always supported our service members and continue to make a difference with programs like Heroes at Home,” stated Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “It is our goal to assist veterans of all generations across the country with home repairs and modifications.”
Sears and Kmart customers have the opportunity to join in the effort by making a donation in stores nationwide or online at www.sears.com or at www.kmart.com through July 8. To make a donation to Heroes at Home or to find out more about the program, go to www.RebuildingTogether.org/HeroesatHome or call 1-800-473-4229.
About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is America's largest volunteer-based home-repair organization bringing volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need. The nonprofit has 225 affiliates, mobilizes approximately 270,000 volunteers and renovates more than 9,000 homes per year. Rebuilding Together is celebrating the rehabilitation of its 100,000th home this year. For details, see www.rebuildingtogether.org or call 1-800-REHAB-9.
About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's third largest broadline retailer with over $50 billion in annual revenues and approximately 3,800 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has Martha Stewart Everyday products, which are offered exclusively in the U.S. by Kmart and in Canada by Sears Canada. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com.
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