Updated December 15, 2021 – ARS, one of the nation's largest providers of air conditioning, heating, and plumbing services, honored active and former Military across the country with its ARS Cares Saluting Our Veterans program. More than 25 veterans and their families received new HVAC systems or water heaters worth more than $215,000 in advance of the winter months.
"ARS Cares Saluting Our Veterans program is all about recognizing the selfless sacrifice on behalf of our veterans as they serve our country," said Scott Boose, CEO, ARS/Rescue Rooter. "To read the nominations and see the outpouring of support communities have for these brave men and women was heartwarming. It is our honor to do this for them, and we hope this small token of recognition demonstrates our gratitude and appreciation for all they have done."
Following the announcement of the ARS Cares Saluting Our Veterans program on September 29, family, friends, and co-workers were invited to share stories of why they felt the nominees were deserving of home improvements that would help provide a higher quality of life at home. Local ARS branches then selected recipients, and installations began in November. In addition to the Saluting Our Veterans Program, ARS is also committed to hiring Veterans. Since 2017, ARS has hired at least 250 veterans annually and is looking to double that number in 2022.
Established in 2016, ARS Cares is a year-round, company-wide program to identify those suffering without heat or air conditioning and provide them with free HVAC systems and water heaters. Through our ARS Cares Program and special initiatives recognizing veterans and healthcare professionals, we have installed more than 180 free systems and donated more than 1.2 million dollars in equipment and labor to deserving recipients.
Below are a few examples of deserving recipients across the U.S.:
Honoree Spotlight
Sgt. 1st Class David Munoz received a new HVAC system from Aksarben ARS on November 11
Sgt. 1st Class David Munoz has served in the Military for over 18 years, having enlisted right out of high school in 2003. During an 18-month deployment to Iraq, he earned a Medal of Valor for defusing a bomb with his bare hands. He works full-time for the National Guard and has a second job at a fast-food restaurant so he can buy equipment for a nonprofit that helps to prevent suicide among veterans. Munoz also volunteers his time by performing demonstrations as a paratrooper, skydiving out of WW2 C-47 Aircrafts with the Round Canopy Parachute team.
The Sandles family received a new HVAC system to surprise veteran William Sandles
Retired Korean War Army Corporal, William Sandles, is 90 years old and has survived two bouts of colon cancer. He is currently in rehabilitation, hoping to be released this month to be reunited with his wife of 64 years, whom he has not seen since August. ARS/Rescue Rooter Houston installed a brand-new HVAC system to ensure Mr. Sandles recovers in a well-cooled and ventilated home.
Army Veteran Shaun Garry received a new HVAC system from ARS/Rescue Rooter Illinois on November 11
Shaun Garry, United States Army veteran, was nominated to receive a new HVAC system by a close friend. Garry was medically discharged from the armed forces after being in five IED - improvised explosive device - explosions. Garry is also the recipient of over 14 medals, ribbons, and badges, including the Purple Heart.
Check out these great news stories featuring our deserving ARS Cares recipients:
ARS/Rescue Rooter Columbia surprised veteran Charles Heck with a new HVAC unit. Learn more by watching News19 coverage here.
ARS/Rescue Rooter Laurel recognized veteran Carl Jeanty with an HVAC system and water heater. Watch WDVM's story about Carl here.
ARS/Rescue Rooter Nashville's install for veteran Sherri Kelly was covered by News Channel 5. Watch this for her story.
Veteran David Munoz received a new HVAC system courtesy of Aksarben ARS. Catch the story here.
Blue Dot Services recognized two deserving veterans with home services makeovers. Baltimore's ABC Channel 2 covered the story here.
Brothers Air, Heat & Plumbing awarded veteran Dustin Dills a new HVAC system. See WCNC's coverage here.
Comfort Heating & Air honored two Air Force veterans with new HVAC units. Learn more about the deserving recipients by watching news coverage here and here.
Read this article from Contractor Magazine about the ARS Cares – Saluting Our Veterans Program.
The ARS Network of Brands is proud to salute veterans for their unwavering service to our country. To learn more about ARS Cares, please visit ars.com/ars-cares and follow our social media channels to see more inspiring stories: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES (ARS):
Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 6,000 employees. ARS serves residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Air Experts, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy's Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot Services, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select Services, Efficient Attic Systems (EAS), Florida Home Air Conditioning, Greenstar Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, My Electric Works, Rapid Repair Experts, Rescue Rooter, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, RighTime Home Services, Roger the Plumber, RS Andrews, The Irish Plumber, The Rooter Works, Total Comfort, Unique Services, "Will" Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest quality standards, ARS has the experience to do any job right – the first time, with all work fully guaranteed. ARS: "Making it work. Making it right." For more information, visit www.ars.com.
