Calhoun, Ga.—When Mohawk’s Elise Demboski, vice president of creative services, received the U.S. Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), it was just another example of Mohawk’s longstanding commitment to this country’s veterans. The largest floor covering manufacturer in the world also partners with nonprofits Operation Finally Home and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to help build comfortable and accessible homes for severely wounded veterans.
Demboski was recognized by the ESGR for her notable efforts in providing a supportive work environment to National Guard and/or Reserve members. She was nominated for the award by Brennan Swing, Mohawk’s senior manager of creative media, who also serves as a combat engineer for the Army Reserves.
“When I came across this contest, I immediately thought of Elise because I have the privilege of knowing I can serve my country with the support of my boss and without having to worry about the security of my job,” Swing said. “When I am away on training, she communicates with me to let me know how things are going in the office. She never makes me feel like I have to make a choice between my job that I love and my duty to serve my country.”
Demboski noted her support for Swing stems from his dedication and work ethic. “Brennan is a dedicated and hardworking employee, and I’m honored to have him on my team.”
Showing appreciation
Operation Finally Home builds mortgage-free homes while improving the overall quality and security of life for injured veterans and their families. So far, Mohawk has contributed all of the flooring products—carpet, hardwood, laminate, resilient and ceramic—for 85 homes across the country.
Demboski said the partnership has resonated with the company’s retail partners and their customers. “We believe in doing our part to make our country a better place to live and work. Operation Finally Home embodies values that the entire Mohawk family holds dear—from our employees to our retailers and their customers. Showing our appreciation to our veterans by helping them when they return home is a tremendous privilege.”
Houses built through Operation Finally Home are custom designed to accommodate the varying special needs and unique challenges of each of the soldier recipients. Physical limitations, necessary medical equipment and supplies, and even service animals are a few considerations for severely wounded and disabled service members. They face physical and emotional disabilities and often overwhelming financial difficulties as well. Operation Finally Home alleviates a major hurdle for veterans by providing new homes without the financial burden, giving the soldiers and their families a chance to focus on rebuilding their lives.
“Our nation’s service members make immeasurable sacrifices every day to ensure our safety and freedoms,” said Daniel Vargas, director of marketing for Operation Finally Home. “In return, these brave men and women and their families deserve the best care and support we have to offer.”
In yet another show of support for U.S. veterans, Mohawk earlier this year hosted the Tunnel to Towers’ 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit, the country’s only touring 9/11 memorial, which many of the company’s Northwest Georgia veterans were able to tour. Approximately 380 veterans are currently employed by