Andretti Autosport announced Tuesday that Hire Heroes USA, 7-Eleven Inc., the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees and Dr Pepper Snapple Group have joined forces to provide primary sponsorship backing for its No. 27 entry of Mike Conway at the 100th anniversary edition of the Indianapolis 500.
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Hire Heroes USA's mission is to offer transition support, job-search assistance and job-placement services to those who have honorably served in all branches of the U.S. military (and to their spouses) to reduce veteran unemployment. Hire Heroes tries to match career interests, qualifications and transferable skills of veterans with the needs of hiring companies partnering with Hire Heroes. Veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and/or those who are wounded or disabled, receive priority. Services are provided at no cost to the veteran.
The sponsorship program is part of a bigger marketing initiative that includes an in-store component at participating 7-Eleven stores. A portion from the sale of specially marked products during April and May will be donated to Hire Heroes USA. Tags designating the donation amounts will be featured prominently throughout the store along with a special display of participating products.
"Memorial Day weekend is a natural time for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of military veterans," explained Brian Stann, president, Hire Heroes USA. "It is easy to forget that hundreds of thousands of those same veterans who fought for the American dream are struggling in the nightmare of long-term unemployment. Hire Heroes USA is dedicated to the mission of ending veteran unemployment and restoring pride to those who formerly wore their country's uniform. Together with 7-Eleven and Dr Pepper, we are pleased to support Mike Conway and the No. 27 Andretti Autosport team as they drive awareness of this incredibly important cause."
Conway, who took his first IZOD IndyCar Series win last month on the streets of Long Beach, is currently fourth in the season point standings.