The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, named for a New York City firefighter who died trying to save others on Sept. 11, 2001, held its second annual Footsteps to the Future Endowment Gala last week. The event held at the New York Hilton Midtown was ignored by most national media outlets, which seem more obsessed with salacious stories like the latest Stormy Daniels’ dirt about Trump’s personal indiscretions before he became president.

The Siller foundation honored the military and first responders who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country. Two of those, Lt. Christopher Raguso and Tech Sgt. Dashan Briggs, were killed on March 15 in the line of duty serving our nation in western Iraq.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation made an initial pledge of $200,000 to the two fallen heroes and used all additional proceeds raised from supporters to pay off the remainder of their families’ mortgages.

Last week’s event also honored the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Home Depot, which, along with Lowe’s, the other major home improvement store, have been strong supporters of U.S. veterans.

Home Depot says it has given more than a quarter of a billion dollars to veteran-related causes since 2011.

“Too many of our veterans and their families face major housing challenges, aggravated by issues like unemployment, age and service-related disabilities,” it states in its mission to aid veterans. “Through nonprofit partnerships and hands-on volunteering, we work hard every day to improve the lives of veterans and their families.”

Along with building and repairing homes for those who have served, Home Depot has been funding nonprofit partners across the country whose programs focus on ending veteran homelessness, create housing for our most critically wounded veterans as well as for our aging veterans.

Lowe’s, the other major home improvement store, has also supported veterans, such as offering a military discount for men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.

These companies are not alone in their support for veterans. About 9 percent of U.S. businesses are owned by former service members. The National Veteran-Owned Business Association estimates the number of veteran-owned businesses at 3 million.

Some major companies that were founded by or are now headed by former members of the U.S. military include:

• FedEx, founded and led by Frederick Smith, who served four years in the Marine Corps;

• Sports Clips, founded by Gordon Logan and his wife; Logan is an MIT graduate and an Air Force veteran;

• RE/MAX, co-founded by Dave Liniger and his wife; Liniger served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War;

• Walmart, founded by the Walton brothers, Sam and Bud, who served in the Army and Navy respectively;

• GoDaddy, founded by Bob Parson who served in Marine Corps in during the Vietnam War;

• Nike, co-founded by Phil Knight who served one year on active duty in the Army and seven in the Army Reserve;

• Universal Health Services, founded by Alan B. Miller who joined ROTC while in college before his Army service;

• Amway, co-founded by Richard DeVos who served in the Army Air Corps during WWII;

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company, founded by Jack Taylor, a decorated Navy pilot who served in WWII.

Chris Hale, founder and president of NaVOBA, says former military members prove to be ideally suited for leadership positions in corporate America. In a radio interview, he explained the skills and characteristics veterans and service members bring to the workplace, describing them as being drug free, healthy, diverse and willing to relocate.

They also have leadership and exhibit teamwork under pressure.

BuyVeteran.com is one resource offered by NaVOBA which shows veteran-owned companies in a specific city or region. It also provides members with badges for store windows, business cards and other promotional materials to identify their veteran connection more easily.

Being supportive of veteran-owned businesses is a great way to thank returning service members and their families for their sacrifices to protect our freedoms.

By Jim Zbick | tneditor@tnonline.com