On a brisk fall morning, in a suburb of St. Louis, Mo, U.S. veterans were recently honored in a very special way. More than 175 volunteers converged on a small apartment complex that had fallen in disrepair. The complex is home to more than 30 veterans, and the volunteers were there to rebuild not only cracking sidewalks but the spirit of many of the home’s occupants.  

The apartments are run by U.S.VETS – an organization that provides affordable housing to homeless veterans nationwide. With the help of Rebuilding Together- St. Louis, the volunteers replanted shrubbery, repaint apartments and re-kindle the spirits of the veterans who live in the complex.  

Boeing recognizes that defense of a nation is an enduring mission. The company and its employees are committed to supporting our nation’s military personnel, veterans and their families through events like this one in St. Louis and many others around the nation. With more than 21,000 veterans and reservists among the Boeing ranks, the company recognizes the unique value veterans bring to the workplace, and works to create opportunities, invest in programs and form partnerships that benefit them and their families.  

In 2013, Boeing and its employees contributed more than $16.4 million to support more than 350 military and veterans-specific organizations and efforts. Partnerships and contributions focus on helping veterans transition into civilian careers and communities, meeting the needs of military families and providing leadership development to service members as well as paying tribute to and honoring their legacy of service.  

The company also shows appreciation for the contribution of service members past and present through sponsorship of programs like A Salute to the Troops: In Performance at the White House , a concert event taped on the South Lawn of the White House for hundreds of troops and their guests and broadcast on public television.