H-E-B’s Annual Operation Appreciation Gives Light to 500 Military Members

San Antonio, Texas-based shopping and retail supermarket H-E-B showed social media its appreciation to Texan military troops by giving away 500 care packages to them in light of their contribution to the welfare and peacekeeping of the nation.

To ensure that Texans serving in the armed forces far from their families may get a “taste of home,” H-E-B is stepping up.

“In honor of America’s Independence Day, as we celebrate freedom and those who bravely protect it, H-E-B is sending 500 Operation Appreciation care packages to Texans serving our country away from home,” H-E-B said in a Facebook post on the celebration of the fourth of July.

“To show our appreciation, we want to send them a taste of Texas! We’ll send them the goods, but we need your help with the gratitude,” the post added.

The shopping mart also attached a google form where Texans could nominate an active-duty service member.

“If you would like an active duty service member to receive an Operation Appreciation care package from H-E-B, nominate them here: https://forms.gle/Dp4VtXkWAh7GJyzt5. Leave a comment below with your thank you message to our active duty service members and we’ll include it in the care package,” the status post continued.

The company announced that submissions are currently open and will accept nominations until the target 500 Texan military troops have been submitted.

H-E-B Operation Appreciation is a corporate initiative designed to recognize valiant Americans. Armed Forces members, including friends, family, and H-E-B Partners and Customers, were welcomed by the initiative.

Organizations that assist American service members and their families collaborate with Operation Appreciation. H-E-B respects and values the commitment and sacrifices made by service members on behalf of the country and supports them by giving their time, skill, and financial ability.

The Department of Defense reported in September 2021 that there was 1.195 million military personnel on active duty and more than 778,000 in the reserves. There were 426,624 Army active-duty personnel, 306,272 Navy active-duty personnel, 147,846 Marine active-duty personnel, 275,298 Air Force/Space Force active-duty personnel, and 39,029 Coast Guard active-duty personnel.

The quantity of the workforce at significant bases largely determines the number of American military service members. As of September 2021, Texas was among the five states with the great majority of military personnel on active duty and reserves, with about 174,598 military service members recorded. California topped off the list with 217,889 military members.

H-E-B’s Operation Appreciation, underway since 2013, has given more than $10 million to dozens of military-related nongovernmental organizations in Texas and support programs to yield critically injured veterans mortgage-free residences, the shopping mart said.

Community Building

Since H-E-B established the program in 2013, $3 million has been raised under said program, and 35 homes have been constructed for the military members.

According to a report from Kens5, H-E-B, the campaign also raises money for initiatives that support the troops, including the Military Child Education Coalition, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and the Gratitude Initiative.

Johnny Mojica, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager, said the company is thankful for the “commitment of the brave men and women” who safeguard the nation’s freedom. They are also “honored to share a bit of home with our service members.”

Forbes acknowledged H-E-B as a top veteran company and has consistently been designated a great workplace for veterans. According to the business, H-E-B has hired more than 23,000 veterans and military spouses since 2014.

Currently, about 100,000 employees are working for H-E-B, according to Forbes.

Special Causes

Not only that, but H-E-B also supports causes under Operation Shower in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

“What started earlier in 2020 as an in-person shower in South Texas turned into our first virtual shower with H-E-B. And, while the pandemic had us shifting our plans, it never shifted our commitment to serve military families together. With our’ Showered with Love’ theme virtual baby shower, we were able to celebrate the newest arrivals of 30 Texas military moms and share a little bit of that H-E-B magic with them.,” Operation Shower said in a statement.

The overjoyed generosity recipients H-E-B extended to them in the form of gift items, among others.

Over 300 H-E-B outlets may be found in Texas and Mexico. Howard Edward Butt Sr. launched the company in 1905. Howard Butt’s son, CEO Charles Butt, currently administers the business, which is still family-owned and operated up to this day.