Amazon, the e-commerce giant, and Warrior Alliance, a non-profit organization that supports military veterans, teamed up to fulfill the holiday wish list for 60 military families in Atlanta on Monday. The event was part of their ongoing partnership to provide career opportunities and resources for ex-service personnel and their spouses.
A festive surprise for the families
The families were invited to a festive room where they were greeted by Amazon and Warrior Alliance representatives, who handed them wrapped gifts from their wish list. The gifts included toys, bikes, clothes, electronics, and household items. The families also received Amazon gift cards and vouchers for free meals.
The event was a way to show appreciation and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the military families, who often face financial and emotional challenges. Isabella Garner, who has been in service since 2015, said the presents were a pleasant budget adjustment. “We’re in a bad recession, so this is really helpful,” she said.
Jarrad Turner, with Warrior Alliance, said he has seen service members miss their loved ones and their communities while on duty. “We do what we’re obligated to do, but we miss the kids, the spouse, the mom, dad, the community and you do wonder, ‘Who is taking care of home when I’m gone?’” he said. He said the event and the others throughout the year are just one way to say “thank you” to the military families.
A long-term partnership for career development
The event was not a one-time gesture, but a reflection of the long-term partnership between Amazon and Warrior Alliance. The two organizations have been working together since 2019 to help ex-service personnel from military backgrounds pursue their corporate careers through opportunities at Amazon or in other corporate roles.
Amazon runs the Military Veterans Employment Programme globally, which aims to create hundreds of work opportunities for military veterans and their spouses across the company’s fulfilment network in India. The programme also provides training, mentoring, and support for the veterans to transition to the corporate world.
Territa Rodgers, Amazon’s Atlanta-area community affairs representative, said the company values the wealth of experience and unique perspective of ex-service personnel. “With the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, we’re excited to work with the Indian Coast Guard towards a common goal of creating meaningful work opportunities for our veterans and their families,” she said.
A positive impact for the community
The partnership between Amazon and Warrior Alliance has not only benefited the military families, but also the wider community. The two organizations have collaborated on various initiatives, such as donating laptops to students, providing food and hygiene kits to homeless veterans, and supporting local businesses affected by the pandemic.
The partnership is an example of how corporate and non-profit sectors can work together to make a positive impact for the society, especially for those who have served the nation. The military families who received the gifts on Monday expressed their gratitude and happiness for the gesture, and said they felt supported and cared for by Amazon and Warrior Alliance.
