It's hard to believe that we're nearing the end of fall and the holiday season will soon be underway. Like many people, the holidays get us thinking about ways to do something for others, as well as ways we can give back to our guests and communities.
Many of our guests, their families, and their neighbors have served our country. We are thankful for that great service.
Last November, Casey's, with the help of our generous guests, donated over $1.4 million to help veterans and their families. This year, we're looking to make even more of an impact through our partnerships with Hope For The Warriors and Children of Fallen Patriots.
When you visit Casey's from November 3rd through 30th, you can help us salute all service members, past and present, and their families by rounding up your purchases to be Here for Veterans.
Children of Fallen Patriots
Casey's partners with Children of Fallen Patriots to provide assistance, resources, and scholarships to military children who've lost a parent in the line of duty. Last year's Veterans Round-Up Campaign helped support 22 student scholarships!
Hope For The Warriors
Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a long-time community partner in Casey's efforts to support veterans. Since 2012, Casey's has worked with HOPE to help service members and their families restore a sense of self, family, and hope through comprehensive support programs.
"We are honored to support organizations like Hope For The Warriors that provide important services to those who have served our country. We applaud our team members and guests who embrace this campaign as a way to give back and help Hope For The Warriors provide programs that assist veterans and military families in our local communities," said Jay Soupene, Casey's senior vice president of operations.
In eight years, Casey's General Stores has raised over $4 million benefiting Hope For The Warriors' programs that focus on clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation, and transition services.
"Military families are seeking our services more than ever before, as the effects of combat may not fully realize until years after returning home," said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO/president of the nonprofit organization. "Each year, we're honored to work with Casey's, a company that understands the sacrifices made by military members and their families. They understand it takes community and a continued effort to lift up the warriors who have served and still serve our country."
Stories of HOPE and Student Success
Nick Guernsey
Through Casey's partnership with Hope For The Warriors, warriors like Nick Guernsey are able to find courage and HOPE after service. Nick, an Iowa native, served in the United States Army and US Army Reserves from 1997 to 2009. He was deployed to Iraq from November 2003 to March 2005. Just two months before returning home, Nick was injured in combat. He faced many frustrating obstacles in receiving the care he needed for his injuries, as well as hardships with his own military transition and mourning the loss of a battle buddy.
During his transition to civilian life, Nick was connected to Hope For The Warriors and found the courage and HOPE he needed to heal from war by serving his fellow veterans and military families.
For well over 10 years now, Nick has been a volunteer for Hope For The Warriors in his community. He is the boots on the ground and carries out their mission by attending and organizing community events that benefit their programs. He actively conducts outreach by connecting veterans and military families in communities that lack support to HOPE's life-changing programs and services and also guides them in navigating the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Adriana Paola Cintrón Negrón
Adriana Paola Cintrón Negrón is a self-proclaimed daddy's girl.
“My father gave me all I have today. He is my hero. He was brave, caring and made everyone around him feel safe and happy,” said the daughter of late U.S. Army Specialist Marcos Armando Cintrón.
Adriana remembers being mesmerized as she'd watch her father cook. These fond memories ignited a passion and inspired her to become a chef. With help from Casey's and the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, Adriana graduated with a degree in regional and international cuisine at the Instituto de Banca y Comercio in Puerto Rico. She plans to open a restaurant in honor of her father, called Marco's Diner.
“I think my Dad would be very proud of me,” Adriana explained. “He taught me to make my own choices in life and to always be happy no matter what difficulties I face.”
Fallen Patriots aims to identify and provide scholarships to all 25,000 children who have lost a parent in the line of duty over the past 35 years.
Anthony Cubbage
For Missouri native Anthony Cubbage, experiencing nature through hunting and fishing played a role in his life starting from a very young age. When transitioning from the Air Force into civilian life, Anthony struggled with his mental health after a suicide attempt.
However, when he thought he had nowhere else to go, Anthony turned to what he knew best: fishing. Through fishing, Anthony rediscovered his purpose and helped his fellow veterans find theirs as well.
Inspired by his desire to turn his passion for fishing into supporting other veterans, HOPE helped Anthony obtain his Captain's License to start his own fishing business, Atomic Fishing Charters. AFC promotes healing through community connection and outdoor adventures.
HOPE has granted life-changing wishes like Anthony's to 42 combat-wounded veterans across Casey's footprint. These wishes transform our veterans' quality of life and bring military families closer together.
Salute a Vet in Your Community
The brave men and women who protect and serve our great nation come from all walks of life. These heroes are parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and important leaders in our communities. During this season of giving, Casey's encourages you, if able, to consider saluting a veteran near you by participating in our 2021 Here for Veterans campaign.
You can help
Round up this November! Be Here for Veterans by shopping at Casey's and rounding up your purchase.