Tempur-Pedic Aids Military, Veterans with Mattress Donations

November 14, 2016  by Larry Thomas in Bedding, Community / Charitable Support, Industry, Product   

"Men and women in the armed services, as well as their families, give so much to our country – including a peace of mind that allows all of us to sleep soundly at night," said Scott Thompson, chairman, president and CEO at Tempur Sealy. "Our goal is to honor and support them by delivering great sleep throughout the year with the help of retailers and other organizations who share our pledge."

In a Veteran’s Day announcement, the company highlighted its work with various non-profit groups that support the military. Several of the donations were made in partnership with retailers.

The charitable efforts have included:

Special Beds for Special Ops
Through an association with Darkhorse Benefits, Tempur Sealy will donate a Tempur-Pedic mattress to every member of the United States Special Operations Forces community as part of Operation Darkhorse – a multi-year pledge of more than 15,000 Tempur-Pedic mattresses that will go to individual special ops service members and their families.

Since announcing the program in 2014, almost 4,000 mattresses have been delivered to brave warriors defending our country abroad, including 2,300 in 2016 alone.

Retailer Mattress Firm, which has been a strong supporter of the Operation Darkhorse initiative, has donated box springs for each Operation Darkhorse mattress. The mattress sets have been donated to the following branches:

• U.S. Army Special Operations Command – Green Berets and Rangers
• U.S. Navy Special Operations Command – SEALS and Special Boat Teams
• U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command – Para-Rescuers and Combat Air Controllers
• U.S. Marine Special Operations Command – Marine Raiders and Force Recon

Comfort in the Field, Far Away from Home
With assistance from Troops Direct, the non-profit on-demand supply line for American units based anywhere in the world, Tempur Sealy was able to provide multiple shipments of mattress toppers to active-duty military and special operations forces. Hundreds of toppers, which provide a portable, soft surface to sleep on when in the field, were sent to troops located in remote regions.

"When our service men and women need something – no matter where they are in the world – Troops Direct is there," said Aaron Negherbon, Founder and Executive Director of Troops Direct. "Thank you to Tempur-Pedic for being part of a network of supportive companies and organizations that respond to the needs of our military."

Military Moms Receive Gift of Sleep at Baby Shower
Tempur-Pedic, the official mattress of the PGA Tour, worked closely with Operation Shower to recognize military moms for their service and sacrifices at a special baby shower prior to the PGA Tour event in Boston in September.

A raffle to award one lucky mom with a Tempur-Pedic themed shower turned into a comfy surprise for all 25 moms in attendance – they each were able to choose their own Tempur-Pedic bed and also received a set of Tempur-Cloud pillows and a teddy bear for their new baby.

"Seeing these moms light up when they learned that a new Tempur-Pedic bed was on its way was priceless," said Amy Belle Isle, Chief Creative Officer at Operation Shower. "Having sponsors like Tempur-Pedic step up and show these families that they are appreciated and are supported during a very special time means a great deal and is such a special gift."

Supporting Veterans with Birdies for the Brave
As part of the brand's 'Sleeping on the Lead' campaign with the PGA Tour, Tempur Sealy honored three military veterans living near tournament markets. Mark van Osdel of LeClaire, Iowa, Garrett Carnes of Burlington, NC and Murphy Hueston of Indianapolis each received a new Tempur-Pedic bed through the PGA Tour's military outreach initiative, Birdies for the Brave.

An Army veteran and former Navy rescue swimmer, van Osdel has overcome PTSD and other combat-related injuries thanks to his service dog, Chance, who also received his own Tempur-Pedic dog bed.

"I can't thank Tempur-Pedic enough for this gift," said van Osdel. "It's comfortable and allows me to get great sleep, which has been tough to find over the years. Along with my entire family and including Chance, we appreciate everything that Tempur-Pedic and Birdies for the Brave have done to support veterans as they come back into civilian life."

Sit 'N Sleep Makes an Impact in Los Angeles
Mattress retailer Sit 'N Sleep teamed up with Tempur Sealy earlier this month to donate 2,000 mattresses and foundations to LA Family Housing, a Los Angeles-based organization that provides solutions to end homelessness in the region.

The donation, made in honor of Veterans Day and Homelessness Awareness Month, will be used at the LA Family Housing bridge housing facility and distributed to former homeless veterans and other families throughout Los Angeles who have recently found permanent housing.