News & Accolades

Craftsman Tools Joins Forces With Helmets To Hardhats to Help Soldiers Transition to Civilian Jobs

LAS VEGAS, NV (Jan. 21, 2009)

In yet another show of support for the nation military, Sears Holdings today announced an alliance for the Craftsman tool brand with Helmets to Hardhats. A nonprofit organization created by the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, construction industry employers and trade associations, Helmets to Hardhats connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities within the construction industry.

Under the agreement, veterans, who register with Helmets to Hardhats (www.helmetstohardhats.org) and are placed as an apprentice or journeyperson, will receive a $50 Craftsman gift card toward the purchase of $100 or more in Craftsman tools, in recognition for their service and to help them purchase their initial set of tools for their new trade.

"Few people will deny the value of military service, either in terms of its necessity to secure the American way of life or as an institution that teaches young people self-discipline, self-respect and the value of teamwork. However, there is often a disconnect between public recognition of the value of military service and what our society is willing to provide our soldiers once they have completed their tour of duty and seek to successfully reintegrate into civilian life," said Darrell Roberts, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats.

Roberts continued, "One promising pathway for military servicemembers struggling to secure family-supporting wages and benefits in the civilian sector is a career in the Building Trades. The Building Trades and their employer organizations offer the best training and career opportunities in the construction industry, and they are committed to helping those who sacrificed so much for our country. We commend Sears for helping our servicemen and women acquire the tools they need as they start a new career."

"Military veterans represent a resource for highly skilled talent. They are highly trainable, which makes them ideal for Building Tradesapprenticeship programs," said Tom Aiello, vice president of public relations for Sears Holdings and himself a West Point graduate. "Also, veteransstrong leadership skills can fill critical shortages for foremen and site managers in the construction industry. Sears is pleased to extend its support for the military. In 2008, Sears helped to rebuild or renovate more than 200 homes of military families by raising more than $5 million through the Heroes at Home program for Rebuilding Together. Today, wee helping veterans lay the foundation for a solid career in the Building Trades."

Sears and Helmets to Hardhats will promote the alliance, through marketing vehicles such as the Craftsman Club newsletter and the Helmets to Hardhats e-Newsletters, which reach 14,000 military and veteran subscribers.