August 02, 2005
Sears Support
America Supports You: Sears Earns Defense Freedom Award
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2005 – Excellence deserves to be recognized, and an Alabama National Guardsman made sure it was when he nominated his employer for support above and beyond what the law requires.
"Sears Auto Center customer service adviser John Winkler, center, nominated his employer for a Defense of Freedom Award through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization. District automotive center manager Lee Dierkes, left, and Glenn Bledsoe, manager of the auto center at the Huntsville, Ala., Sears store, both said they're proud of Winkler and Sears policies regarding the nation's servicemembers.
Army Spc. John Winkler nominated the Huntsville (Ala.) Sears, Roebuck & Co. store where he works as a customer service adviser in the automotive department for the support they have shown him when he drills or is deployed. The nomination was made through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Web site, and when ESGR officials checked out the Sears corporate policy toward Guard and Reserve employees, officials decided the company as a whole should be recognized.
"Every time I have been called up, or if I've got drill, they never give me a problem with it," Winkler said. "There's pay when I get back. Sears ... make the difference between what I get paid, my basic pay, and then what I would make if I was here for that two weeks. ... They've always made that up to me." Winkler, part of the 128th Military Police Company under the 31st Chemical Brigade, has worked for Sears, and for automotive center manager Glenn Bledsoe, for nine years. It's only been the last three years, however, that he's also been in the Alabama National Guard."
The rest of the story is Here
"Records indicate Sears provided support to employees serving in the military as early as 1916, the company's Web site said. Additionally, Sears sponsors Operation Purple, a series of summer camps for children of deployed military personnel. "
Let me add that Sears has been doing their part since 1916! All this without fanfare or a photo op. I had heard of this activity early last year through an email about the way they were handling Reserve and Guard deployments. I decided to change some of the buying habits I have. My wife and I have gone out of our way to spend money at Sears. Thousands of dollars that we used to spend at those flag waving super stores has been spent at Sears.
After we made several large purchases I contacted Sears and explained why we had gone to their store and why we will continue to do so. I received an eloquent but humble response stating "That they were proud to serve those who serve for us." In their opinion it was their DUTY.
For almost 90 years Sears has quietly and humbly supported the troops for all the right reasons at considerable cost to themselves. It is refreshing to see chivalry is not dead in the American marketplace. I hope all of you will consider making purchases at Sears to support a business that supports Americans.
FromIraq War Today Thanks Pam!
Posted by BillyBudd at August 2, 2005 07:06 PM | TrackBack