Mohawk Industries CEO honors veterans, touts 10-year partnership with Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Nov. 17—CALHOUN — Mohawk Industries CEO Jeff Lorberbaum and the company's Director of National Accounts Bill Gaddis shared one word to describe their thoughts on U.S. armed forces veterans and first responders during a veterans ceremony at the company's headquarters on Wednesday: Gratitude.

"We're here for one reason, and that is to honor our veterans," Gaddis said as local military veterans employed at Mohawk and Georgia State Patrol officers gathered in Mohawk's customer experience training room at 196 S. Industrial Blvd. in Calhoun. "We thank you for your service and everything you've done. What you've provided us and provided this country is appreciated."

While Veterans Day was Nov. 11, Gaddis said the company held its veterans ceremony on Nov. 15 because the opportunity arose for "a very distinguished guest" to come and be a part of the ceremony.

The guest was Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit 501©(3) corporation headquartered in New York City that helps veterans, first responders and families affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks rebuild by providing mortgage-free homes and specially-adapted smart homes.

Siller's brother Stephen was a firefighter for the New York Fire Department's Brooklyn Squad 1 who perished inside the Twin Towers during the Sept. 11 attacks after racing on foot — with 60 pounds of gear on his back — through the two-mile long Brooklyn Battery Tunnel while it was shut down for security reasons.

Representing 'the best' of America"We're really here to celebrate our veterans as well as our 10-year partnership with Tunnels to Towers," said Lorberbaum. "Our Mohawk team employs hundreds of veterans built by the skills and work ethics you guys gain in military service to contribute to the success of Mohawk and we really appreciate all that you guys do for us."

Speaking to the veterans in attendance, Lorberbaum touched on the vital role they have played in the community and the nation.

"America remains a shining light of freedom and hope to the rest of the world because of all of you, our veterans who have worked so hard for us," he said. "You represent the best (example) of what it means to be an American, and we really thank you for all that you've done.

"The sense of personal sacrifice to the greater good is why veterans are heroes and deserve our respect and support every day," he continued. "To those of you here, we are all indebted to your courage and sacrifices. You helped write the history of the nation and you continue to make a difference every single day. Thank you for your service and your commitment to our country."

10 years of partnershipLorberbaum spoke on the continued partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

"Frank (Siller)'s brother Stephen lost his life in order to save others, and Frank and his family have assured his legacy lives on." said Lorberbaum. "In the years since 9/11, Tunnel to Towers has done incredible work to assist our veterans, family of fallen first responders and military personnel around the country."

He said when Gaddis first heard about the foundation 10 years ago he "thought it would be a really good fit for Mohawk" because of their shared values.

"(Gaddis) arranged back then for (Frank Siller) to come visit us in Calhoun, where he brought a special guest to meet us, Cpl. Todd Love," he said. "(Love) had lost both his legs and his left arm in an explosion in Afghanistan and, despite his injuries, he continued to face the world with optimism and a grateful spirit."

Lorberbaum said after Love returned to Atlanta, he needed help "getting back in the world."

"And he needed a smart home to help with his needs so he could be more independent," he said.

According to the foundation's website, a smart home includes features such as automated doors and lighting, wider halls and doorways, special showers for wheelchair accommodation, automatic door openers and central heating and air conditioning systems that can be controlled by tablets, among others.

A video played during the ceremony detailed that Mohawk has provided support for the building of more than 80 smart homes through the 10-year partnership.

"I didn't know we'd ever be a part of helping (Love) and people like him, and we committed to Tunnel to Towers to help accomplish that," Lorberbaum said. "It's been a privilege to play a very small role in an important mission that has grown so much. Ten years ago we could not have dreamed how Tunnel to Towers would grow."

Lorberbaum said "we're proud to help these amazing veterans live independently. They are here for us and it's an honor to be a small part of what (Siller's) created at Tunnel to Towers."

Fifteen veterans employed locally at Mohawk received specialized challenge coins and a Tunnel to Towers gift package that included hats and shirts from Lorberbaum, Gaddis and Siller.

An evolving effortGaddis said Mohawk's partnership with Tunnel to Towers started with humble beginnings.

"At that time we had a very small budget," he said. "I think we were looking at about $2 million when we started to build these homes. The foundation really started out supporting the families of 9/11 — the 343 firemen that perished when the (Twin) Towers collapsed. Then it kind of evolved when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. Now, they're working to support first responders and their families; they've now built and paid mortgages on more than 1,000 homes."

He shared the story of Brendan Marrocco, the very first U.S. soldier to survive a quadruple amputation on the frontlines of Iraq or Afghanistan.

"(Marrocco) was from (Siller's) neighborhood in Staten Island," Gaddis recalled. "He was injured by an IED (improvised explosive device) and he lost both arms and both legs, and Frank went to see him afterwards in the hospital. Frank walked up to him and said, 'I'm going to build you a house.' Then he said, 'I've gotta figure out now how to do it.'"

Gaddis said through the partnership, Mohawk and Tunnel to Towers have both seen inspirational success.

"More importantly, which is the reason (Mohawk) got involved with this, it's because of the integrity and credibility of (Siller), Gaddis said. "The most important statistic of this foundation is that 95% of all the money that is raised goes toward the cause. I just can't tell you what it means to me to be involved and what it means to have you guys here today."

Gaddis ended by reminding everyone to carry out the foundation's mission statement to "Do good and never forget."

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation offers a donation plan of $11 a month. Donations can be made by calling 1-844-BRAVEST or by visiting its website at www.tunnel2towers.org.