Lowe’s hosts veterans at Final Four

4/15/2019
Lowe’s recently hosted military customers at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in Minneapolis, Minn.

The customers, made up of 20 veterans and service members, were selected from around the Midwest region. The event included a welcome from Villanova head coach and two-time National Champion Jay Wright.

“As a company founded by a World War II veteran, we’re delighted to welcome military members to one of the ultimate experiences in college athletics,” said Joe McFarland, a U.S. Marines veteran and Lowe’s executive vice president of stores. “We proudly support our military and are privileged to find ways to further thank them for their service.”

Robert Little, an attendee from Indiana, served as a Navy Seabee for more than 18 years and now runs a home repair business called New Beginnings.

As a veteran and Lowe’s pro customer, Little spent much of his time in Afghanistan teaching young adults both DIY and repair projects.

“Working with locals in Afghanistan was a special experience because it allowed me to share my passion for building while also improving the future of infrastructure in the area,” said Little.

Another pro customer attending the Final Four, Tim Strauss brought his father-in-law Henry Kotarek, who not only served on the USS Salem in the 1950s, but also refereed high school and NCAA basketball games.

While his Wisconsin Badgers fell in the first round, going to the Final Four has always been on Kotarek’s bucket list and he was delighted to be in Minneapolis.

Mike Williams, a Manitowoc city alderman and U.S. Marines veteran, was pulling for the Virginia Cavaliers and couldn’t believe he was selected for tickets. “Members of the military are a special breed, and I’m blessed to share my experiences with my compatriots over this exciting event,” Williams said.

Lowe’s currently employs more than 18,000 military, veterans and military spouses. Lowe’s also offers a 10% military discount on all purchases. The company also hosted members of the military at the Final Four in San Antonio last year.

 
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