Standing on the field at Bank of America Stadium, surrounded by the roar of the crowd and the weight of the American flag in her hands, Ella Lawton felt the gravity of the moment.
A U.S. Army National Guard veteran with 12 years of service and now a product manager in Lowe's supply chain division, Lawton joined fellow Lowe's associates and veterans in presenting the flag at the Carolina Panthers' Salute to Service game against the New Orleans Saints. The honor, she said, was deeply personal.
"Being a veteran, Veteran's Day is not just about celebration. It's about remembrance," Lawton said. "When you're face to face with that flag, you're reminded of those who didn't come home and those who are still silently struggling. To carry it on that field , it was breathtaking".
Lowe's ongoing commitment to the military community was on full display during the Nov. 9 game. Beyond the flag ceremony, the company partnered with the USO to debut its Rapid Response Vehicle, a specialized trailer designed to support service members responding to natural disasters across the country.
The vehicle is part of an expanded partnership between Lowe's and the USO, aimed at delivering immediate relief and rest for military teams on the front lines of disaster response.
"This partnership represents the best of what happens when communities come together to serve those who serve us," said Barry Morris, public relations manager for the USO. "These new response vehicles will help ensure that when disaster strikes, our military service members have the resources and support they need to rest, recharge, and continue helping others in need."
For Lowe's, the event was not just a moment of recognition but a continuation of its long-standing support for military associates and communities. Associates like Lawton embody the leadership, resilience and connectivity that military service instills; traits she brings to work every day.
"The Army taught me how to bounce back and lead people with empathy and strength," Lawton said. "At Lowe's, I'm constantly supported and reminded that the skills I brought from the military matter here."
Lowe's will continue showcasing the USO Rapid Response Vehicle at key events across the country in 2025 as part of its commitment to disaster preparedness and veteran engagement.
