Rent-to-own News - Rent One honors Vets in second medallion ceremony

Rent One of Salem, Illinois, this weekend awarded over 80 special medallions to veterans at the Rent One/National Guard tent located in the town square as part of the city's 37th annual Little Egypt Festival.

L to R: Salem Rent One Manager Patricia Gibson, three local veterans and SFC Greg L. Weaver at the recent Rent One Medallion Ceremony.

The medallion ceremony, Rent One's second such event, was held October 6 prior to the Little Egypt parade in which Rent One also entered a float themed “Salute to our Veterans” -- a tribute to U.S. military veterans and troops currently serving.

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The float was escorted by two Hummvees courtesy of the Illinois National Guard which also provided the tent for the medallion ceremony.

Store manager Patricia Gibson and her store staff put in extra hours on the tent display and float on which several veterans rode during the parade. Veterans from all wars were represented including a number from World War II who shared their stories and appreciation with Gibson and Rent One staff members.

"It brought tears to their eyes from me just putting the medallion around their necks," Gibson said. "It brought such a good feeling to me to touch their hearts and to show them that people really do care what they did for us. Some of them never got to experience that."

Rent One staff, veterans and Illinois National Guard Troops in front of the Rent One float Saturday.

Given the success of the two veteran medallion ceremony's, David Keen, Rent One's employee development manager, said the effort was one the company will continue.

Rent One owner Larry Carrico said judging by the way the effort has been received by not only veterans but the community at large, the event is a win win for all involved.

"Everybody tries to look for things to hang their hat on as far as involvement with the community and giving back," Carrico said. "This is a unique thing and probably one of the most appreciated things we've ever done is honoring those who've served our country. The benefits are enormous."

mevans@rtohq.org