Sodexo Stands Up for over 2,000 Veterans at Annual Operation Stand Down Event

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, proudly served the more than 2,000 veterans who attended Operation Stand Down from July 22 through 24 in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. Coordinated by Sodexo's employee resource business group, HONOR, volunteers from accounts in Sodexo's Government, Healthcare, Universities and Corporate Services business segments served lunch for the attendees as well as hosted an employment table for all three days of the event.

Operation Stand Down is an annual event that since 1988 had provides services to help homeless and at-risk veterans with their transition to civilian life. During the three-day event, attendees connect with services ranging from VA health care, mental health services, court services and legal aid. In addition, clothing, meals, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, ID/Drivers licenses, showers, haircuts, job readiness and job placement resources and education, and a myriad of other services were available. 

Bringing HONOR and Jobs to Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
Sodexo joined 70 agencies and businesses providing time, service and support at Balboa Park, San Diego's Stand Down location. Sodexo has been working in close partnership with Veterans Village, producers of Operation Stand Down, to provide job placement and employment counselling for veterans in Southern California.

Because of this partnership, Sodexo was the first and only business organization invited to set up a table for all three days of the event. 32 Sodexo HONOR volunteers took turns staffing the table where attendees practiced interview skills, received help with resumes and  job applications. In addition to employment support, the 2,000 veterans enjoyed a hot lunch of baked chicken, stir fry vegetables and rice, prepared by Sodexo Chefs and served by Sodexo volunteers. 

"Sodexo has always been a strong military employer, but this event allows us to improve the quality of life for our veterans in a personal way," explained Maria Martinez Gugliotti, Sodexo HONOR Co-Chair. "We feel honored and privileged to be part of this life-altering event for our veterans."

HONOR is one of several Sodexo employee business resource groups and stands for Honor Our Nation's finest with Opportunity and Respect. HONOR members provide support, guidance and resources to Sodexo employees who are current or former members of the military and their families.

Sodexo has been recognized as one of the nation's Top 100 Military Friendly Employers by G.I. Jobs for the eighth consecutive year. Their work with Veteran Village, Operation Stand Down, as well as their website, www.SodexoHiresHeroes.com, demonstrates their dedication to Veterans, Reservists and Active Duty Personnel looking to transition to civilian life. 

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The global Fortune 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more at the company's corporate blog, Sodexo Insights. 

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SOURCE Sodexo

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