It donates to local charities and, in general,
endorses many other community projects.
We, the veterans organizations — Veterans of Foreign Wars,
American Legion, Disabled American Veterans — have had in the
past a good relationship with our Lenoir City Walmart.
We have been permitted to conduct our buddy
poppy programs on its premises, and Walmart has donated to our
youth projects. We are grateful, and we thank them for their
past support.
However, our request to conduct our buddy
poppy program this year was denied. Lenoir City management
represented that corporate Walmart would now only support
solicitations from incorporated charity programs.
We have reason to believe that this was not a
corporate Walmart mandate since other Walmart stores in the area
are allowing our buddy poppy program. We must conclude this
denial is a Lenoir City management decision.
We have no knowledge, nor have we been
informed, that any of our members have in any way been
disrespectful, aggressive or rude to the public.
We have complied with local management’s rules
and restrictions and located our collection tables where they
have directed.
The funds from our buddy poppy program are
used to assist our local veterans, our current troops and their
families. In fact, these poppies are made by disabled veterans
in VA hospitals who are paid for their work, and this assists
them in purchasing their personal items.
This is to inform the public that local
Walmart management has withdrawn its support for local veterans
and troops. Veterans and their families and those of you who
support our troops — ask Walmart management why its policies
discriminate against military service.
James A. Bryant
Commander
Charles G. Kerfoot
Adjutant
Click here for more info on the Buddy Poppy Program
