In recognition of Memorial Day, the Veterans Engagement Team (VETS), an employee resource group open to all employees at SJI, led a series of meaningful initiatives to honor the service of our nation’s fallen servicemembers while supporting the broader veteran community.
Honoring Through Remembrance and Action
This Memorial Day, VETS brought colleagues together through a thoughtful combination of reflection and service. These events were designed to commemorate those who gave their lives in service and to extend support to veterans in need.
SJI employees set up a Missing Persons table at their Atlantic City, Green Lane and Folsom locations – a powerful visual tribute to commemorate the more than 81,000 missing Americans from the Korean War, WWII, Vietnam, Cold War, Gulf War and other conflicts. Each element of the table served as a reminder of their sacrifice, prompting employees to pause, reflect, and learn about the significance of the tradition.
VETS members also distributed folded flags and poppy pins, sparking meaningful conversations while helping to deepen understanding of Memorial Day’s true significance. Employees also had the opportunity to submit the names of friends and family members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country and display them on a virtual Wall of Honor.
Supporting Veterans in our Community
The Veterans Engagement Team also sponsored the 6th Annual Jo Carney drive to collect items for the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, NJ. Employees generously donated toiletries, clothes, puzzles, and activity books to offer small lifestyle improvements for the residents there.
From June 14 through July 9, VETS will also be organizing a food drive in collaboration with the Service to the Armed Forces and American Red Cross. Employees plan to donate nonperishable items to benefit active military, veterans and families at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
The Service to the Armed Forces program provides home comforts and critical services on bases and in military hospitals and supports military families during deployments and emergencies.
“SJI is proud to partner with the Service to the Armed Forces and American Red Cross to assist military and veteran families in need through our food drive,” said Mike Bizzoco, Vice President, Information Technology, SJI. “These brave men and women have served and sacrificed for our country, so it is rewarding to see our community come together for them in support of a great cause.”
During the week of June 14, SJI will be hosting a “Retiring the Flag” drive where American flags that are deemed unserviceable are collected and sent out to be formally retired.
These efforts reflect our broader commitment to honoring and supporting the veteran community year-round. By creating opportunities for education, remembrance, and meaningful engagement, our Veterans Engagement Team helps cultivate a workplace culture rooted in respect, community, inclusion, and service.
