Johnson Controls donates heating and cooling systems to 12 military families

MILWAUKEE, July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, and its York brand of heating and cooling contractors and distributors, are launching sponsorship of the Building Homes for Heroes program, a national organization that recognizes the tremendous sacrifices of men and women of the United States Armed Forces by supporting the needs of severely wounded or disabled soldiers and their families. The Building Homes for Heroes initiative strives to build or renovate quality homes and gift the homes to severely injured veterans nationwide, mortgage free.

Through this sponsorship, Johnson Controls, along with its distributors and contractors nationwide, will be donating quality heating and cooling systems, including installation and labor costs, to 12 military families. These donations will assist in the completion of homes being renovated and built from the ground up.

The first veteran to benefit from the York brand of Johnson Controls sponsorship is Army Specialist Eduardo Fuentes-Bueno, who, with his family at his side, will receive the keys to his new home in a "Welcome Home" ceremony in Peoria, Arizona, on July 3. The veteran of the war in Afghanistan suffered a traumatic brain injury as well as serious injuries to both legs in a grenade attack in February 2012.

"The support of companies like Johnson Controls and its high quality York heating and cooling distributors and contractors nationwide enables our organization to reach more veterans in need and help them begin to rebuild their lives," said Chad Gottlieb, director of construction development, Building Homes for Heroes. "We work very hard to keep overhead costs down while continuing to install quality materials in the homes we construct, so these donations are especially valued."

Johnson Controls regularly aligns itself with organizations that significantly impact the lives of people and communities. "Community involvement is at the core of our business," said Rod Rushing, vice president and general manager, Unitary Products Group at Johnson Controls. "We are dedicated to serving the communities where we live and work and are especially proud to offer a small token of our appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices made by veterans and their families on our behalf."

The York brand of Johnson Controls donated a 4-ton York Affinity heat pump, and York contractor George Brazil Home Services, Phoenix, Arizona, installed the heating and cooling services for the Fuentes-Bueno family's new home. The participating distributor is US Air Conditioning Distributors.

"The decision to participate in the Building Homes for Heroes program was an easy one to make," said Jim Probst, President/Owner of George Brazil Services. "It's gratifying to think that we can honor the service of veterans like Eduardo and support their families by providing them with comfortable, air conditioned homes."

Over the next several months, York heating and air-conditioning contractors across the country will donate heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) products, as well as their time and talents, to support military families in their communities and move them into new or renovated homes in time for the holidays. Upcoming "Welcome Home" ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Saturday, September 06, 2014, in San Marcos, California
Saturday, September 13, 2014, in Riverview, Florida
Saturday, September 27, 2014, in Riverview, Florida
Tuesday, September 30, 2014, in Bradenton, Florida
Saturday, October 18, 2014, in San Antonio, Texas
Saturday, December 13, 2014, in El Paso, Texas

Building Homes for Heroes encourages attendance at these events. In addition, the organization invites anyone wishing to volunteer or make a donation to contact Building Homes for Heroes at [email protected].

York products from Johnson Controls include energy-efficient, residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and innovative light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a national distribution network and delivered to home- and building-owners through qualified York heating and cooling contractors. For more information about York, visit: www.york.com.

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and disciplined focus on operational execution, we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Building Homes for Heroes^®

Building Homes for Heroes^®, Inc. recognizes the tremendous sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by supporting the needs of severely combat wounded or disabled soldiers and their families. It is a national organization committed to supporting these brave men and women, with a goal to build homes for families in dire need. For more information on these projects, please call 516-684-9220 or visit the organization's website at www.buildinghomesforheroes.org.

CONTACT: Kari Pfisterer
414-524-4017
[email protected]

SOURCE Johnson Controls