Sounds like a full few months ahead for your family. (Good timing. Someone up there loves you.) (^:
American Forces Press Service
http://www.dod.mil/news/Jun2004/n06252004_2004062506.html
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2004 – A company the Defense Department has cited for supporting its National Guard and Reserve employees has donated $1 million in tools and supplies to the Iraq rebuilding effort.
Home Depot is one of 15 companies to receive the 2004 DoD Employer Support Freedom Award. Earlier, the company donated $1 million and a million employee volunteer hours to help the families of deployed service members with home repairs and maintenance.
"This donation is part of The Home Depot's long-standing commitment to the U.S. troops currently serving in Iraq," said Bob Nardelli, Home Depot's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "With more than 1,800 associates serving in the current military efforts, we have a special interest in making sure all of the U.S. troops know that we appreciate and support them."
The Army and Marines are transporting the goods to Iraq from San Diego. Officials said accepting and transporting the donated materials was accomplished in full compliance with laws and regulations.
Company officials said nearly 100,000 tools and materials, including shovels, table saws, concrete mixers, safety scaffolding, power generators, light bulbs, jackhammers, and thousands of letters from Home Depot employees left San Diego June 24 on nine tractor-trailers.
Among the reasons DoD recognized Home Depot's support of its Guard and Reserve employees, officials said, is that the company equalized and extended the pay and benefits of employees called to active duty.