As a founding sponsor of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, Wesco has played a vital role in supporting home repair initiatives that change lives and foster brighter futures.

Roy, a U.S. Army veteran, dedicated 12 years of service to his country with strength and perseverance. During Operation Desert Storm, he worked as a mechanic, maintaining essential military vehicles under the most demanding conditions to ensure the safety and mobility of his fellow soldiers. His time in the military instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, precision, and steadfast commitment. After completing his service, Roy transitioned into civilian life, applying his technical and security expertise to continue supporting military personnel. He eventually made his home in North Chicago, Illinois, where he spent 28 years creating a lifetime of memories with his family in a house filled with warmth and love.

Over time, however, Roy’s home began to deteriorate. The kitchen floor started to give way, persistent leaks became a source of stress, and the bathroom no longer met his physical needs. Most concerning, safely entering and exiting his home became increasingly difficult. The place that had once been a haven now posed daily challenges, threatening his well-being and independence.

That’s when Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity stepped in—offering more than just repairs, but a renewed sense of comfort and peace of mind.

A dedicated team of volunteers set to work, making critical improvements to restore both the structure and spirit of Roy’s home:

When the renovations were complete, Roy stood in his revitalized home with gratitude in his eyes. The upgrades meant more than just repairs—they brought renewed safety, comfort, and stability. After years of dedicated service to his country, Roy can now enjoy his home of nearly three decades with confidence and peace.

Thanks to the commitment of Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity and their focus on critical home repairs in the Chicagoland area, veterans like Roy receive more than just assistance—they receive hope and the reassurance of a secure home. Habitat remains honored to serve those who have served our nation, ensuring they have a safe and dignified place to call home.

Click here to know more about Wesco's commitments.

Introducing Eric Spaner: Advocating for Veterans and Building Inclusive Communities 
Eric Spaner, a former U.S. Army service member, is dedicated to cultivating community and inclusivity at Henkel and beyond. As a mentor and leader, Eric actively supports fellow veterans, fosters meaningful connections, and raises awareness about the unique challenges they face. 
 
At Henkel North America, the shared purpose of being "pioneers at heart for the good of generations" drives innovation and collaboration. This vision thrives on the diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives of its employees and partners, who work together to make a meaningful impact on the world. Through the series "Pioneers for Good," Henkel highlights individuals like Eric who embody this mission. 
 
A Journey from Service to Civility 
After five years in the U.S. Army, Eric faced the complex task of transitioning into civilian life—a challenge familiar to many veterans. As he prepared to welcome his first child, finding a stable career became a priority. With perseverance and the support of his community, Eric successfully transitioned his military skills into a role he’s passionate about. 
 
In March 2022, Eric joined Henkel as a Senior Project Manager for Adhesive Technologies North America. Beyond his professional role, he is committed to advocating for veterans as the President of Henkel’s Military Employee Resource Group (ERG) and through various community initiatives. 
 
Creating Impact Through “Little Moments” 
Eric cherishes the “little moments” that foster connection and belonging. Whether it’s introducing new members to the Military ERG, sharing military traditions, or leveraging advocacy groups to support those in need, Eric’s efforts create ripple effects of positivity. 
 
One standout moment was a collaboration with Foster Grandparents, a program supporting youth in underprivileged communities. Spearheaded by Henkel’s Military ERG and led by Dana Kunz, the initiative provided over 50 care packages filled with Henkel’s personal care products and a new washer and dryer for Ms. Flo, a foster grandparent who had lost her home to a fire. Reflecting on the experience, Eric recalls Ms. Flo’s unshakable positivity: “Her spirit was incredible, and it was a deeply emotional moment for all involved.” 
 
Eric continues to lead impactful projects across Henkel’s ERGs. Recently, the Military ERG partnered with the Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities (AVID) ERG for an event aimed at destigmatizing the mental and physical challenges veterans face. Eric views these efforts as part of a broader mission to transform obstacles into opportunities. 
 
Mentorship and Giving Back 
Community organizations played a pivotal role in Eric’s own transition from military to civilian life. Among them, Hire Heroes USA proved instrumental in helping him navigate employment challenges, particularly after losing an opportunity due to color blindness. With their guidance, Eric found a fulfilling career path and now serves as a mentor for Hire Heroes, guiding veterans through their own transitions. 
 
Eric believes that veterans' journeys require support beyond just finding employment. He frequently shares advice he received from a Navy veteran: “Sometimes, you need to step back to reflect on how to move forward.” This perspective has become a cornerstone of his mentorship philosophy, helping veterans approach their paths with resilience and clarity. 
 
Building Bridges and Recognizing Contributions 
For Eric, fostering a community of understanding and appreciation for veterans is vital. He emphasizes the importance of valuing veterans’ skills and recognizing their contributions year-round, not just on Veteran’s Day. By listening and understanding their unique experiences, organizations and individuals can play a key role in easing the transition from military to civilian life. 
 
As a "pioneer at heart for the good of generations," Eric strives to bridge gaps between cultures and backgrounds, working toward a more inclusive future. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and community in creating meaningful change. 

Dailycsr.com – 27 August 2018 – The Comcast Corporation writes:
“We were honored to receive the 2017 Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award. Nominations of employers can be made only by Guard and Reserve employees or a family member acting on their behalf. In 2017, Comcast NBCUniversal received more than 30 individual nominations”.
 
At Comcast NBCUniversal many “unique service members” are seen to have joined the ranks, while every military who joins the group brings with them unique experiences as well as skill sets on the table. Among these precious employees, “Jeff Tzeng, Sabrina Spirito, and Ernest Easter”, as mentioned my Comcast Corporation are only three who have been inspiration to many and are leaders to live daily exemplary lives.
 
Dr. Jeff Tzeng holds the executive director of “Health Services” at Comcast NBCUniversal, who has served in the U.S. Army as Major and “Preventive Medicine Officer and Surgeon for Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, First Infantry Division, in Bagram, Afghanistan”. While Tzeng served the country, he voluntarily took part in “teleconference with students” of a middle school in Oklahoma. He talked to the students about hard working and the value of it, while Tzeng came aboard the Comcast Corporation in the month of May 2017, whereby he impressed all with his talents, work ethics as he continues to contribute as the “Executive Director of Health Services” in the company.
 
Similarly, Sabrina Spirito holds the post of “Technical Operations Manager” as Comcast Cable, who served in the “U.S. Marine Corps”, while Sabrina Spirito added:
“With over 25 years in the telecommunications industry, I am happy to be part of a team that strives for excellence in all that they do”.
 
Marine Corps introduced Spirito to telecommunications, wherein she worked for years and then shifted to the Marine Reserve. She is an ex-captain and a military spouse who leads technicians’ team with the commitment of “ensuring customer satisfaction and delivering high-level service”.
 
Ernest Easter, on the other hand, is a “Customer Service Technician” at Comcast Cable, who was a Sergeant in the “Army National Guard”. Moreover, the Comcast Corporation also informs that Easter put up “radio and network” communications in the “Army National Guard and besides being a Sergeant he is also “Chief Signal Specialist”.
 
While, leading a life of a civilian, Easter has been providing technical support to the customers at Comcast. His supportive team is something, Easter cherishes while the thought of having a stream of income for his family along with “benefits during his deployments” comforts him.
 
To learn more about Comcast precious employees, kindly visit:
https://corporate.comcast.com/values/csr/2018
 
 
 
References:
3blmedia.com

Dailycsr.com – 25 July 2018 – Sodexo has made commitments to improve “Quality of Life”, whereby the company has revealed that Brett Ladd is going to take the post of its Chief Executive Officer of the “Government for North America”.
 
Additionally, Ladd will also join the “North America Regional Leadership Committee” of Sudexo as a member. Earlier, Ladd was leading the “growth and client retention initiatives” for “Government North America” in the capacity of its “Senior Vice President of Sales”, while he was also one of the members in Sodexo’s executive team during the establishment of “its formal Government segment” back in the year of 2002.
 
Ladd has thirty years of experience in global leadership. In the outset of his career he was Marriott Management Services’ “production manager”. Ladd has also been “in-unit General Manager, District Manager and Operations Vice President” in “Sodexo’s Universities and Schools segments”. In the words of Ladd:
“I am honored to have the opportunity to not only lead a team of talented and dedicated professionals within Sodexo Government North America, but especially to ensure we provide innovative services that improve the quality of life of our military and civil servants”.
 
Besides his work, Ladd loves to work “non-profit organizations” and supports “all aspects of the military community”. Sodexo Government is the “largest food service contractor” of the country’s government. The company’s list of top clients features the names of “the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and over 25 federal agencies”. As per Sodexo, Inc.:
“With more than 40 years of experience serving municipal, state, federal and military clients, Sodexo’s Government segment and its nearly 3,000 employees provide 130,000 meals daily at more than 150 military and U.S. federal government locations in 26 states, serving 45.6 million meals annually with a focus on wellness and nutrition”.
 
 
References:
3blmedia.com