This ‘Depot’ Has No Ammo — It’s Armed with Eager Volunteers

By Chuck N. Baker
(Carson City) — Most military members know about ammunition depots — large storehouses of ordnance located on Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Naval bases around the nation. But there is another depot that is loaded with the good will that emanates from its many employees who, like todays military, are also volunteers. Nationwide, the company known to millions as Home Depot reports it has transformed more than 41,000 homes and facilities, committed a half-billion dollars to veteran-related causes, and otherwise is all-in when it comes to supporting the men and women of America’s armed forces.

In Carson City, Governor Steve Sisolak presented Home Depot managers Robert Osborne and Deanna Whiting with Veteran Supporter of the Month certificates for the work The Home Depot Foundation has performed for the State. Specifically, in Nevada, employees donate time and effort and the store donates materials to beautify and maintain the grounds at the Veterans Cemetery in Fernley. The work is done regularly, “Even when it rains,” Kat Miller, Director of the Nevada Dept. of Veterans Services pointed out. Osborne and Whiting gave humble thanks to the Governor and the department.

The company’s website further describes its commitment to veterans in greater detail, including other services it provides: “Through Team Depot, our associate-led volunteer force devotes thousands of hours each year to building and repairing homes for those who have served. Through The Home Depot Foundation, we annually grant millions of dollars to nonprofit partners across the country whose programs focus on ending veteran homelessness, creating housing for our most critically wounded veterans, and ensuring our aging veterans have a safe place to call home.”

Before leaving the stage, the employees presented the Governor with his own easily recognizable and iconic orange apron worn by Home Depot employees. With a laugh and a smile, Sisolak tied on the apron and admonished the audience, “If you see me wearing this at Home Depot, don’t ask me where anything is!”

The Veteran of the Month award was presented to Robert James Mort, who served in the United States Army. During his service in Vietnam, he received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. Mort donates time to several veterans’ activities, including driving veterans two days a week to their medical appointments. In his remarks, he began with a bold exclamation of “Thanks!” Then he continued, “When I retired, I thought it was best to serve again.” He added, “Thanks to all our veterans for the service that they do.”

Several of Mort’s family members were in attendance, including his two small grandchildren, Joshua and Samantha. In a spontaneous gesture that drew emotional appreciation from those at the event, Sisolak took two of the ceremonial pens he had used to sign proclamations and handed one to each of Mort’s grandchildren. He then announced, “Your grandfather is a hero. Remember that!” The smiles on the children’s faces seemed as wide as the whole of Carson City. As the years go by, Robert J. Mort is one grandfather who will never be forgotten by his family, as they harbor a “depot” full of love for him.