We love the support. Thank you, Lowe’s. Big time. We’ll continue on with our mission.
Specialist Ikalka Akimseu, a mortar transporter stationed at Fort Campbell, paused to reflect after receiving a warm meal and a handshake during a holiday luncheon hosted by Lowe’s and the USO. For Akimseu and more than 1,200 fellow service members, the event was a meaningful reminder that they are not forgotten.
Now in its second year, the event brought together military families, base leadership, USO volunteers, Lowe’s associates, and country music star Craig Morgan with one purpose: to serve those who serve. The gathering featured hot meals, gift cards, table settings and donated auction items, all offered in a spirit of appreciation and care.
“Anytime I can do anything with my brothers and sisters in arms, I’m going to try to do it,” said Morgan, an Army veteran. “Especially during the holidays, when they know they could get a phone call tomorrow and have to leave their families. I’ve been there. I know what that feels like”.
Many attendees were far from home, having arrived from across the country to serve at Fort Campbell. For them, the presence of community members, volunteers and corporate partners was more than appreciated. It was personal.
“This is a tough time for the military,” said Ben Leslie, chief development officer of the USO. “They don’t always know what’s next. Events like this let them know they’re not alone. Lowe’s is part of this community, and they show up when it matters most”.
Lowe’s has partnered with the USO for more than a decade, contributing over $10 million to support active-duty service members and their families. This year’s luncheon, which served nearly twice as many troops as the previous year, reflects that enduring commitment.
“A lot of these men and women are young, and they’re far away from their homes,” said Matt Briley, store manager of Lowe’s in Franklin, Tennessee. “They come from all over the country to this base. They’re not with their parents or their significant others, so this is an opportunity for us to engage with them, and hopefully they can walk away from this day with a brighter smile on their face.”
Craig Morgan spent the afternoon meeting with soldiers, sharing stories and lending his voice to a cause he knows firsthand. “This lunch says: You matter. Your sacrifice matters,” he said.
For Specialist Akimseu, the connection is also deeply personal. “The USO helped me out a lot while I was away,” he said, noting that his wife spends so much time there that many of the ladies know him only as “Em’s husband” and often invite his photogenic family to be part of USO activities.
As plates were cleared and smiles exchanged, the sentiment lingered: gratitude, connection and the quiet power of showing up.
