To recognize the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families, Air Pros USA honored eight Veterans in eight cities by surprising them with new air conditioning units. Employees helped select deserving recipients through Air Pros USA’s annual Veterans initiatives and exclusive partnerships.
After a careful vetting process, the company installed brand new HVAC units free of charge for Veterans in LaGrange, Georgia; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Myers, Florida; Gainesville, Florida; Miami, Florida; Auburn, Alabama; Mobile, Alabama, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Author's quote
A recurring theme among this year’s awardees was their selfless dedication to aiding others
“A recurring theme among this year’s awardees was their selfless dedication to aiding others without seeking anything in return,” said Anthony Perera, founder and Chief Growth Officer of Air Pros USA.
“These are the instances that will resonate within our team eternally as we contribute to creating a meaningful impact in our communities.”
Awarded five Veterans
Air Pros USA’s 4th Annual Veterans Day Giveaway awarded five Veterans:
- Richard Fuller is an Army Veteran, from Fort Mitchell, Alabama. Fuller joined the military when he was 18 years old after seeing the devastation of 9/11 and deployed to Iraq three times. He was medically discharged after serving seven years in some of the most dangerous battles and deadliest cities in Iraq. He also trained Iraq soldiers and police at the commencement of Operation Enduring Freedom.
- Cody Parham is a decorated Army Veteran from Mobile, Alabama who wanted to continue serving others after he left the military. He now works as a nurse. During his military career, Parham worked as an Intelligence Analyst in the Army and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2015-2016.
- Dillon Stewart is a military hero from Denham Springs, Louisiana who still serves in the Army National Guard. During the floods of Hurricane Ida, Stewart rescued an elderly man from drowning. In a separate incident, he assisted an elderly man who was having a stroke on the beach. Stewart received the Distinguished Service Cross Award for his valiant efforts, which is the second-highest award one can receive from the military.
- Chad Entrekin is an Air Force Veteran from Columbus, Georgia who served on numerous refueling missions to support aircraft protecting the no-fly zone in an area formerly known as Bosnia. He served as an e4 Senior Airman and has received a Marksmanship Ribbon.
- Robert Colin is a Marine Veteran from Bokeelia, Florida. Colin is a disabled Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He has trouble walking and recent hurricane damage to his home has made getting around even harder as his stairlift was damaged in the storm.
Installation to three Veterans
Through partnerships with Florida Gators, Miami Dolphins, and Air Force Athletics, Air Pros USA also awarded free HVAC units and installation to three Veterans this year:
- Cheryl Donalson is an Air Force Veteran from Miami. She is the caretaker of her elderly father and the devoted mother of her two-year-old daughter. She was nominated by the Miami VA Women’s Veterans Program.
- Roy Garren is an Air Force Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Garren spent 20 years in the Air Force with nearly 1,000 hours of flight time in Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in Vietnam. After retiring in 1983, he began serving with the Navigators Ministry.
- Frank “Buck” Maher is an Air Force Veteran from Colorado Springs. He was deployed three times and was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal for combat mission support, and two Air Medals for combat missions. Buck flew in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent.
