Helmets for Hardhats

In an article I read on prnewswire.com I found out that Sears Holdings is teaming up with Helmets for Hardhats, a non-profit organization, with specific goals to help veterans transition from life in the service to civilian life by providing them with training and apprenticeship programs in the building trade. Some might pass this off as a publicity stunt by Sears. If you look into it though, it's obvious that that line of thinking is incorrect. Sears is the fourth largest broadline retailer in the nation. They have almost 4,000 stores in USA and Canada. Simply put, they don't need to create awareness. And teaming up with Helmets for Hardhats certainly isn't a strategic decision to benefit their company. That being considered, I submit to you that this is a genuine show of good will. They have the resources to help, so they are. Obviously they will be rewarded for their ethical decision with a favorable public opinion or some nice stories in the press; that's a consequence of helping those who need help, you get appreciated. "Few people will deny the value of military service, either in terms of its necessity to secure the American way of life or as an institution that teaches young people self-discipline, self-respect and the value of teamwork. However, there is often a disconnect between public recognition of the value of military service and what our society is willing to provide our soldiers once they have completed their tour of duty and seek to successfully reintegrate into civilian life," said Darrell Roberts, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats (prnewswire.com). I think old Darrell says it best, or his PR writer...either way, it's true. If anyone knows somebody who returned from military duty then they can understand that it's a hard transition for that person. Anything that is done to help will be welcomed by the public with open arms.