For U.S. Army veteran and Inspire Chief Supply Officer Joel Blanchard, placing American flags at the graves of veterans isn’t just a Memorial Day tradition – it’s a meaningful way to give back to the community that shaped his early adulthood.
“My journey with the military started at 18 years old when I reported to the United States Military Academy at West Point,” recalls Joel. He served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2008, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain before going on to serve in the Massachusetts National Guard. “I wanted to challenge myself – my intellect, my character, physical abilities, and leadership skills. The military did all of that.”
While Joel regularly draws upon the experience and skills he forged in the U.S. Army, it was through the Inspired Vets business resource group (BRG) at Inspire that he saw a real opportunity to reconnect with his military background. “Our Inspired Vets BRG fosters a culture of belonging for veteran and active-duty team members by highlighting the value of their military service, while also offering a way for them to continue participating in and serving the military community after their time in uniform.”
As the BRG’s executive sponsor, one of Joel’s first steps was to contact the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10822, located just a few miles from Inspire’s Atlanta Global Support Center.
“In 2022, our group was looking for ways to get involved in the community around Memorial Day, and we heard about a nearby VFW group hosting a flag-placing event to honor veterans. They welcomed our participation with open arms,” says Joel.
In the years since, the Inspired Vets BRG has built a meaningful partnership with Atlanta’s local VFW community. From hosting events connecting VFWs with other local veteran BRG groups to sending Dunkin’ coffee to deployed troops and racing to raise money for military families separated by distance, Inspired Vets continues to grow their partnership and give back – including at the annual Memorial Day flag-placing event that started it all.
“Memorial Day is a time for reflection and gratitude; a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us,” explains Joel. “Partnering with VFW Post 10822 has become an Inspired Vets tradition that team members and their families eagerly anticipate each year. For me, it’s both a moment of remembrance and new opportunity, offering team members a chance to build meaningful relationships across teams, generations, and the local community.”
