America Supports You: Injured Vet Finds Future with Pizza Chain

America Supports You ^

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2007 – A U.S. veteran who lost both legs in 2004 when a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq will begin a new career because his indomitable spirit moved a total stranger to give back to those who have served their country.

Army Staff Sgt. Robbie Doughty and Michael Ilitch, the founder of Little Caesars Pizza, one of nation’s largest pizza chains, proudly stood side by side for the grand opening of the veteran’s new pizza store in Paducah, Ky., yesterday.

Doughty, 31, was honorably discharged from the Army in July 2004 and began a long road to recovery facing an uncertain future with his young family. As he endured months of rehabilitation, he never gave up hope, never lost his courageous spirit and learned to walk again, he said.

Ilitch who, along with Little Caesars Pizza, owns Major League Baseball’s world champion Detroit Tigers and the National Hockey League’s Detroit Red Wings, read about Doughty in a Nov. 23, 2004, USA Today article.

Ilitch was so moved by Doughty’s courage and determination that he called the Kentucky veteran to thank him for serving the country. After many conversations, Ilitch offered Doughty an opportunity to open his own Little Caesars Pizza franchise in his hometown of Paducah.

“Doughty stood strong for our country. I was so impressed by his courage, commitment and upbeat attitude in the face of adversity, that I wanted to do something,” Ilitch said. “Offering him a new career path in his hometown seemed like a good transition. Doughty’s ‘can-do’ attitude will make him a strong Little Caesars franchisee.”

Doughty accepted Ilitch’s offer and followed his suggestion to find a business partner. His choice was fellow veteran Lloyd Allard, who served with Doughty in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, in a dangerous area in Iraq.

“After a career in the military, I was open to a new venture,” Doughty said. “Our military background and familiarity with systems, processes and a teamwork management style make the Little Caesars franchise a good fit.

“Opening a business and becoming an entrepreneur will definitely be an exciting new chapter in my life for my family and me,” he said.

“From day one, Doughty was ready for his next challenge,” Allard said. “With our leadership skills and Little Caesars’ training and ongoing support system, we look forward to becoming strong franchisees and sharing our experience with other veterans.”

Their story also prompted Ilitch to launch a new, innovative franchise program to provide qualified, honorably discharged veterans with a business opportunity when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change. The program provides a benefit of $10,000 for qualified veterans and up to $68,000 in benefits for service-disabled veterans.

“Doughty and Allard inspired me with a vision: to develop a program to create career opportunities for military veterans,” Ilitch said. “I believe that it’s important for Little Caesars and corporate America to thank the men and women who have served in the armed forces and this program offers an exceptional opportunity for veterans who are seeking new career options.”

(From a Little Caesars Pizza news release.)

Related Sites:
America Supports You

[SandRat]

Army Staff Sgt. Robbie Doughty and Michael Ilitch, the founder of Little Caesars Pizza, one of nation’s largest pizza chains, proudly stood side by side for the grand opening of the veteran’s new pizza store in Paducah, Ky., yesterday.

[goldstategop]

Patronize them as a way of thanking Little Caesars for their support of our nation's Vets.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[isthisnickcool]

I tried to find a telephone number for their new pizza place. I wanted to order some pizzas. I don't expect they'd deliver them to Texas so they can make me something if I'm ever in the neighborhood. In the meantime they can keep the $$$.

[billhilly]

This is a winner.

[TBP]

This is a very good mvoe by Illitch

[girlangler]

Thanks for the ping billhilly. I saw that and sent a copy to Kentucky's Western Waterland headquarters.

KWW is a tourism group (billhilly knows this) that represents 15 counties (including Padukah) in western Kentucky, surrounding Kentucky/Barkley lakes, and all the way to the Mississippi River. One of the counties includes the home of Fort Campbell, and the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles." The Screaming Eagles were the first into Iraq, Afghanistan (a third deployment is underway), and soldiers there, and their families, have given so much for this country.

The KWW is now sponsoring an annual event for the severely wounded soldiers and their families, which includes free lodging, food, and guided fishing trips. The FLW tournament organization also is involved, the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Department, a state park, and many of the businesses in this region.

Please, freepers, if you plan a vacation this year go there and support these businesses. The lakes are beautiful and great fishing abounds. Nearby is the "Land Between the Lakes," something everyone should experience. The people in this region are some of the finest in the country, and they depend on tourism. I can tell you, they support our troops and deserve our support.

www.lbl.org

kentucky/lakebarkley.org

[Volunteer]

I am in Carbondale, IL - about an hour from this area. I plan on taking a trip down there to visit some family.

You can bet that I will visit this business.

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Mitch Iltich is a real America who recognizes our soldiers as worthy of support.
We don't have any Little Cesaer Pizzerias around us any more, but they were very tasty.

Hats off to these All American citizens.

It is the quiet businessmen who are the backbone of our country, not the Hollywood s*its.

[girlangler]

That's why I pinged you, cause I know you are close.

And you are a good Volunteer.

Some great fishing there (exceptional, lots better than Norris Lake), and the LBL is awesome. They have buffalo, elk, and lots of wildlife to photograph. If you go you may want to visit these areas.

Freepmail when you plan on going. I'll give you some contacts. If you go in April the bass/crappie fishing will be the best.

[billhilly]

Thank your for your dedication to the troops, and to our home and way of life.