Choate Construction Company gathered with children and spouses alongside Operation Gratitude to connect with veterans across the country through hand-written letters of gratitude during a season when the country celebrates its independence.  

“One of the most powerful takeaways from my time in the military came from watching these young men and women wake up every day prepared to give their time, their talents, their minds, and if necessary, their lives for our country,” says Matt Brewer, President & CEO. “We owe these men and women so much, which is why I’m grateful to see our employee-owners express a desire to give back to the veterans in our community in this meaningful way.” 

An early initiative of Choate’s Building Up philanthropic committee was conducting an internal survey to source what philanthropic causes Choate’s employee-owners are passionate about. Once the survey was distributed, veteran support came back as a universal favorite. 

This July, Choate’s Building Up committee launched the company’s first annual veteran appreciation event. Each of Choate’s six offices hosted a veteran guest speaker during a companywide letter-writing event to hear about their experiences and learn more about the importance of staying connected and showing appreciation for veterans. Choate’s employee-owners together wrote hundreds of letters to give thanks to the men and women who dedicated their lives to serving their country.

Choate Savannah had the opportunity to hear from Sergeant Major (retired) Charles D. Johnson who served 28 years in the United States Army and is now a JROTC instructor at Robert W. Groves High School in Garden City, GA. As the honored guest speaker, he spoke to Choate’s employee-owners about his personal experience in the armed forces, including his three tours oversees, and his passion for JROTC where his cadets are taught leadership traits and life skills that will help them become more productive, successful citizens in our communities.

“The last two years have been especially hard on everyone, especially some of our senior veterans that have not been able to get out much. It is really special that we have been able to reach out to these veterans and remind them that they are not alone, not forgotten, and deeply appreciated,” says Brewer.