Supporting Veterans at Operation Stand Down with the American Red Cross

As part of our national partnership with the American Red Cross, Suburban Propane joined forces with the Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) to provide support and assistance during their attendance in two Operation Stand Down events to support the health and well-being of our veterans.

Operation Stand Down is a nationwide event for veterans and military families. These events are temporary, safe retreats where military individuals experiencing homelessness – or who are at-risk, and need access to basic supplies and services receive food, necessary supplies, medical care, and various social service providers – all free of charge. These events offer a respite from the challenges and adversities veterans experience since returning from their service. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity to connect veterans with essential services to help them reintegrate into society.

As part of Suburban Propane’s SuburbanCares® platform which is dedicated to supporting community efforts across the company’s footprint in the United States, our employees volunteered to promote Health and Wellness Services offered by Service to the Armed Forces at Stand Down Rhode Island in Johnston, RI, and Stand Down Connecticut in Norwich, CT. During the event, Service to the Armed Forces offered local veterans and military families free supplies, including backpacks packed with basic hygiene items, in addition to educating veterans and the community about the various types of services offered by the Red Cross in effort to provide veterans with the resources some may desperately need. A total of 4900 comfort and care necessities were handed out, including an assortment of toiletries, rain ponchos, lip balm, and other items to 424 veterans.

Supporting our country’s veterans and active-duty military personnel is crucial as these individuals continue to make great sacrifices to protect our freedom and security. By supporting them, we ensure a smoother transition to civilian life, reducing the risk of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Additionally, strong support systems for military personnel promotes national unity, patriotism, and a sense of duty, which are critical for the transition and to reduce rates of at-risk, homeless, and unemployed veterans.

Our nation’s veterans possess valuable skills and training that can greatly benefit our society and workforce. At Suburban Propane, we honor and appreciate the brave men and women who have selflessly defended our freedom. We are dedicated to supporting veterans through our initiative called “Heroes Hired Here,” providing a range of employment advantages to those who have served. To find out more about our “Heroes Hired Here” program, please click here.

Feature Photo:

Top Left (L-R): Michelle Karpilovsky, Suburban Propane; Cole Smith, Suburban Propane and Army Veteran; Beth Healey, American Red Cross, Service to the Armed Forces & International Services Regional Program Manager, Connecticut & Rhode Island Region and Air Force Veteran; Bob Partington, American Red Cross, Service to the Armed Forces Event Volunteer, part of the Disaster Action Team, Operations: Volunteer Partner: Facilities Manager and Air Force Veteran and Sabina Matos, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island.

Bottom Left (L-R):Cole Smith, Suburban Propane and Army Veteran; Beth Healey, American Red Cross, Service to the Armed Forces & International Services Regional Program Manager, Connecticut & Rhode Island Region, and Air Force Veteran; and Michelle Karpilovsky, Suburban Propane.

Right (L-R): Michelle Karpilovsky, Suburban Propane; and Cole Smith, Suburban Propane and Army Veteran.