Once again, Lowe’s joined forces with the Carolina Panthers to recognize and thank Veterans as a part of the NFL’s Salute to Service. This year’s event carried a special meaning for the Lowe’s team ─ each of the Veterans invited to be recognized, were also Lowe’s associates.
To kick off the Salute to Service events, on Nov. 8, 53 Veteran Lowe’s associates and their families were invited to the Bank of America Stadium for a special picnic on the Panther’s field. Hosted by Bill Boltz, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising, and Joe McFarland, Lowe’s executive vice president of operations, and emceed by voice of the Panthers, Kristin Balboni, the event served as a special thank you for the associates and their families for their service to our country.
The biggest surprise of the night came as Panthers legends, Steve Smith Sr., Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Stewart, stepped out of the tunnel to greet attendees, spending the rest of the evening signing autographs and posing for pictures.
“This is absolutely incredible,” shared Scott Gross, a Navy Veteran and electrical sales associate from Rockingham, SC. “Lowe’s absolutely walks the walk, from the military discount, the fact they’re committed to military causes, to rolling out the red carpet for 53 of us tonight – absolutely incredible.”
Lowe’s is home to more than 26,000 associates in the military community and actively works with partners across the country to recruit Veterans and military spouses, as well as support our military associates transitioning out of service. For the sixteenth consecutive year, Lowe’s was honored to receive the Military Friendly® Employer designation.
“I’m proud to see so many of our camo vests tonight,” shared Joe McFarland, Lowe’s executive vice president of stores and Marine and Desert Shield/Storm Veteran. “The opportunity to host a few of our Veteran associates for this experience is very special for me.”
Sitting next to the autographed game helmet that she won, Kendra Evans, an Army Veteran and assistant manager in Myrtle Beach, SC, was overwhelmed. “I feel like I’m starstruck. It feels good to see so many Veterans from our region, it is awesome that Lowe’s did this for us.”
The evening wrapped with a special concert by country artist, Larry Fleet, and a group photo on the field.
The experience for these associates isn’t over. The Lowe’s associates will also be recognized on the field during the Thursday, Nov. 10 Salute to Service game against the Atlanta Falcons.
