Springfield Home Depot dedicates parking spot to veterans


The Springfield News-Sun is dedicated to report all the news that is important to local veterans, including in-depth coverage of the Springfield National Guard Base and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

One local business has made the effort to thank veterans and active military by dedicating a parking spot to be used only by them.

Two weeks ago, the Home Depot, 1880 N. Bechtle Ave., dedicated a spot solely to honor people who have served in our military.

“I think it’s great when the public, stores and business pull together for the veterans. It’s just overwhelming,” Vietnam veteran Dave Bauer said.

Bauer was radio technician officer in Vietnam and was injured during duty. He is also a purple heart medal of honor recipient.

“It shows they care. Little things mean a lot,” Bauer said.

Home Depot store manager Kathleen Strickland was very happy when she got the word from her regional office about the new spot.

“I think it’s awesome. Coming from a military family, my brother is a 85 percent disabled Vietnam vet, I’m very happy with the spot,” Strickland said. “It goes very far. We have had numerous numerous customers come in and say thank you.”

Strickland’s father and four brothers all served in the military. Her nephew is now stationed at McChord Air Force base in Washington.

Home Depot first tried the idea of a spot for veterans at a Cincinnati store. It was received so well that the regional office decided to take it to all 129 stores in the region.

The Home Depot is the largest employer of military personnel in the United States and Canada, according to the website. It has received multiple awards for its work to employ veterans. The company also has donated money for tools in Iraq and scholarship money for military members.

Locally, Home Depot remodeled the common areas at the Dayton VA Center for the veterans that lived in the Alzheimer’s and assisted-living units, according to Strickland. She also added that the Springfield Home Depot is happy to help area veterans who need assistance with indoor projects.

“It gives them the extra help they need,” Strickland said. “They are proud. They won’t ask for assistance. It gives something that gives them a little bit of assistance to make their lives easier, and that’s the least we can do for what they’ve done for us.”

Strickland said one customer said he is working to get the city of Springfield and Clark County to have designated parking spots.

“There are so many vets that have gone to so many wars, Vietnam and Afghanistan, that don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Strickland said. “I don’t think there is a better cause out there than the veterans.”

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