Daily News

From Home Furnishing Business

Ashley Homestore Furnishes 50 Veterans' Homes

November 17, 2014  by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

The Veterans Day event, sponsored in part by the furniture retailer, was held at Port Tampa Bay--Terminal #6 on 1333 E. McCay St. in Tampa.

Operation Reveille was established in response to the national initiative to end veteran homelessness by 2015 along with the Veteran Administration's 25 Cities Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to end homelessness by rapidly-rehousing 50 veterans into permanent supportive housing who have spent the previous night sleeping on the streets, in homeless encampments or emergency shelters.

Ron Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Inds., recognized Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman and the Board President of Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative David Reed for bringing so many community partners together in support of such a worthy cause.

"I am honored to share in this day as we recognize the men and women who serve and protect this great country," said Wanek, who developed a deep sense of respect for those who risked their lives for this country as a boy while listening to the stories of veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War growing up on his family's dairy farm in Minnesota. Years later, to honor his friends that served in the Vietnam War, he decided to build a tribute in their honor. That dream became a reality when Wanek partnered with the city of Arcadia, and built Memorial Park, 54 acres dedicated to veterans of all wars and conflicts.

"It goes without saying, when David Reed asked for Ashley's support of Operation Reveille, we wanted to do anything we could to show our admiration and appreciation for the sacrifices these men and women made to protect our liberties and freedom," Wanek said. "We are proud to be partners in this effort and to show our gratitude for our veteran's service."