Big Y Honors All Who Served this Veterans Day with 10% Off for Veterans
Veterans Day affords Americans the opportunity to remember and recognize the military servicemen and servicewomen who honorably serve our country during war and peacetime.
We express our gratitude for their continued service to our country through needed skills and expertise in the trades and places of work. In support of our community of military veterans and active military personel, we thank you for your service.
In support of our military veterans and active duty service members we are offering
10% OFF your order on Novemeber 11th, 2023,
plus receive a free reusable bag.**
Just tell the cashier that you are a veteran or active duty service member.
Thank you for your service.
*Excludes sales on items prohibited by law, pharmacy items, alcohol, bottle deposits, postage stamps, gift cards and other non-merchandise.
**Excludes thermal bags and boxes and collapsible tote boxes.
Veterans Day History
Veterans Day was first observed on November 11, 1919, as Armistice Day. This was in honor of the first anniversary of the end of World War I, which officially ended on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. It was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 and is now dedicated to veterans of all wars.
Honoring Our Big Y Employee Veterans
Continung to serve the communities they live and work. We recognize their dedication to protecting our freedoms. Thank you for your service.
Peter B.
Bakery Specialist/Baker
US Coast Guard, Substance Specialist E-4
Longmeadow
Years with Big Y: 12 years
Why did you choose to serve in the armed forces?
“I wanted to give back to my country and I knew I was not ready for college. When I completed my duties, I did go to college and earned a degree.”
Why did you choose this particular service branch?
“The Coast Guard main objective is to save lives…I liked that… I also love the water.”
Cindy R.
Assistant Floral Sales Manager
US Navy E-3
South Hadley
Years with Big Y: 19 years
Why did you choose to serve in the armed forces?
“I joined the service to serve and fight for my country. I would serve again if allowed.”
Why did you choose this particular service branch?
“I chose the Navy as they offered the best benefits for my needs. I believe the service made me who I am today- strong, trustworthy, independent and ready for anything that comes my way.”
Deb T.
Asst. Floral Sales Manager
US Marine Corp, Sergeant
Longmeadow
Years with Big Y: 12 years
Why did you choose to serve in the armed forces?
“I chose to serve to have a good starting direction in life, and I chose the Marines because I thought it was the most superior branch and wanted the best!”
Benjamin B.
Meat/Seafood Sales Manager
US Army National Guard Military Police
Westfield
Years with Big Y: 14 years
Why did you choose to serve in the armed forces?
“I chose to serve in the armed forces because I wanted to do something that was patriotic and I thought it would be a great experience for me.”
Why did you choose this particular service branch?
“I chose this branch because I wanted to join the Army and I liked that I would perform both Federal and State Functions. It allowed me to pursue an education full time and work a part time job with Big Y and service my country and community in times of a natural disaster crisis.”
Edward J. Jr.
Meat Specialist
US Air Force Military Police Sergeant E-5
Pittsfield
Years with Big Y: 21 years
Why did you choose to serve in the armed forces?
“I knew at a young age that I wanted to join the military and serve my country.”
“My father and grandfather were my biggest influencers. My father served in the Marine Corp. and US Air Force. My grandfather served in the Marines during WWI.”
“I first tried to enlist in the Marine Corps, but was disqualified. I had depth perception issue with my eyesight. That was a no-go for enlistment and being on a ship. Discouraged, but not out of options, I decided to try the navy to see if it also had the same rules. My recruiter said it was possible, but in the end, I was told they could not take me.”
Steven S.
ESR Trainee
Chief Master Sergeant, Air National Guard
Southampton
Years with Big Y: 4 years
Why did you choose to serve in the armed forces?
“I chose to serve in the Armed forces for the structure and discipline. I realized at the age of 17 in order for me to be successful I needed those two critical aspects in my life.”
Why did you choose this particular service branch?
“I was always drawn to fighter Aircraft. I grew up near Bradley airport and I would see the jets fly overhead constantly and was always fixated on them when they flew by. My high school hockey coach was a member of the unit. He brought me up for a visit during my senior year. After meeting many members and having a chance to see the facilities and ask questions I was hooked. After that visit there was no question the Air Force was where I was headed.”
Darrin P.
Wine Sales Associate
US Air Force, Technical Sergeant
Table & Vine Flagship
Years with Big Y: 17 years
Why did you choose to serve in the armed forces?
“My father was in the Air Force and stationed in Germany. He took me to his hanger one Saturday and I saw the F-4 Phantom up close and I knew that was what I wanted to do when I got older. I was six years old at the time.”
Why did you choose this particular service branch?
“I wanted to join the Air Force first but my older brother joined the Navy and was an aircraft engine mechanic and was sending me pictures home from the aircraft carrier. I joined the Navy instead as an aircraft structural/hydraulic mechanic. I crossed over to the Air Force 15 years later and retired with 24 years of service.”
Mental Health Awareness
it’s imperative to make your mental health a priority. From processing the stressors of daily life and addressing the lingering effect of a traumatic childhood to assisting grieving the loss of a loved one and managing a diagnosis of a major disorder such as depression, working with a mental health provider can be one of the most powerful choices you make to affect your overall health.
Local Programs for Veterans and Their Families.
Our communities provide many resources for quality programs, benefits and advocacy to serve our veterans.
CT Veterans Resources
VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
Their Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.