BJC’s Veterans Community Supports Community of Veterans in Need

Each year, BJC and its employees support dozens of causes, many of them near and dear to the heart for employees and their loved ones. Here is an example of that support.

In October, BJC Veterans Connection group members joined forces to volunteer at Missouri Veterans Endeavor (MOVE-STL), a nonprofit organization that provides housing and services to homeless veterans and their families.

The group members, several joined by their spouses and children, raked leaves, cleared out flower beds and got to know one another. Many MOVE-STL veterans and their kids worked alongside the group and showed their appreciation.

One sign of BJC’s support will withstand the seasons. The BJC Veterans Connection group built a purple martin birdhouse that will remain perched on the MOVE-STL grounds. This type of birdhouse has compartments for purple martins to nest and form a tightly-knit community. Purple martins are known to return to their colony after migrating for the winter.

This is the second year BJC Veterans Connection partnered with MOVE-STL, and visiting for a fall cleanup activity will be a tradition for years to come. 

Brian Soldat, BJC supply chain project manager and U.S. Marine veteran, coordinated the 25 volunteers representing BJC. “I think many of the veterans across BJC enjoy working as a team and supporting the community,” says Soldat. “Having a way to connect with and help veterans gives us a new sense of service.”

Visit the BJC Veterans Connection website to browse photos of BJC Veterans Connection members volunteering at MOVE-STL.

For more information about the BJC Veterans Connection group or to receive news and activity information, email Mike Kelly, Missouri Baptist Medical Center operations vice president and group co-sponsor or email Troy Compardo, supply chain regional operations director and co-sponsor.