November 30, 2017
MEADVILLE, PA (November 10, 2017) – In a moving event honoring Veterans Day, Channellock, Inc., announced its new National Partnership with Homes For Our Troops to support our nation’s severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. CHANNELLOCK® will be the exclusive partner in the tool sector, as Homes For Our Troops builds and donates custom homes nationwide that are designed to meet the needs of these families.
In addition to a financial contribution, Channellock plans to participate in various home build activities with Homes For Our Troops in 2018, such as groundbreaking and key ceremonies and plans to bring this partnership to life in its retail product displays.
"We are honored to join Homes For Our Troops in helping our most severely wounded Veterans and their families to improve their quality of life with a new home that better fits their special needs,” said Ryan DeArment, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Channellock, Inc. “As an American hand tool manufacturer that still makes tools in the USA, and the employer of many Veterans, patriotism is a big part of our corporate culture. This is a wonderful opportunity to invest in our communities and give back to those who sacrifice so much for our freedom.”
Navy PO3 Justin Hendrickson and his wife Jennie participated in the event as beneficiaries of Homes For Our Troops, as they await their home that is being built near Pittsburgh in Marion Township, PA. Justin was wounded by an IED while serving in Iraq in 2005, resulting in the loss of his right leg. He requires a prosthesis and wheelchair for his daily life, and the new home will be wheelchair accessible. Read Justin and Jennie’s story, which includes Jennie’s own significant medical needs.
Tom Landwermeyer, President and CEO of Homes For Our Troops said, “We are excited to partner with the CHANNELLOCK® brand, and the wonderful people who make these quality tools, known around the world for their reliability for more than 130 years. Our ability to bring quality, specially adapted custom homes to our severely injured Veterans is possible through the generosity of corporations and individuals who share our passion and loyalty to military Veterans and their families.”
The Veterans Day event at Channellock, Inc. headquarters was attended by elected officials including Pennsylvania Senator Michele Brooks, Meadville Mayor H. Leroy Stearns, Deputy Mayor Sean Donahue, Meadville Council Member John Battaglia and Crawford County Commissioner Francis Weiderspahn, Jr.
In addition, the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, presented Ryan DeArment with a certificate to honor Channellock, Inc., for their commitment to U.S. patriotism.
About Homes For Our Troops
Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post – 9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar has gone directly to program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. For more information on Homes For Our Troops, visit https://www.hfotusa.org.