Pilot Company kicks off round-up campaign to support veterans, respond to national coin shortage

In celebration of Independence Day, Pilot Company is raising funds through an in-store round-up campaign for the Call of Duty Endowment, an organization dedicated to helping veterans. Now through July 13, guests visiting Pilot Company stores throughout the U.S., including participating Pilot and Flying J travel centers and One9 Fuel Network stores, can opt to round-up their purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the additional amount to the Endowment.

The timing of the campaign aligns with a national coin shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While Pilot Company continues to provide change as appropriate, the round-up option provides a simple way for guests to instead donate their change to support military veterans. Due to the economic impacts of the pandemic, veterans are urgently seeking employment and the Endowment’s grantee organizations recently reported a major increase in demand for their services and support. 

“As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s important to recognize those who serve and protect our country,” said James A. Haslam II, founder of Pilot Company and veteran. “Pilot has had a long history of giving back to veteran-related causes, including the Call of Duty Endowment. We are honored to partner with them again through this round-up campaign to assist veterans in finding high-quality careers. The change in your pocket can add up to life-changing support for our nation’s service men and women.”

Throughout the course of the two-week campaign, guests are invited to visit any of the 700 company-operated stores in the U.S. to participate, including Pilot and Flying J travel centers and restaurants, EZ Trip, Mr. Fuel, Stamart and Pride locations*. Guests will be prompted at checkout to round-up their purchase** or make a donation of another amount. When guests donate, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Call of Duty Endowment to help veterans prepare and transition to civilian careers.

“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and generosity of Pilot Company and their guests, who are helping us ensure high quality employment for veterans during these very difficult times,” said the Call of Duty Endowment’s executive director, CAPT Dan Goldenberg, US Navy (Ret.). “Every dollar raised goes directly to helping veterans find meaningful employment." 

The donations made during this campaign and Pilot Company’s previous $100,000 donation in 2019 for Veterans Day will help support the Endowment’s ambitious goal of getting 100,000 veterans back to work by 2024.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about. For nearby travel center locations to donate, download the Pilot Flying J app***. More information on Call of Duty Endowment is available at callofdutyendowment.org.

*Through July 12, round up donations made at Knoxville-area Pilot Convenience Stores will benefit the Alzheimer's Research Initiative at The University of Tennessee Medical Center to help find a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

**Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bull programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

***Standard data rates may apply.