Across Pilot, many team members have personal ties to the military community. They recently shared powerful stories that reflect the many ways military service touches our lives. Here are just a few of them.

Answering the Call at Home and Abroad 

Cory Spradlin, a Pilot truck driver based in Toledo, Ohio, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1998 and attended basic training. He deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in 2000, then served during one of the most traumatic periods in U.S history. On September 12, 2001, he deployed to provide security at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and to Ground Zero in New York City, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2007-08, Cory volunteered as a team leader for combat service in Afghanistan. Cory’s service during times of both conflict and peace exemplifies the selflessness of our military community.

Commitment Across Generations

For some Pilot team members, military service is a family tradition.

Colleen Oliver, cashier at Pilot #593, Tucson, Arizona, grew up as a “military brat.” That allowed her to experience an extraordinary childhood, living in Turkey and Japan and visiting many other countries. In 1972, when less than two percent of all armed forces personnel were women, she followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Air Force. Colleen’s son also served in the military, underscoring how military service often becomes a lasting family legacy.

Lessons Learned Through Service 

For most, serving in the military teaches lifelong lessons.

Jason Brantley, a senior security engineer at our sales and support center in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran with over 20 years of service, including combat service during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Jason says his military experience shaped how he shows up today, from teamwork and accountability to servant leadership. He’s proud that Pilot reflects the same values he lived by while in uniform: showing up for others, continuous improvement and taking pride in meaningful work.

Serving Together as a Family 

For Shana Klein, shift supervisor at Pilot #44, Boonville, Missouri, serving in the U.S. Army is an honor she shares with her late husband, Fred Speak. Shana, who served for ten years, and her husband, who served for twenty, both later became Army recruiters. Because their service overlapped while they raised their four children, military life became a true family effort. There were times when both parents were in the field or working long hours, and they relied on their community for support along the way. At the same time, military life brought unique opportunities to create lasting memories from the family’s extensive travel and adventures together.

Together, these stories show that while military service takes many forms, the values it instills, like leadership, resilience, and commitment, closely reflect those that shape our team and our culture. We’re proud to work alongside individuals who bring these values to life every day.

At Pilot, the respect and appreciation we have for the military community extends to every day of the year. Once authenticated through ID.me in the Pilot app, verified service members can save year-round with a 10% discount on food and beverages* when using the Pilot app.

Pilot is grateful to our team members and to all Americans who commit to military service. Read this news release to learn more about how Pilot honors service members during Military Appreciation Month and beyond.

*Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for terms and conditions.

In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Miles of Good Foundation is donating $125,000 to Hire Heroes USA to help advance its mission of providing personalized employment assistance for service members and their spouses to help them transition to the civilian workforce.

"Pilot’s long-standing support as an employer partner since 2018 has played a meaningful role in helping veterans and military spouses build successful civilian careers,” said Ross Dickman, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “With the additional contribution from Miles of Good Foundation, we will be able to connect thousands of service members with personalized career support that leads to meaningful employment opportunities.  Partnerships like this are critical to our mission and help create lasting pathways to economic stability for those who have served.” 

Since Miles of Good Foundation was launched in 2026, the foundation has contributed a total of nearly $400,000, adding to the more than $4.4 million Pilot has given since 2020, to assist military members, veterans and their families through education, career development and community programs.

“Those who serve our country bring an extraordinary sense of purpose, leadership and commitment to every stage of life,” said Meg Counts, president of Miles of Good Foundation and director of corporate giving and events at Pilot. “By supporting Hire Heroes USA and other trusted nonprofit partners, Miles of Good Foundation is proud to help military members, veterans and their families build strong futures beyond service while showing them how much their sacrifices truly matter.”

Pilot is also celebrating Military Appreciation Month with exclusive weekly offers in May for free food and drinks for eligible service members and their families at participating travel centers* when using the Pilot app. Once authenticated through ID.me in the Pilot app, verified service members will get access to the Military Appreciation Month weekly deals* and can continue to save year-round with a 10% discount on food and beverages** when using the Pilot app.

As a proud employer of veterans, Pilot also encourages former and transitioning service members and military spouses to explore career opportunities by visiting Careers.PilotCompany.com.

For more information about Military Appreciation Month offers at Pilot, visit PilotCompany.com.  

*See offers in the Pilot app for terms and conditions. 

**Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for terms and conditions.

Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s mission because stroke is more than a statistic. People all over the country, including some of our team members, have been affected by stroke. With the team members we spoke to, there was one common thread: the importance of recognizing signs early, seeking care quickly and prioritizing recovery. Read three Pilot team members’ stories as a reminder of why Stroke Month matters and learn to spot the signs of a stroke.

Acting Quickly Changed Everything

Joanna Lujan, travel center general manager of Pilot #1143, Odessa, Texas, has seen her sister Rosemary Tarango experience two strokes, each reinforcing the importance of quick action.

The first occurred while the sisters were shopping and Rosemary suddenly didn’t feel well. Joanna listened as Rosemary described tunnel vision and lightheadedness, and then she began to slur her words. Recognizing the warning signs, Joanna immediately called 911. Doctors confirmed that swift medical intervention helped Rosemary prevent paralysis.

A few months later, Rosemary experienced another stroke, this time at church. She became shaky and once again began to slur her words. Emergency services were called, and she was rushed to the hospital. With Joanna and other family supporting her, Rosemary continues her healing journey from the second stroke, working each day toward recovery.

Hope in the Face of a New Normal

For Magaly Carranza, driver supervisor, San Diego lubricants department, November 29, 2024, was a life-changing day. Her mother, Maribel Carranza, suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot in her brain that doctors determined couldn’t be surgically removed, leading to a three-week hospital stay and the start of a long recovery journey.

After returning home, Maribel has had challenges with speech and the ability to eat. Her recovery is a daily commitment requiring many hours of dedicated care and assessment each week.

For Magaly, balancing her career with caregiving responsibilities—for her mom as well as her young daughter—has been a lesson in resilience and the importance of a strong support system. She says that her mother’s strength is an inspiration to her as the family navigates this new chapter together.

A Wake-Up Call Saved His Life

In 2023, Gary Proulx, assistant deli general manager at Pilot #1490, Mason, Tennessee, was cooking dinner for his wife of 38 years, Barbara, when he passed out. Barbara called 911, and emergency responders soon arrived, ultimately enlisting help from the fire department to get him safely to the hospital.

There, doctors discovered a 90% blockage in Gary’s right carotid artery. Even more alarming, Gary had already experienced a series of strokes leading up to this episode, without realizing it.

Gary underwent surgery to remove and repair the blockage. After three months off work to heal, he has made a complete recovery and experienced no lasting effects. Gary’s takeaway is simple and powerful: prioritize health so you can keep living a full life. Get regular check-ups and commit to healthy lifestyle choices before a crisis arises.

Know the Signs: Act FAST to Spot Stroke

Quick action can save a life. One of the easiest ways to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is by remembering the acronym BE FAST.

B: Balance Loss. Does the person appear unsteady?

E: Eye (vision) Changes. Ask the person if their vision is blurred or temporarily lost.

F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?

A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?

S: Speech. Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding words. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T: Time to call 911. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms go away. Every minute matters.

Recognizing the FAST signs and acting quickly can make a life-changing difference, just as it did in the stories shared here.

Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Stroke Month. By sharing stories and education, we can all play a role in reducing the impact of stroke. Together, we can make a difference.

Sharing Smiles with Kids

In Texas, team members volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, whose mission is to provide a home away from home for families traveling so their child can receive medical treatment. The team hosted a “Lego Challenge” activity for the children staying there, creating time for play, creativity and joy during a challenging time.

Lending a Helping Hand

In Orange, California, team members spent time at The Hub OC, a resource center that each day supports more than 200 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Team members pitched in by packing meals, painting, cleaning and organizing supplies, helping advance The Hub’s mission to serve people with dignity and love.

Supporting Educators

In Tennessee, team members pitched in at Knox County Schools’ Teacher Supply Depot, where teachers and other school personnel can shop free of charge for new classroom materials donated by local businesses and organizations. Pilot team members sorted and packaged school supplies and wrote notes of thanks and encouragement for local education professionals.

Caring for Natural Resources

Another group of our Tennessee team members spent the day at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, whose mission is to provide immersive programs that connect people to nature and to one another. Pilot volunteers helped remove harmful invasive plant species, supporting efforts to restore and protect the ecosystem at the Tremont facility.

Pilot is privileged to invest our time and resources to strengthen the communities around us. We’re looking forward to holding another Volunteer Day in October 2026. Visit the Miles of Good™ webpage to learn more about how Pilot is making a positive impact in the places in which we live and work.

From April 30-May 21, 2026, guests can help make positive change and join the fight against stroke by rounding up their purchases during checkout at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Center locations nationwide.*

Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly are vital. Throughout the month, Pilot and the Heart Association are promoting the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs:

• B – Balance Loss: Does the person appear unsteady?
• E – Eye (vision) Changes: Is vision blurred or temporarily lost?
• F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
• A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
• S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred?
• T – Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.**

In addition to the round-up campaign, Pilot is prioritizing the health of its team members by providing access to the Heart Association’s stroke prevention education, resources and screenings to be more aware of the signs of stroke. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting the local American Heart Association office.

As a longstanding supporter of the Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, Pilot is dedicated to advancing heart and stroke health in the communities it serves through its Miles of Good program. This marks the second year Pilot has extended that commitment to include fundraising specifically for American Stroke Month.

For more information about Pilot’s American Stroke Month initiatives and to find a participating travel center, visit pilotcompany.com.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States from 4/30/26-5/21/26 will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Campaign. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2026 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

Pilot #1327, Chicopee, MA

Whether you’re hauling freight across New England or heading home after a long day, Pilot’s new Chicopee location, conveniently located off I-90 at 357 Burnett Rd., is designed to provide what you need. This is Pilot’s second travel center to open in Massachusetts.

The Chicopee location is full of convenient amenities including:

• 25 dedicated truck parking spaces
• 7 diesel lanes
• Clean, roomy restrooms and private showers
• A hot and cold deli with hearty, quick options including Pilot’s craveable pizza and crispy chicken tenders
• Fully stocked coolers with a wide selection of beverages
• Four self-checkouts to help you move fast
• Mobile fueling and exclusive perks on the Pilot app

“Our team is excited to welcome drivers to the new Pilot in Chicopee,” says Brandon Ohler, region manager. “Whether it’s for a quick break or a longer stay, we’re proud to be here for the people who keep New England moving.”

Find everything you need for the road at the new Chicopee Pilot!

Pilot #1446, Ponce de Leon, FL 

Our newest location in the Florida Panhandle is built to help fuel your journey.

Located at 2923 Hwy. 81, just off I-10 at exit 96, this Ponce de Leon stop has plenty of amenities including: 

• 87 dedicated truck parking spaces
• 8 diesel lanes
• Clean, roomy restrooms and private showers
• Public laundry facilities for long‑haul convenience
• A hot and cold deli with grab‑and‑go meals
• Fully stocked coolers with beverages for every taste
• Four self-checkouts for faster service
• Mobile fueling and Pilot app deals and rewards

“Pilot’s new Ponce de Leon location was designed with our guests in mind,” says Mark Hasse, region manager. “We’re proud to offer a clean, comfortable place to rest, refuel and recharge. Our team looks forward to serving the Panhandle community and everyone passing through for years to come.”

From quick bites to a fresh shower, the new Ponce de Leon Pilot has your back wherever the road leads.

Giving Back from Day One

We believe in working shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities we serve. Through Pilot’s giving program, Miles of Good, we have championed education by donating to hundreds of public schools across North America.

To celebrate the new store grand openings, Pilot is donating $20,000 to each community to support education. Chicopee Public Schools, serving students in Chicopee, MA, and the Holmes District School Board, serving Ponce de Leon, FL students, each received a $20,000 check to help fund programs and opportunities that fuel students’ futures.

This funding helps ensure students have what they need to inspire curiosity, strengthen learning and create opportunities to help them thrive. By funding public schools, Pilot is proud to support the next generation.

In It with You

These two new store openings are part of our commitment to give you more quality amenities, more convenience and more reasons to take a comfortable break from the road. Whether you’re a professional driver supporting America’s supply chain or a family heading out on an adventure, Pilot is here to be your trusty wingman.

See you out here!

In 2026, Pilot’s goal is to raise $1 million to directly fuel the mission of saving lives. Now in its ninth campaign year with the Heart Association, Pilot and its guests have raised a total of nearly $10 million.

Guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers and take part in simple, meaningful actions that collectively make a life-saving difference:

• Paper Hearts and Round Up: Guests at U.S. locations can add a $1, $3 or $5 paper heart or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign. Guests at Canadian locations can round up their in-store purchases, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Heart & Stroke in Canada*
• Donate in the App: For the first time, guests can now donate $1, $3 or $5 directly through the Pilot app when placing a mobile order, making it easier to support heart health with just a click
• Free Coffee Offer: To thank guests for their contributions, Pilot app users who join the "Heart Month Challenge" and purchase a paper heart in-store will receive an offer for a free coffee on their next visit**

Alongside the company’s fundraising efforts, Pilot is committed to helping its team members take meaningful steps toward better heart health. During Heart Month, the company’s team members will have access to hands-only CPR training, blood pressure resources and heart health education developed by the Heart Association to support prevention, awareness and lifesaving action. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting their local Heart Association office.

Pilot’s support of the Heart Association is fueled by the company’s Miles of Good giving program. Additional details about Pilot’s Heart Month campaign are available at PilotCompany.com/heart-month. Information about heart health programs and resources can be found at heart.org and heartandstroke.ca.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full amount of each heart purchase and the round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores from 1/30/26-2/22/26 will be donated to the American Heart Association in the US and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Certain purchases are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited.

**Valid from 1/30/26-2/22/26. Available only at participating locations. Limited to one free small Pilot hot coffee. myRewards account required. Not valid in Canada. Additional terms apply – see store for details.

Brian – The Checkup That Changed Everything

Brian had put off his annual physical for three years. When he finally went, it was mostly to check a box. That appointment saved his life.

"My new primary care physician's attention to detail radically changed my life when he detected an audible heart murmur," Brian says. 

At 37, Brian learned his heart was missing a chord that helps the valve pump blood efficiently. After surgery and recovery, he’s healthy now, but he often wonders what would have happened if he had waited another year.

Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half. Brian’s story is proof that regular checkups can catch what you can’t see or feel.

Olga and Adelina – Keeping Tiny Hearts Beating

Olga’s daughter, Adelina, was born healthy. But during a routine checkup at four days old, doctors discovered her aortic valve hadn’t developed properly. Their quick action and a lifesaving procedure changed everything. Today, thanks to that intervention and years of careful monitoring, Adelina is a thriving 11-year-old. “This is true with any heart disease, but with aortic stenosis in particular, timing is critical,” Olga shares. “This condition can be silent for years, and feeling ‘fine’ doesn’t mean it isn’t progressing. Monitoring is powerful, and the right timing for medical intervention is everything.”

One in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Advances in pediatric cardiac care, funded by organizations like the American Heart Association, are helping more children like Adelina survive and thrive.

Donnie – The Test That Could Save Your Life

Donnie did everything right – daily workouts, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Yet, at just 48, he suffered a widow maker heart attack while at the gym.

“I thought I was doing everything to stay healthy,” Donnie shares. “I had no idea I needed to get checked.” 

Despite his commitment to fitness, doctors discovered a 100% blockage. Two years of recovery taught him an important lesson. “Getting a coronary artery calcium score, a quick, painless scan that takes less than 10 minutes, can save your life or someone you love.”

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on fitness level. Even healthy people need to know their numbers and schedule regular screenings.

David – A Second Chance at Life

David was at work at Pilot Travel Center #722 in Knoxville, Tennessee when chest pain hit. A co-worker found him on the floor of the store.

"I was told I died on the way to the hospital," David recalls. "I had a widow maker heart attack."

Widow maker heart attacks have just a 12% survival rate outside a hospital, but thankfully paramedics were able to save David's life.

After his cardiac event, David quit smoking after 40 years. His story is proof that it's never too late to make changes that protect your heart.

A Child's Fight and a Donor's Gift

Hannah's son Bennett was born with only half a heart, a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At just 6 days old, he underwent his first open-heart surgery.

Shortly after, doctors discovered Bennett had suffered a stroke and brain bleed. By 6 months old, he had endured two more surgeries. The first 10 months of his life were spent in the hospital.

When Bennett turned 2, his family returned to the hospital hoping to complete the second stage of his three-stage surgery. Instead, he needed emergency surgery, his fifth before his third birthday.

"We focused on enjoying our time with him, as we were told he couldn't withstand any more surgeries," Hannah says.

Thankfully, Bennett grew stronger over the next couple of years. Hospital visits became less frequent, but at age 11, doctors delivered devastating news: Bennett needed a heart transplant. Several months later, thanks to an organ donor family’s selfless decision, Bennett received his gift of life.

 Today, Bennett is preparing to celebrate his 13th birthday on February 7.

"He has more energy than I could have ever imagined, and his eyes are full of life and light," Hannah says. "There have been a lot of tears but also a lot of laughter," Hannah shares. "I'm forever grateful to our donor family for making a selfless decision during such a hard time in their lives. I'm thankful for our doctors and nurses who love Bennett so very much and I'm thankful for my Pilot family who have been very supportive along the way."

Bennett's story shows what's possible when research, medicine and human generosity come together.

Julius – Trusting Your Instincts

Julius felt a "pop" in his head while exercising. Not pain, exactly. Just something that didn't feel right.

He could have brushed it off, but thankfully, he didn't.

"I felt an unusual popping sensation in my head. I trusted my instincts and got help right away. That decision saved my life."

The diagnosis was a ruptured brain aneurysm, a severe form of stroke. Julius spent weeks relearning to speak and walk. Today, he's fully recovered. He credits his survival to acting fast and getting emergency care immediately.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke symptoms aren't always obvious. Acting quickly on any warning sign, even subtle ones, dramatically improves survival and recovery rates. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, get help.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

If you watched someone collapse, would you know what to do?

You can. And it only takes two steps.

This February, Pilot is supporting the American Heart Association through its stores in the U.S. and the Heart & Stroke Foundation through its stores in Canada to promote heart health and empower team members and guests with lifesaving skills. As part of this relationship, we're sharing essential information about Hands-Only CPR.

What to Do When Someone Collapses

When a teen or adult suddenly collapses from a cardiac emergency, stay calm. You have the tools to make a difference. All you need is a phone and your hands.

• Step 1: Call 911

• Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

Check if the person is breathing or responsive. If not, start chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and don't stop until emergency responders arrive.

Is it really that simple? It is!

Learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 Seconds

Learning Hands-Only CPR is easy. Watch this 90-second demonstration video from the American Heart Association. That's all it takes to turn from a bystander into a lifesaver.

For Pilot team members: Throughout February, you have access to free Hands-Only CPR training, blood pressure checks, and heart health resources. Check your internal communications for details on how to access these lifesaving tools.

Why This Matters

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year.¹ Heart disease and stroke remain two of the nation's biggest health threats, impacting approximately 1.5 million Americans annually² including our team members, their loved ones, and the guests Pilot serves.

Yet bystanders only intervene less than half the time³, often due to uncertainty or lack of training. The reality is stark: nine out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die because they don't receive immediate CPR.⁴

But here's the good news: CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest.⁵

Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, anywhere—at the gym, in the grocery store, during a child's soccer game, or at a travel center. That's why the American Heart Association is working to educate at least one person in every household in Hands-Only CPR to build a Nation of Lifesavers.

Join the Fight Against Heart Disease and Stroke

This February, Pilot is taking action to combat the nation's #1 and #4 killers. From January 30 - February 22, you can support the fight at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Centers by:

• Buying a paper heart ($1, $3, or $5)

• Rounding up your purchase at checkout

• Donating when you place a mobile order in the app

Your generosity funds heart health education and resources. Together, we can change the outcome for the 1.5 million Americans affected by heart attacks and strokes each year. Learn more at pilotcompany.com/heart-month.

References

1. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93-e621. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Million Hearts. Risks for Heart Disease and Stroke. Available at: https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/about-million-hearts/science-facts/risks.html

3. CARES. 2023 Annual Report. Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival. Available at: https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2024/2023%20Annual%20Report_WEB.pdf

4. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93-e621. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123

5. Blewer AL, McGovern SK, Schmicker RH, et al. Association of Bystander and First-Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina HeartRescue Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(4):e007968. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.117.007968

As part of the company’s Miles of Good initiative, Pilot is continuing its long-standing support of the Call of Duty Endowment with its annual round-up** campaign and contributing $250,000 toward the organization’s mission of placing veterans into high-quality careers after their service. From November 8 through December 1, guests can round-up** their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3 or $5 at any participating Pilot location. The Call of Duty Endowment will receive 100% of funds donated during this campaign. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have given more than $5.2 million to the Call of Duty Endowment, helping over 8,000 veterans transition to civilian careers.

“Our company is rooted in showing people they matter at every turn and it is our privilege to honor the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s veterans,” said Brad Anderson, president of retail at Pilot. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help veterans find fulfilling careers in partnership with the Call of Duty Endowment and are honored to give thanks for their service by treating them and their families this Veterans Day.” 

On Veterans Day, November 11, Pilot is offering veterans, military personnel and their families who are authenticated with ID.me in the Pilot app their choice of a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink*. This limited-time offer can be claimed at participating Pilot locations through the Pilot app.* Pilot also offers year-round military savings for verified ID.me veterans, military members and their families with 10% discount on food and beverages when using the Pilot app***.

Pilot is a proud employer of veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to join its team by visiting jobs.pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Call of Duty Endowment, visit callofdutyendowment.org.

*Offer is available 11/11/2025 from 12:01 AM ET to 11:59 PM ET. Must authenticate in the Pilot app via ID.me™ to receive offer and then must save offer in app and present myRewards card, barcode in app, or phone number associated with myRewards account at time of purchase. Offer may be redeemed in-store for one (1) hot sandwich AND one (1) hot coffee (any size), iced coffee (any size), OR fountain beverage (any size); excludes ICEE® beverages and bottled or packaged beverages. Valid only at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J and One9 branded, owned and/or operated locations. Not valid at dealer/licensee locations or restaurants. Not valid in Canada. Single use only. Void where prohibited or restricted. Invalid on prior purchases. Cannot be sold, bartered, or combined with other offers. No cash value, rain checks, or substitutions allowed. Offer may be modified or terminated at any time. Subject to myRewards terms and conditions (https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions). Other terms may apply. Data rates may apply. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**100% of the Call of Duty Endowment donations and round-up contributions Pilot collects from 11/08/25 at 12:01 AM (local time) through 12/1/25 at 11:59 PM (local time) will go to support the Call of Duty Endowment. Donations and round-up contributions only accepted at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States. Not valid at dealer/licensee locations. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs and purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for donations and round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

***Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for more details.

“People are our top priority at Pilot, and one of the ways we demonstrate this is by caring for the well-being of our team members, guests and communities,” said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s chief marketing officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Council. “Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and raising awareness and providing lifesaving education is critical to helping people take action and save lives.”

This initiative is part of Miles of Good, Pilot’s recently launched giving program dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. It also marks a milestone in Pilot’s eight-year support of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, as the company expands its efforts to include fundraising specifically for American Stroke Month. In addition to fundraising, Pilot is providing its team members with virtual CPR training and access to stroke prevention resources throughout May.

“Pilot’s support of the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in heart and brain health,” said Kayla Smith, executive director of the Knoxville American Heart Association. “This will help fund more critical research and enable us to reach more communities with lifesaving initiatives. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for everyone.”

According to the American Heart Association, recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can be the difference between life and death. Throughout American Stroke Month, Pilot is helping promote the warning signs of stroke using the FAST acronym:

-       Face drooping

-       Arm weakness

-       Speech difficulty

-       Time to call 911**

For more information about Pilot’s American Stroke Month initiatives and to find a participating travel center, visit pilotflyingj.com/stroke-month.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States from 5/09/25-5/31/25 will be donated to the American Heart Association. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

As part of Pilot’s purpose of showing people they matter at every turn, and through its recently launched Miles of Good initiative, the company is donating $100,000 to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of military members and first responders who have fallen or become disabled while serving their country or communities. This donation adds to the more than $2.7 million Pilot has given to support military and veteran-focused organizations since 2020.

"With contributions to organizations like Folds of Honor, we salute military service members’ legacies by helping provide educational scholarships,” said Meg Counts, director of corporate giving and events. “As a company grounded in serving others, we are honored to give our support to military members and their families who do so much to uplift and protect our communities.”

Throughout Military Appreciation Month in May, veterans, military personnel and their families who are authenticated with ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will unlock three free offers* each week that can be redeemed at participating Pilot locations. Deals include free Pilot coffee and fountain drinks, freshly prepared Pilot foods like pizza and breakfast sandwiches, and popular brand name cooler drinks.

Beyond these special offers, verified ID.me veterans, military members and their families can save year-round at Pilot with a 10% discount on food and beverages when using the myRewards Plus app.**

As a proud employer of veterans, Pilot encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to join its team by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com. For more information about Pilot’s Miles of Good giving program, visit pilotflyingj.com.

*To receive offer, guest must authenticate their military status through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app, save the offer in the app, and present myRewards card, barcode in the app, or phone number associated with myRewards account at time of purchase. Valid in the U.S. only. See offer details and full terms and conditions in the app.

** Visit https://pilotflyingj.com/terms-and-conditions for more details.

“At Pilot, people matter — and giving is another way we can show them that’s true,” said Pilot CEO Adam Wright. “Through our renewed focus on safety, education and veterans, the Miles of Good program reflects our deep commitment to building safer environments, fostering opportunities for growth and honoring those who have served — making a positive and lasting impact in what matters most to us — people.”

Miles of Good is guided by its mission to spread positivity, build meaningful connections and create lasting impacts in the communities it serves, focusing on three key pillars:

·       Safety: Prioritizing the safety of team members, guests and surrounding communities by supporting initiatives dedicated to well-being and protection.  

·       Education: Championing access to quality education, including STEM programs, scholarships and resources to help students succeed. 

·       Veterans: Honoring military service and supporting veterans’ transition to civilian life, providing career opportunities, and recognizing their ongoing contributions to society. 

To support these pillars, Pilot’s philanthropic efforts include monetary donations, in-kind contributions and community partnerships. Last year, Pilot donated more than $5.5 million to several meaningful causes and is committed to growing this number in the years ahead. Beyond charitable contributions, Pilot encourages a spirit of volunteerism among its nearly 30,000 team members, demonstrating the company’s commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts in the lives of others. 

“What makes Miles of Good special is how it empowers our team members to come together and make a meaningful difference,” said Meg Counts, Pilot’s director of corporate giving and events. “This isn’t just a corporate initiative, but a movement fueled by people who are passionate about giving, volunteering their time and strengthening our communities. We’re creating real impact because it comes from the heart and reflects who we are at our core.”  

Furthering its people-first culture, the company launched Pilot Cares, a team member assistance fund. This program offers financial support to team members facing unexpected hardships, such as medical emergencies or natural disaster recovery, ensuring they have the resources needed to get back on their feet.

Through Miles of Good, Pilot and its communities are paving the way for a brighter, safer and more connected future. Guests can learn more about Pilot’s giving efforts at pilotflyingj.com/miles-of-good.

"At Pilot, safety goes beyond being road-ready—it’s about protecting what matters most: our team members, guests and communities," said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s chief marketing officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why ™ Council. "Standing together in the fight against heart disease and stroke—the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in our country—is a meaningful way to bring our purpose to life and show people they matter at every turn.”

From Feb. 1–16, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers to donate and celebrate their commitment to heart health and safety. Ways to contribute include:

• Paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers with 100 percent of proceeds supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign in the U.S. and the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. Additionally, guests who purchase a paper heart at U.S. locations can enjoy a free any-size hot coffee through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app as a token of appreciation for supporting the cause.*
• Pin pad roundup or donation**: Guests can round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar or donate an amount of their choice via the pin pad during checkout. At participating U.S. locations, 100 percent of donations support the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign, while donations at Canadian locations benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

"We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to promote heart health and safety. Every paper heart purchased and extra dollar donated fuels groundbreaking research and lifesaving initiatives,” said Ingoldt. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our guests and team members, whose support enables these organizations to make a profound difference.”   

Along with its fundraising efforts, Pilot is providing its team members with essential tools to prioritize their heart health. Team members will have access to free CPR training, blood pressure screenings and valuable heart health resources provided by the American Heart Association. These community resources offer heart health advice, wellness tips and programs to connect individuals with lifesaving tools. To explore local programs, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

For details about Pilot’s American Heart Month campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month, or use the myRewards Plus app* to find nearby locations. To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign, visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign and for information on the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, visit heartandstroke.ca.

*Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

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

"It’s an honor for Pilot to continue to celebrate and honor the incredible heroes across our country - the truck drivers who safely put millions of miles on our highways to keep us going and our servicemembers, first responders and their families who sacrifice so much for our nation,” said Wendy Hamilton, chief of staff at Pilot. “Giving back to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the communities we serve, especially through education, is a small way to show our gratitude and support their future. We look forward to seeing more truck drivers out here and are thankful for the work done through Folds of Honor and their scholarship programs.”

Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 62,000 academic scholarships totaling about $290 million in all 50 states. The $50,000 donation from Pilot will provide Folds of Honor with resources to further support the education of the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders across the country.

"Folds of Honor is grateful for the support of Pilot,” said Folds of Honor CEO and founder, Lt Col Dan Rooney. "This contribution will enable us to heighten our impact and further our mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s service members and first responders and educate their legacy. Pilot, its team members and the individuals it serves are true patriots that understand the importance of education and are doing something about it.”

Pilot proudly employs veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. For more information about Pilot’s commitment to giving back and its family of travel center brands, visit pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Folds of Honor, visit foldsofhonor.org.

From November 9 through November 30, 2024, guests can choose to round up their in-store purchase to the nearest dollar at any participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel center.** All proceeds will be directly donated to Call of Duty Endowment. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have raised over $4 million for Call of Duty Endowment, resulting in more than 7,000 successful veteran career placements. 

"We are deeply grateful to our nation's veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service and consider it a privilege to express our thanks with a complimentary meal at our stores on Veterans Day,” said Brad Anderson, chief operating officer at Pilot. "With our guests’ generous support, Pilot will continue making a lasting difference for service members and their families. We take pride in and appreciate our many veteran team members and are thankful to be able to give back in such a meaningful way by helping other veterans find rewarding careers.”

On Veterans Day, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will be eligible for a free meal credit up to $12.* The Veterans Day offer can be claimed on November 11 through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app and redeemed at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a variety of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, fountain beverages and Pilot coffee.*

With successful ID.me verification, service members will also enjoy exclusive deals and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers when checking out with myRewards Plus. Learn more about Pilot’s military discount at pilotflyingj.com/rewards. For more great deals and to quickly find nearby Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers, download the myRewards Plus app.*

Pilot proudly employs veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. For more information on Call of Duty Endowment, visit callofdutyendowment.org.

*Must use myRewards Plus app after verified through ID.me to redeem. Data rates may apply. Certain food and beverage exclusions apply. Good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards for more details. Meal Offer Period is 11/11/24 only.

**Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

UT has partnered with Pilot to accept donations at the Pilot PSS Warehouse from Tuesday, October 15, through Thursday, October 17. The drop-off times are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The donated supplies will be sent to the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center. The address is 4200 Middlebrook Farm Lane, Building #5, Knoxville, TN 37921.

UT Staff, students, and student-athletes can sign up for shifts through the Division of Student Life's Jones Center.

The following items are in critical need of donation:

• Tents
• Sleeping Bags
• New Blankets
• Hot Hands
• Medical Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Personal Hygiene Items (Deodorant, Shampoo, Condi\oner, Body Wash)
• Hand Soap
• Band-Aids
• Tylenol and Ibuprofen (Unopened and in date)
• Wet Wipes
• Multifunctional Scraper or Flathead Shovel

Pilot is also mobilizing its extensive network of travel centers to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene through an in-store round-up campaign* for the American Red Cross. From October 4 to October 18, 2024, guests can visit any U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel center location to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar to provide aid to those affected by the hurricane. One hundred percent of funds raised will support Red Cross response efforts in impacted communities across the Southeast.

Tennessee Athletics and local bottler Coca-Cola Consolidated will begin the donation drive on Friday, October 11, delivering hundreds of cases of water to the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center.

Late last week, Tennessee Athletics announced that fans can now purchase t-shirts, hats, and stickers featuring the "Mountain Strong" helmet decal that the Tennessee football team will wear to honor those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The "Mountain Strong" merchandise is available at the Vol Shop and Alumni Hall.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted during this difficult time," said Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. "We sincerely hope these initiatives will bring much-needed support and awareness to the affected communities."

The proceeds from all of the merchandise sales will go to charity.

*At participating locations. Pilot will donate 100% of round-up contributions to American Red Cross. Certain purchases not eligible for round-up. Void where prohibited.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless individuals, families and communities, including our own team members, experiencing the utterly devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” said Julius Cox, Pilot’s chief people officer. “Pilot is profoundly thankful to our team members and emergency personnel for all they are doing to support the affected communities. We are working around the clock to ensure our stores are open and able to provide essentials like fuel and food as we start down the road to recovery together.”

Since Hurricane Helene, Pilot has worked to restore operations as safely and quickly as possible to serve the communities and emergency responders. Currently, all Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including those in highly impacted areas, are open and operational. The latest operational updates for stores in impacted areas can be found at pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates.

*At participating locations. Pilot will donate 100% of round-up contributions to American Red Cross. Certain purchases not eligible for round-up. Void where prohibited.

This February, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers to donate to the campaign and celebrate their reasons to lead healthier lives.* Ways to contribute include:

• Paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers to benefit the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign in the United States and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.*
• Pin pad roundup or donation*: Guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the pin pad during checkout to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign at participating U.S. travel centers or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in participating Canada locations with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.*

“Together, we have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of people, both within our local communities and across the globe,” said Diana Morgan, director of well-being and benefits at Pilot Travel Centers LLC. “Rounding-up your purchase or buying a paper heart enables the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to discover breakthroughs and develop initiatives that will save and improve lives.”

As part of the Heart Month campaign, Pilot Travel Centers LLC is supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign to advocate for the importance of CPR and to offer its 30,000 team members the opportunity to participate in virtual, hands-only CPR training. In addition to CPR classes, the American Heart Association provides heart health advice and wellness tips among other programming to help connect people with life-saving resources in their area. To find local programs, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

For more information about the company's Heart Month campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month and to easily find nearby locations, use the myRewards Plus app.** Visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign to learn more about American Heart Association’s Life is Why^™ campaign and heartandstroke.cafor more information about the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

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

**Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

It is important to know lifesaving measures, like CPR, and how to help prevent heart disease and stroke. Hear from the American Heart Association below to learn two steps to save a life and some ways to protect your own heart’s health.

*100% of proceeds will go toward the American Heart Association. Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

In the United States, hundreds of thousands of adults and tens of thousands of children experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting every year. If someone needed CPR, would you know what to do? Would you be ready to save a life?

Thankfully, Hands-Only CPR is a simple, two-step process that can save lives. Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes of a cardiac event as conventional CPR for cardiac arrests at home, at work or in public. If you see an adult or teen collapse, follow these two steps to perform Hands-Only CPR and save a life:

1. Call 9-1-1.

If you see someone collapse, don’t wait. When a heart stops, seconds matter. Approach them and try to see if they’re responsive by yelling and tapping or shaking them gently but firmly. If they’re unresponsive, don’t waste time  checking for a pulse. Call 9-1-1 and begin the next step.

2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a pace of 100-120 beats per minute.

You can use any number of well-known songs to keep chest compressions on rhythm. Check out the American Heart Association’s ‘Don’t Drop the Beat’ playlist on Spotify, where every tune is the perfect tempo for CPR.

To learn more about Hands-Only CPR and other lifesaving measures, join the Nation of Lifesavers™ today!

And remember to take care of yourself and protect your own heart’s health. There are easy steps you can take to lessen the risk of experiencing a cardiac event. Visit a doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and check out the tips below:

• Eat a diverse diet of nutrient-dense and whole foods
• Prioritize being active for at least 2.5 hours a week
• Sit less and move more
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Aim for an average of 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Reduce stress
• Limit alcohol intake

For more information, visit heart.org.

From October 23 through November 12, 2023, visit any participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel center to round up purchases to the nearest whole dollar. Pilot Company will donate 100% of the roundup proceeds directly to the Call of Duty Endowment.** This year, the company is aiming to raise $1 million and will match donations up to $100,000 to help the Call of Duty Endowment place more than 1,600 service members and their families into successful careers. Since 2019, Pilot Company and its guests have raised over $3 million in donations for the Call of Duty Endowment, resulting in more than 5,500 veterans finding post-military careers.

“We owe our nation's veterans and their families our gratitude and are honored to offer them a free meal in our stores to celebrate Veterans Day,” said Brian Ferguson, Air Force veteran and chief merchant at Pilot Company. “It’s great to have organizations like the Call of Duty Endowment dedicated to helping find opportunities for veterans to lead and excel in their careers after the military. We are proud of our veterans at Pilot Company, and I am grateful to my fellow veterans for their service and sacrifice. Happy Veterans Day.”

Over Veterans Day weekend, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will receive a free meal credit valued up to $12.* The Veterans Day offer can be claimed November 10-12, 2023, through the myRewards Plus app and redeemed at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a wide range of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, popular snacks, fountain drinks, Pilot coffee and meals at participating on-site restaurants.* Any remaining balance from the one-time $12 credit will be reflected on the guest's receipt after checkout and can be used on subsequent visits during the offer period through Veterans Day weekend.*

Once verified with ID.me, service members can access exclusive deals and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers when using myRewards Plus at checkout. For more information on Pilot Company’s military discount, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its giving-back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about. To quickly find nearby Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers and for more great deals, download the myRewards Plus app.* More information on the Call of Duty Endowment is available at callofdutyendowment.org.

Pilot Company proudly employs veterans across its organization and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply to any of their open positions by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. 

*Must use myRewards Plus app to redeem. Data rates may apply. Certain food and beverage exclusions apply. Other terms and conditions apply. (see pilotflyingj.com/rewards)

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

###

In Knoxville, the group spent the day at MUSE Knoxville, a local children’s museum that offers interactive, educational experiences in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The interns acted as guides for “MUSE Pop”, a weekly summer program featuring themed exhibits. This week’s topic was Smoky Mountain Exploration. Stationed at various booths, the interns helped museum visitors examine animal artifacts, build model habitats, and learn about the wildlife native to East Tennessee. They also helped in the gift shop by restocking and counting inventory.

“While volunteering at MUSE Knoxville, I was inspired by their purpose of increasing children’s educational literacy in various subjects through educational recreation. It inspired me to help be a ‘Way Maker’ on new educational technology for others in our community’s future.” –Alice Grace Beavers, Program Intern, Food and Beverage Innovation

Down in Houston, the cohort helped at Houston Food Bank, which serves 18 counties in the area. The interns sorted donations from community partners and helped repack them for local distribution.

After a day of serving, the interns took time to reflect on their experiences and how they could be better muses in their communities and workplaces. Here’s what a couple of them had to share:

“Volunteering at Houston Food Bank made me realize how much work it takes to feed people that desperately need it. This experience gave me the opportunity to reflect and appreciate what I have in life. I plan to continue to drive others in my community and workplace to also contribute to helping others. This will not only bring us closer together but show us the importance of being a part of something bigger than ourselves.”–Diego Longoria, Program Intern, Settlements

Make sure to vote for the Pilot Company Internship Program to be named as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs.

"From our Pilot family to all the military families across the country, thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice,” said Brian Ferguson, Chief Merchant at Pilot Company and Air Force veteran. “This Military Appreciation Month, we want to show our gratitude by treating service members to free snacks and drinks during their travels and by joining Hire Heroes USA to connect veterans with resources and opportunities to pursue their career ambitions after leaving the service.”

Hire Heroes USA is a leading veteran employment nonprofit that has helped thousands of military members, veterans and military spouses successfully transfer their skills into the civilian workforce. The $100,000 donation from Pilot Company will provide Hire Heroes USA with the resources needed to guide more military members through the transition process, including placing more veterans into careers at Pilot.

"It is thanks to long-time partners like Pilot Company that our veterans and military spouses are empowered to secure well-fitting and well-paying jobs,” shared Andrew Sandoe, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “We at Hire Heroes USA are thankful for Pilot Company's belief in our organization and commitment to our nation's veterans."

Pilot Company is extending its thanks during Military Appreciation Month with exclusive offers* throughout May for veterans and their families, in addition to its year-round 10% discount** on food and beverages. To redeem these special deals, download the myRewards Plus app***, authenticate through ID.me, and visit any of the more than 650 participating owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers in the U.S. Military veterans in Canada can also validate their military status through ID.me and utilize the year-round 10% military discount** when checking out at participating Canadian Flying J travel centers.

Pilot Company proudly employs veterans across its organization and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply. Recently Pilot launched its summer hiring campaign to bring on 10,000 team members as they prepare for the busy travel season. Interested candidates can apply at jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nationalhiring.

For more information about Pilot Company’s commitment to giving back and its family of travel center brands, visit pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Hire Heroes USA, visit hireheroesusa.org.

*Military Appreciation Month offers are available to U.S. military service members and their immediate family verified with ID.me in the myRewards Plus app for redemption at participating U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

**Year-round military discount applies to U.S. and Canadian service members and their immediate family verified with ID.me. Discount is available to be redeemed at participating U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers with the myRewards Plus app and at participating Canadian Flying J travel centers at the point of purchase. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

***Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. When it comes to healthy eating, we think of the word balance. Balance encourages people to adapt broad eating habits instead of focusing on single foods — and it’s not one size fits all. Learn some tips and tricks while eating at home or out that you can implement all year long!

Ten Ways to Improve Your Heart Health

1. Balance calories with physical activity.
2. Reach for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
3. Choose whole grains.
4. Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood.
5. Use liquid non-tropical plant oils.
6. Choose minimally processed foods.
7. Subtract added sugars
8. Cut down on salt.
9. Limit alcohol.
10. Do all this wherever you eat!

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. It’s not as hard as you may think!  Remember, it’s the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Take the simple steps above and add them as a part of your life for long-term benefits to your health and your heart.

For access to free recipes, nutrition tips and resources visit www.heart.org/eatsmart.

Around 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive. However, that statistic changes with CPR. If a bystander immediately performs CPR, it often means the difference between life and death. This February, the American Heart Association is spotlighting the importance of knowing Hands-Only CPR through their ‘Be the Beat’ campaign. This campaign focuses on the importance of CPR.

Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in public. Through hands-only CPR, it takes only two steps to save a life.

Call 9-1-1 if you see a teen or adult collapse. Push hard and fast in the center of the best to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute.

People feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. All songs in the Association’s ‘Don’t Drop the Beat’ playlist are between 100 – 120 beats per minute, the same rate at which rescuers should perform compressions when administering CPR. The beat of any of several songs including “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love,” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie,” by Shakira” or “Walk the Line,” by Johnny Cash can “Be the Beat” to save a life.

We’re challenging every household to have someone who knows CPR to Be the Beat for their family, friends and community.

Our hands can do so many things, the most important of which may be saving someone’s life. The power is in YOUR hands.

For more information on CPR, please visit www.heart.org/handsonlycpr.

This is the sixth year Pilot Company has supported the American Heart Association's Life is Why^TM cause marketing campaign – inspiring guests to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives by donating at participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel centers throughout the month of February. This year, the company is also advocating heart health and safety among its 30,000 team members, providing virtual, hands-only CPR training, resources to find nearby CPR classes, virtual cooking classes, and other health and wellness tips.

"For the past six years, we've been honored to help support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association through paper hearts and round-up purchases," said Brian Ferguson, Chief Merchant of Pilot Company. "We're excited that this year's campaign also focuses on the importance of CPR. By rounding up your purchases at Pilot and Flying J stores during Heart Month, you are helping the American Heart Association and the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation save lives."

Participating Flying J travel centers in Canada will be extending their support of Heart Month Campaign throughout the entire month of February this year, with donations benefiting the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Heart & Stroke).

Pilot Company's fundraising initiatives include:

• Paper Hearts: $1, $3, and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers all February to benefit American Heart Association in the U.S. and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.
• Pin-Pad Round Up or Donation*: During the month of February, guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the pin-pad during checkout to the American Heart Association at participating U.S. travel centers or the Heart & Stroke in participating Canada. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.

For more information about the company's American Heart Month Campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month, find a participating nearby travel center location to participate, or download the myRewards Plus^TM app.**

To learn more about American Heart Association's Life is Why^™ campaign, visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign and to learn more about Heart & Stroke, visit heartandstroke.ca.

*Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.**Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Terms and conditions apply.

In addition to our round-up campaign, we are also spreading heart-health awareness to our team members through hands-only CPR training videos, on-site CPR training here at our headquarters in Knoxville, virtual cooking classes, and more!

To kick off this year’s Heart Month, check out these 8 key tips from AHA for a healthier, more balanced you:

Life’s Essential 8™ is a science-based recipe for a longer, healthier life. Created by the American Heart Association, Life’s Essential 8 identifies the most important factors for cardiovascular health – 4 health behaviors and 4 health factors. It truly simplifies cardiovascular health so people can better understand and manage it.

Many know that the mind, heart, and body are connected. Factors that affect one can affect the other two – the impact can be positive OR negative. Improving Life’s Essential 8 isn’t just good for your heart, it’s also good for your overall health and well-being.

So, let’s dive right in and see what changes we can make now for a longer life.

Life’s Essential 8

1. Eat Better

Little by little, make smarter choices like reducing highly processed foods and limiting sugary beverages. Small steps lead to big results!

2. Be More Active

Smart small, even if it’s 15 minutes a day! Yard work, dancing, walking your dog and cleaning your house all count as movement.

3. Quit Tobacco

On average, smokers due more than 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. After just one year of quitting, your risk for heart disease goes down by HALF. Having a buddy system can help with the common struggles of quitting.

4. Get Health Sleep

Most adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, including weekends. Consistency is key! Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, weekends included.

5. Manage Weight

Maintaining a healthy body mass index is a healthy gauge. Optimal BMI is 25.

6. Control Cholesterol

HDL = good.

LDL = bad.

HDL helps keep LDL from sticking to artery walls and reduces plaque build-up. Healthy cholesterol levels can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

7. Manage Blood Sugar

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use as energy. The first step to managing your blood sugar is to understand what makes blood sugar levels rise.

8. Manage Blood Pressure

Keeping your blood pressure within acceptable ranges can keep you healthier longer. Levels less than 120/80 mm Hg are optimal. High blood pressure is defined as 130-139 mm Hg systolic pressure (the top number in a reading) or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic pressure (bottom number).

Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.

Not sure where to start? Remember, it’s all connected – mind, body, and heart. You can start a positive chain reaction. Something as simple as moving your body can spark a positive shift. You don’t have to make BIG life changes to see the benefits. Just add a little more activity to your day and take things one step at a time. You’ve got this!

To learn more about Life’s Essential 8, click here. And to see how you can participate in this year’s round-up campaign supporting the American Heart Association and the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, visit https://pilotflyingj.com/heart-month.

Over the last four years, Pilot Company’s partnership with the Endowment has helped place more than 6,000 veterans into meaningful careers after the military. Guests can join the cause to help veterans find high-quality careers by rounding up their in-store purchase to the nearest whole dollar at any of the company’s owned and operated Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel centers from October 31 - November 13, 2022.** Pilot Company will donate 100% of the roundup proceeds** directly to the Call of Duty Endowment and will match the donations raised up to $100,000.

“Service members and their families give their all for our country and have incredible talents to offer in the civilian workforce upon leaving the military,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “The Call of Duty Endowment has helped more than 100,000 veterans and their family members find career opportunities that leverage their skills, and we are honored to join them in this endeavor. We are proud to employ veterans across our organization and to further our mission to Fuel Life’s Journeys by giving back and saying, ‘Thank you’ to everyone who’s served.”

From November 11 - 13, 2022, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will receive a free meal credit, valued up to $12. ** The Veterans Day offer can be redeemed through the myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a wide variety of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, name-brand snacks, fountain drinks, Pilot coffee, and meals at participating on-site restaurants. This year, the $12 Veterans Day meal credit will be a rolling balance, allowing guests to use any remaining balance the next time they stop over Veterans Day weekend during the offer period.

Pilot Company partners with ID.me, an easy-to-use instant verification solution, to make it simple and efficient for service members to quickly verify their eligibility in the myRewards Plus app. After verification, Pilot Company offers exclusive deals throughout the year and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* when using myRewards Plus at checkout. For more information on Pilot Company’s military discount, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its giving-back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about. To easily find nearby Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers and for more great deals, download the myRewards Plus app.* More information on the Call of Duty Endowment is available at callofdutyendowment.org.

*Must use myRewards Plus app to redeem.  Data rates may apply. Certain food exclusions apply.  Other terms and conditions apply. (see pilotflyingj.com/rewards)

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

$15,000 grand prize winner and 2022 Road Warrior: David Sweetman

David is an Army veteran with over 50 years and FIVE MILLION MILES, accident-free, behind the wheel. Currently, he lives in Wilmington, Delaware and leases out his truck making power-only moves for Bennett Truck Transport. Over his career, he has been involved in many organizations, from winning awards and trophies as a competitor to paving the way for better treatment and fair judging at truck shows as a founding member of the National Association of Show Trucks (NAST).

Throughout tough times David has continued going above and beyond to help as our country faced challenges. During Covid lockdowns, he spent time hauling, moving and setting up generators for emergency hospitals and setting up food banks to aid those out of work. After several natural disasters in parts of the southern United States, he helped move more generators, portable showers for first responders and mobile water treatment units for FEMA.

David has also contributed to our industry through his writing storytelling and has been a contributing writer for various trucking publications over the last 25 years. As a writer and trucker, he took his skills to the classroom as one of the original Trucker Buddy professional trucker volunteers, working to help educate young students across America. Through reading, writing and mentorship, Sweetman and others help encourage future generations of professional drivers through tales of the road and showcasing how essential trucking is to the economy and our way of life.

In partnership with Bennett Family of Companies in McDonough, Georgia, we convinced David to come in and help record a safety video during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Once mic’d and on stage, we surprised David with a video announcing him as this year’s Road Warrior grand prize winner. In addition to his $15,000 check, we had an extra special gift of $15,000 to Trucker Buddy in recognition of his volunteerism and commitment to giving back.

Watch the video HERE!

$10,000 second-place winner: Jeffrey Thomas

Jeffrey is a Marine Veteran and independent owner-operator out of Belews Creek, North Carolina. He has been a professional driver for over 35 years; from dry vans, step-decks and reefer trailers, he’s driven them and covered millions of miles during that time. He then became a driver trainer and training captain. He has trained and retrained more than 100 professional drivers while developing new safety standards and policies that have spread across the industry.

$5,000 third-place winner #1: Greg Hepner

Professional drivers keep our country moving; sometimes, this takes them overseas as they support those deployed overseas. As an overseas support contractor and professional driver, Greg has covered 17 foreign countries, 38 states and three million miles over his 30 years behind the wheel. Since returning to his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, he joined Tidewater Transit Company. He has continued his service driving an anhydrous ammonia tanker for medical use and hauled it non-stop as the country battled Covid.

$5,000 third place winner #2: Ron Rigdon

After more than 20 years over the road, Army veteran Ron Rigdon took his skills and shifted gears to hauling race cars. Coast to coast, Ron drives a 53’ race car hauler for Parella Motorsports and contributes as a tire and fuel specialist while at the track. He has received safe driving awards for covering a million miles accident-free and has more than 30 years of experience on North America’s roads. Ron also dedicates his time to helping others and started Santa’s Toy Run, a fundraiser and toy drive devoted to helping children in need, which delivers toys and funds to places like foster homes and domestic violence shelters. Over the last 16 years, Santa’s Toy Run has helped provide Christmas gifts to more than 6,500 children.

Congratulations, David, Jeffrey, Greg and Ron, on winning this year’s Road Warrior contest. It was truly an honor to read your stories and hear about the great things you do for our industry, our country and the communities we serve. Thank you to all the professional drivers out there for your hard work, dedication and sacrifice; we are grateful for you all!

To learn more about Pilot Flying J’s 2022 Road Warrior contest and winners, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

United Through Reading understands how difficult it is to be away from home and the importance of staying connected to even the youngest family members. Their program has helped over 2.7 million military family members read together since 1989, even when oceans separate those families. UTR proudly serves members of the military, including Guard and Reserves regardless of status, as well as Veterans, especially those in the Transportation Industry.

The service member or Veteran makes a recording with United Through Reading’s Mobile Reading App, and the recording and book are given to the child for free to read along with their loved one on demand. Truckers can make recordings before they leave home and record more stories while on the road as time permits using ebooks available on the App. Reading together as a family with United Through Reading helps families maintain connection, reinforces family routines, provides reliable communication, and bolsters literacy skills.

“Finding a way for my husband to connect with our children while he’s away is a top priority for me. He is the reader in our house, so it goes without saying that he wants to keep reading to them while he’s away. I found United Through Reading and knew right away it would be perfect for our family. We have the App installed on both kids’ tablets and the ‘daddy phone.’ They love that they can have him read to them whenever they want, and they can read along with the books we have at home!” – Alicia, a National Guard Spouse

Since 2020, Pilot Company has been United Through Reading’s Transportation Industry Veteran Outreach Partner, helping us reach and provide services through the United Through Reading App to Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard Members, especially truckers and others in the Transportation Industry.

To get started with United Through Reading follow these simple steps:

1. Download the United Through Reading App to your mobile device or tablet from utr.org/app

2. Login or create an account using your ID.me credentials to verify your military service

3. Select a book to read – the App has several ebooks to choose from or request a free book from utrapp.org

4. Make your recording and send to the caregiver of the child in your life. A copy of the book can be requested for free through our online web viewer.

5.Child reads with their United Through Reading story time recording whenever they are missing the trucker in their life

Learn more at about how United Through Reading supports Veteran and military families on their website at unitedthroughreading.org.

Launched by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861, the Medal of Honor is our country’s highest and rarest recognition of the great sacrifices made by individuals protecting the red, white, and blue. It’s given to those in the U.S. army who have exemplified “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against the enemy of the United States.” So far, there have been 3,511 Medal of Honor recipients.

This year, 35 living Medal of Honor recipients came to Knoxville for a week full of festivities focused on reuniting and honoring recipients and their families while educating the next generation.

One of the Medal of Honor recipients, Leroy Petry shared with the Knox News Sentinel “I hope that people who are able to engage with these recipients realize we’re no different than anyone else. That every one of us is capable of amazing things… What this medal represents to me is all those who have served or are serving, and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

A few of our team members, including several veterans, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Patriot Awards Gala at the Knoxville Convention Center for a final celebration to honor the recipients and recognize influential leaders for their support of the Medal of Honor and military. Attendees had the pleasure of hearing from keynote speakers including Gary Sinise, Top-Gun star Glen Powell (“Hangman”), Ambassador Nikki Haley, NBC News Correspondent Courtney Kube, and Dr. Timothy Miller.

“This was a pretty remarkable event — Some of our nation’s greatest past heroes and many of our nation’s current heroes were all together in the same room. It was a great event for Knoxville to host and for our company to support.” – Brian Ferguson, chief merchant of Pilot Company.

We’re looking forward to continuing to support our military through more giving back initiatives this fall. To see our history of giving back as a company, click here.

“This was a pretty remarkable event — Some of our nation’s greatest past heroes and many of our nation’s current heroes were all together in the same room. It was a great event for Knoxville to host and for our company to support.” – Brian Ferguson, chief merchant of Pilot Company.

We’re looking forward to continuing to support our military through more giving back initiatives this fall. To see our history of giving back as a company, click here.

Our annual 2022 Road Warrior contest is back with $30,000 in prizes – the largest in contest history! This annual contest celebrates the amazing achievements of the millions of men and women out on the road keeping America going. Join us in celebrating all the great things drivers do for our country, the trucking industry, and their communities.

From August 1 through 15, anyone can nominate a U.S.-based professional driver for a chance to win the 2022 Road Warrior title. This year, the grand prize winner will receive a $15,000 cash prize, second place will receive $10,000, and third place will receive a $5,000 prize.

“We are honored to recognize the selflessness, dedication, and service of professional truck drivers who are working hard to deliver the goods that we all rely on,” said David Hughes, Senior Vice President of Sales for Pilot Flying J. “Our annual Road Warrior contest is an opportunity to highlight those individuals who are role models in the trucking industry and to say thank you to all the drivers out there for letting us be part of your journey to keep the country moving.”

Share your driver’s story today to claim the title of Road Warrior! Click here to submit your nomination.

Last year’s grand prize winner was Eric Curlett, a Marine Veteran and glass hauler for Maverick Transportation. He was nominated by a fellow driver who described him as “one of the best humans” he has ever met. Eric was chosen for his dedication to the profession, outstanding driver record, and involvement in his community. Learn more about Eric’s contribution to the trucking industry in this article.

To enter, visit the Road Warrior Contest page at pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior and submit a nomination through August 15 for a professional driver deserving of this recognition. The first, second, and third place winners will be announced at the end of September as part of Driver Appreciation month.

*See contest rules for terms and conditions.

To celebrate, come check out the new look at this month’s remodeled locations and save 25% off food and beverages through July 28 by entering the promo code PFJJuly in the myRewards Plus^TM app.

Learn more below about this month’s top to bottom store renovations, including the reveal of a brand-new food concept and welcome event with Monster Energy in Corbin, Kentucky!

Corbin, Kentucky

Over 40 years ago, we opened our very first travel center in Corbin, Kentucky. With the launch of our New Horizons initiative, it was one of the first ones on our list to get a complete refresh.

BEFORE                                                 

Photo of Pilot's first travel center

AFTER

 Remodeled travel center in 2022, including new “Burrito Junction” food concept

Given that this store is known for Pilot “firsts” we thought it was especially fitting that we introduce our new food concept, Burrito Junction, and throw our first “Welcome Event” with Monster Energy to celebrate the big reveal.

Join us on Friday, July 8^th, from 10:00-2:00 PM at our Pilot travel center in Corbin, Kentucky for a fun day that includes a ribbon cutting, check presentation of $20,000 to the local Corbin school district, gas card giveaways, swag, Monster Energy girls, and more! Mark your calendars because this will be an event you won’t want to miss!

Staunton, Virginia

Check out our Pilot Travel Center in Staunton which expanded its beverage selection and upgraded its deli area with additional grab-and-go items like sandwiches, salads, and fresh cut fruit to make sure we satisfy any food or drink craving. And for an even quicker shopping experience, we’ve also added four brand new self-checkouts to help you get back on the road in no time. Don’t forget to grab a classic roast beef sandwich on your way out at our newly remodeled Arby’s restaurant!

Our Staunton travel center will be donating $10,000 to Augusta County Public Schools this month, supporting its technology program.

Battle Creek, Michigan

Our travel center in Battle Creek has a completely updated store exterior and even more offerings in the refreshed deli with grab-and-go options that’ll remind you of home. Whether you choose our tasty burger, jumbo wings or freshly made-in-house pizza, this stop has even more food and drinks to keep your travels full! We’re also giving $10,000 to Battle Creek Public Schools to help support the local community.

Phoenix, Arizona

In addition to more food and beverage options, including new salads, sandwiches, and fresh cut fruit that you can grab and go, our Flying J travel center in Phoenix now has several new self-checkouts to keep stopping with us quick and easy.

As part of our Giving Back initiative, we’re also giving $10,000 to the Maricopa County Regional School District, which will help with robotics kits for its STEM Research Center.

We look forward to investing in even more of our stores as we continue to remodel over 400 travel centers across North America. Stay up to date on our projects and learn more about the New Horizons initiative by visiting pilotflyingj.com/new-horizons.

This week is also our inaugural Team Member Appreciation Week, and we had a chance to catch up with a few of our military Pilot Team Members and say thanks.

Thank You, Kera

Kera Porter served six and a half years as a Black Hawk helicopter mechanic in the US Army. After graduating from Fountainhead College of Technology, she joined Pilot on our Help Desk team. Since then, Kera has been a member of the network operations center and IT security team and currently serves as an Observability Engineer. In July of this year, she will celebrate ten years at Pilot Company!

What advice would you give to fellow service members transitioning from the military into the civilian world?

“Find something you are passionate about. There are many different programs out there that will help you get into needed fields, especially IT. Go after those and look for companies that are veteran-friendly.” – Kera Porter.

Thank You, Shaddy

Shaddy Bowling served in the US Army for 11 years and was a platoon sergeant. When he was exiting the military, he attended an event where Pilot had a table to recruit people in our travel centers. He was interested in the Transportation side and had previous driving experience. Shaddy has been with Pilot for almost three years and currently serves as a field supervisor for region four and lives and operates out of the Dallas Fort Worth area.

What does he love about working at Pilot?

“Pilot is great at taking care of their people and providing a work and family balance that you don’t (and can’t) get with many companies, especially in the transportation world.” – Shaddy Bowling.

Thank You, Greg

Greg White served 23 years in the US Army, first as an infantry officer, then as a military strategist. Greg joined the team in January 2022 and currently serves as the General Manager for store Travel Center #6996 in Warsaw, North Carolina. After six months with Pilot, Greg says that he loves the engagement of his team and the support he receives from leadership.

His advice to transitioning service members?

“Understand it is going to be different. In the military, everyone is focused on one goal, which is to serve the country. When you get out of the military, you have to recognize that everyone has different goals and different motivations, but we can all still work together.” – Greg White.

Thank You, Lisa

For three years, Lisa Umali served as a counterintelligence special agent in the US Army. After serving, she was recruited by a Pilot to come aboard as a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) and has been with Pilot for two years. One of the things that she loves about Pilot is the history and culture of the company.

What advice does she have for fellow servicemen and women trying to find a job?

“Research the companies that you are interested in or interviewing with and make sure that you ask questions about what is important to you (culture, responsibilities, career growth, work-life balance, etc.).” – Lisa Umali

Thank you all for sharing your military background with us. We are honored to have you and all of our veteran servicemen and women across our company as part of the team. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do.

Click here to learn more about Pilot’s commitment to giving back to veterans throughout the year.

During the filming, we had the privilege to learn more about Brian, a veteran and professional driver for ten years who is about to celebrate his first 1 million miles behind the cab. He spent 21 years in the Navy and completed multiple overseas deployments as a heavy equipment operator, “If it had wheels or tracks, I drove it,” he said.

After retiring from the Navy in 2009, he took his decades of experience operating heavy equipment and hit the road, delivering freight across the country. While he is spending weeks out on the road, Brian relies on Pilot Flying J for a clean and friendly place to rest and refuel, and he frequently uses the myRewards Plus™ app to help.

“The most important is getting the prime parking. If it’s late in the afternoon and I know I have to drive until 8 or 9 pm, I will pull up the app and look up the closest Pilot or Flying J to the area. Then I can see the available parking spots you have and will go ahead and reserve a spot,” Brian said. “I love it when I don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot; if I reserve a spot, I know I got it.”

As a veteran, he takes advantage of our Military Discount Program all year long to save money in our stores which he can put towards a hot shower. The shower remodels are something he is excited to see as part of our upgrades across North America. Being able to refresh before you get back out there makes a huge difference, and “Pilot Flying J always has that extra person to make sure the showers are clean and ready to go. You can tell they aren’t afraid to spend the money to have that extra someone there to take care of you,” Brian said.

As he hops out of his truck back home in McComb, Mississippi, his advice to new drivers just getting into the industry, “there is a lot to learn on the road as you go, you’re going to get aggravated, have patience, learn the trucker etiquette, and enjoy the trip.”

Thank you, Brian, for being part of this exciting initiative, and more importantly, thank you for your continued service to our country. We thank all our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice and look forward to seeing you in our travel centers. For more details on how we are celebrating Military Appreciation Month in May, click here.

“We are passionate about serving those who protect our country and are grateful for organizations like Hire Heroes USA that are helping find meaningful and successful careers for these highly skilled service men and women,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “Pilot appreciates and recognizes the strong leadership qualities and talents that they bring to our team and is proud to have veterans employed across our organization. We hope partnerships like this will bring more veterans into the workforce."

Hire Heroes USA is one of the most influential employment assistance organizations in the country, helping transitioning service members secure thousands of jobs each year. With this $100,000 donation, Hire Heroes USA will be able to take 100 military members through the transition process and into great careers.

"It is thanks to long-time partners like Pilot that our veterans and military spouses are empowered to secure well-fitting and well-paying jobs,” shared Andrew Sandoe, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “We at Hire Heroes USA are thankful for Pilot's belief in our organization and commitment to our nation's veterans."

Job seekers are encouraged to apply with Pilot Company. As the largest network of travel centers, the company is actively hiring more than 10,000 positions in retail and food service at its stores, to transport fuel and DEF as company drivers, and in corporate positions at its offices in Knoxville, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. For more information and to apply, visit jobs.pilotflyingj.com.

Pilot Company is extending its thanks during Military Appreciation Month with exclusive offers in May and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages for the military and their families. To redeem these special deals**, including free pizza and fountain drink, free Full Throttle energy drink, and 50% off hats, download the myRewards Plus^TM app*, verify through ID.me and visit a participating U.S. Pilot or Flying J travel center. Canadian military veterans can also validate their military status through ID.me and utilize the year-round 10% military discount when checking out at a participating Flying J travel center in Canada**.

More information on Hire Heroes USA is available at https://www.hireheroesusa.org/. To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

*Data rates may apply. Other terms and conditions may apply.

**Offers are only available at Pilot and Flying J locations in the US and only for US veterans verified through ID.me. The year-round discount applies to US and Canadian veterans verified through ID.me.

As a veteran-founded company, we are honored to celebrate these brave men and women across our country and beyond by partnering with Hire Heroes USA, an organization dedicated to helping find successful and meaningful careers for our veterans and their spouses after transitioning from military service. Pilot Company donated $100,000 to Hire Heroes USA to help aid 100 service members and their families in finding employment in the civilian world.

“We are passionate about serving those who protect our country and are grateful for organizations like Hire Heroes USA that are helping find meaningful and successful careers for these highly skilled service men and women,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “Pilot appreciates and recognizes the strong leadership qualities and talents that they bring to our team and is proud to have veterans employed across our organization. We hope partnerships like this will bring more veterans into the workforce.”

Kai Hull

After leaving the Marine Corps with over eight years of service, Kai was armed with years of experience as an Electronics Maintenance Technician and a high school diploma. With his military experience, he became interested in IT and enrolled himself in programs to gain network and security certifications that would help lay the foundation for his civilian career.

He then turned to Hire Heroes USA for support in searching and evaluating the opportunities that were out there for him. With a competitive resume and some excellent coaching, Kai accepted a position across the country in Maine and is pursuing his dream professional path. “It was nice to have someone as invested in my career as I was,” he said.

“It is thanks to long-time partners like Pilot that our veterans and military spouses are empowered to secure well-fitting and well-paying jobs,” shared Andrew Sandoe, CEO of Hire Heroes USA.

∗On May 19, 2022 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM EST Hire Heroes USA will be hosting a Virtual Career Fair. Find more information and register for the event by clicking here.

Extending Our Thanks to You

All year long veterans and their families receive a 10% discount on food and beverages in our travel centers across North America. Now, veterans who are verified through our partnership with ID.me in the myRewards Plus^TM app will receive exclusive deals all month long in our stores. Check out the great weekly offers below or visit the app for more information.

To claim these great offers and take advantage of our year-long discount download the myRewards Plus^TM app, visit the offers page, and follow the steps under the Military Discount Program. Within a few minutes, you are verified through ID.me and ready to save. New this year, Canadian Military Veterans can now verify their service through ID.me and take advantage of the year-long discount program.

On behalf of Pilot Flying J, thank you all for your service and we look forward to serving you in our travel centers!

From Loyalty Day on May 1st to Memorial Day on May 30th, May holds several military-specific holidays throughout the month, find out more by visiting www.uso.org.

To read more great stories like Kai’s and find more information on Hire Heroes USA, visit https://www.hireheroesusa.org/. To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

This amount includes 100% of the donations collected from guests who rounded up their purchase* at more than 650 participating U.S. travel centers and restaurants, and an additional $100,000 gift from Pilot Company.

"The devastation in Ukraine is heartbreaking,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “We’ve seen how our round-up giving campaigns can quickly make a difference thanks to the support of our team members and guests, and we are again in amazement of their generosity and compassion. This $1 million will help Save the Children meet the urgent and growing needs of children and families in Ukraine and the region. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this critical effort and to Save the Children for providing lifesaving assistance to the people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.”

Save the Children is providing relief for children and families inside Ukraine as well as in neighboring countries through delivering food, water, hygiene kits, voucher assistance, and other humanitarian programs. The organization aims to reach 10 million children and their families impacted by the Ukraine crisis. Donations to Save the Children help make possible their ability to provide essential assistance, such as:

• $50 can provide 10 warm, cozy blankets to children displaced from their homes
• $100 helps supply a month’s worth of nutrition food to a family in crisis
• $175 can provide five families with emergency shelter materials

“Save the Children is extremely grateful for Pilot Company’s support in response to the devastating crisis in Ukraine,” said Luciana Bonifacio, Chief Development Officer, Save the Children. “The funds raised will enable us to distribute critical emergency supplies and where possible, establish safe spaces for children, ultimately helping protect impacted children and families in Ukraine and neighboring countries.”  

More information on Save the Children is available at https://www.savethechildren.org/. To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

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

Seeing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the impact of the ongoing conflict across the globe, we launched in March a round up campaign to raise funds for Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. In addition to donating 100% of the funds from guests who rounded up their purchase, Pilot made a matching pledge of $100,000 towards the cause.

Save the Children is providing relief for children and families inside Ukraine as well as in neighboring countries through delivering food, water, hygiene kits, voucher assistance, and other humanitarian programs. The organization aims to reach 10 million children and their families impacted by the Ukraine crisis. Click here to learn more about the critical assistance they are providing.

A few cents can add up to make a big difference.

Together, we were able to donate a total of $1,153,000 to Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

“Save the Children is extremely grateful for Pilot Company’s support in response to the devastating crisis in Ukraine,” said Luciana Bonifacio, Chief Development Officer, Save the Children. “The funds raised will enable us to distribute critical emergency supplies and where possible, establish safe spaces for children, ultimately helping protect impacted children and families in Ukraine and neighboring countries.”

Because of your generosity, Save the Children can help more Ukrainian families get the support they need. Donations to Save the Children help make possible their ability to provide essential assistance, such as:

• $50 can provide 10 warm, cozy blankets to children displaced from their homes
• $100 helps supply a month’s worth of nutrition food to a family in crisis
• $175 can provide five families with emergency shelter materials

Save the Children is sending essential food deliveries from Romania, over the border into Ukraine to be distributed by partners in the country. The essential items will be delivered to Internally Displaced persons who are mainly women and children. Save the Children staff prepared the deliveries and packed them into vehicles for transport.

Meet a few of our fleet customers who have Ukrainian origins to hear their perspectives on the importance of Pilot and the industry coming together to support Ukraine during this difficult time.

Sergii Stetsiuk, CEO of IIK Transport

Sergii’s family in Lviv, Ukraine, a city they visit every time in Ukraine.

Tell me about you and your family? Do you have family still in Ukraine?

I was born and raised in Ukraine and when I was 18 years old, I moved to the U.S. My parents have always lived in Ukraine, but since my dad passed away 2 years ago my mom visits us a lot here in the US.

I have a lot of family and friends in Ukraine. I usually go there twice a year as we have 2 offices there.

What does it mean to you to see the trucking industry come together to support Ukraine?

The trucking industry is one of the most powerful industries in the U.S., so we have the financial ability to raise money and humanitarian help for Ukraine. Plus, transportation helps with collecting and moving aid items to be shipped overseas.

View of the Ukrainian Carpathian mountains.

What was the significance to you in Pilot joining the effort to raise money for Save the Children’s Ukraine Relief Fund?

As a Ukrainian born person, I appreciate every help and donation my home country can get. I’m happy to see that everyone here tries to help as much as they can. Thank you for that.

Only with help and support can we win this war. This a disaster, civilians and kids are dying every day, many cities are destroyed – I have no words to describe it.

Sergey and his wife, Maryna.

Sergey Bort, VP of Marketing & Strategic Business Development at GP Transco

Tell me about you and your family? Do you have family still in Ukraine?

I was actually born in Russia and lived there until I was only 6 years old. After that, my family moved to Israel for 7 years, and then moved to the U.S. in 2003. My father was born in Mariupol (the city in Ukraine that perhaps got bombed worse than any other), though he lives in the United States now.

My wife’s family is another story; her mother is in hiding in an underground-type shelter in her home outside of Kyiv, and her partner is out fighting for his country.

Svitlana (Maryna’s mother) and her partner, Oleksandr, in peaceful Ukraine only months before the war.

What does it mean to you to see the trucking industry come together to support Ukraine?

It means a lot for me to see the industry come together in a bi-partisan manner on this issue; people in trucking and logistics putting their differences aside to do what is clearly the right thing is extremely inspiring and gives me hope, especially after seeing how divided we’ve been as a nation for the past few years.

What was the significance to you in Pilot joining the effort to raise money for Save the Children’s Ukraine Relief Fund?

It was truly great to see; when I reached out to Pilot Flying J saying that we at GP Transco started Trucking & Logistics Professionals (TLPU) and asking if you would join, it took only a couple of days for me to receive a call saying that you’d not only contribute but also start a roundup program. It’s very impressive to see how quickly you folks acted and got this off the ground. When we were launching TLPU, I did not expect this level of support from so many organizations, including Pilot Flying J of course.

Save the Children is actually one of the organizations we point people to when they are asking about joining TLPU.

From all of us at Pilot – thank you to everyone that was part of making this donation happen. To learn more about our commitment to giving back and the ways we support our communities, team members and guests, visit pilotcompany.com/about/#giving.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the international crisis in Ukraine," said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. "We are deeply saddened by the effects of this conflict and are doing a roundup in our stores to help raise funds for Save the Children that will go towards immediate assistance for Ukrainian children and families. We will be matching up to $100,000 of donations raised as part of our commitment to giving back to our communities on a local and global scale."

Pilot Company will donate 100% of the funds raised, along with the $100,000 matching contribution, directly to Save the Children's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. Save the Children is distributing critical emergency supplies in Ukraine and the region and establishing safe spaces for children where possible. These funds will support their efforts to provide lifesaving relief, including food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance for children and their families impacted by the conflict.

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 myRewards Plus™ app**. More information on Save the Children is available at https://www.savethechildren.org/.

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

**Data rates may apply. Other terms and conditions apply.

Guests can round up their purchases, which will directly go to Save the Children in providing children and families with immediate aid, including food, water, hygiene kids, cash assistance, and psychosocial support.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the international crisis in Ukraine. We are deeply saddened by the effects of this conflict and are doing a roundup in our stores to help raise funds for Save the Children that will go towards immediate assistance for Ukrainian children and families. We will be matching up to $100,000 of donations raised as part of our commitment to giving back to our communities on a local and global scale. – Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company

Save the Children has been helping provide relief to Ukrainians since 2014, offering lifesaving assistance for those fleeing the conflict amidst below-freezing temperatures and harsh conditions. Just last year, the organization was able to reach more than 523,000 people. They are currently prioritizing cash and voucher assistance so families can purchase food and other essentials in addition to essential supplies and winter kids including clothing, blankets, and shelter.

The Ukraine Round-Up starts today, March 16, and will end midnight on Sunday, April 3. Guests can visit any Pilot Flying J or travel center operated in the U.S. and round up their purchase via pin-pad messaging. To learn more about Save the Children and how they’re helping the 7.5 million Ukrainian children caught in the middle of this conflict, visit www.savethechildren.org.

"What an incredible turnout we had from guests and team members donating at our stores during American Heart Month," said Brian Ferguson, chief merchant at Pilot Company. "On behalf of our entire team, thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this the best year yet. It's an honor to continue supporting great organizations like the American Heart Association."

This year's fundraising initiatives included the sale of paper hearts for $1, $3 or $5, round-up purchases to the next dollar, online donations via its website and heart-themed eGift Cards at the more than 650 participating travel centers. The company also featured exclusive offers in the myRewards Plus^TM app on healthier food and beverage items.

Giving back to its local communities has been a core value of Pilot Company since its first store that opened in 1958. To learn more about the company's giving back programs, visit http://www.pilotcompany.com/about.

How Gratitude Can Help Your Health

Try these tips:

Pair it up Do your gratitude right after something else you do every day, like brushing your teeth or eating lunch. This makes the habit stick.

Jot it down Grab some paper or a notebook you already have, nothing fancy. Then, just write down anything you feel grateful for.

Soak it in Savor those grateful feelings and feel good about yourself. If you enjoy your new habit, you’re more likely to stick with it!

This is the sixth year Pilot Company has teamed up with the American Heart Association for its Life is Why™ cause marketing campaign – inspiring guests to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives by donating online or at participating Pilot Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel centers from February 1-28.

New initiatives include donations through the purchase of Pilot Flying J eGift cards, and in-store donations will be accepted at Flying J locations in Canada from February 22 – February 28 to benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Heart & Stroke).

"Over the past five years, we've been able to raise more than $5 million to help support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association," said Brian Ferguson, Chief Merchant of Pilot Company. "This shows that every donation made, whether it's a $3 paper heart or the extra change from rounding up a purchase, adds up to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our guests and team members across North America. We hope you'll join us again this year in giving back to both the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada."

Pilot Company's fundraising initiatives include:

• Paper Heart Icons: $1, $3 and $5 red hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers all February to benefit the American Heart Association and at Flying J locations in Canada from February 22-28 to benefit Heart & Stroke. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.
• Pin-Pad Round Up or Donation*: During the month of February, guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts to the American Heart Association on the pin-pad during checkout at participating U.S. travel centers. In Canada, guests can opt to round up or donate to Heart & Stroke through the cashier from February 22-28. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.
• eGift Cards: For every heart themed Pilot Flying J eGift card sold in February, the company will donate 10% of the proceeds to the American Heart Association, up to $10,000.
• Donate Online: A donation link is available on the Pilot Flying J campaign website throughout the month of February to provide guests another convenient way to donate to the American Heart Association.

To promote healthier lifestyles on the road, guests can find exclusive deals during February in the myRewards Plus™ app to save on healthier food and beverage options at Pilot Flying J Travel Centers.**

For more information about the company's American Heart Month campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/life-is-why and to find nearby travel center locations, download the myRewards Plus™ app. To learn more about American Heart Association's Life is Why™ campaign, visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign and to learn more about Heart & Stroke, visit heartandstroke.ca.

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

**Data rates may apply. Other terms and conditions apply.

“We’re proud to support military service members and their families every day with a year-round discount at our stores,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “For Veterans Day, it was important that we do something special to not only thank Veterans, but also support them. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests and the hard work of our team members to raise this record-setting amount for the Call of Duty Endowment that will help thousands of Veterans find their next career.”

As a part of its giving-back commitment, Pilot Company has partnered with the Endowment since 2019 to support the nonprofit’s goal to help 100,000 Veterans secure post-service employment by 2024. From October 25 – November 15, guests were invited to join the cause by rounding-up their change at the company’s more than 750 participating U.S. travel centers, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Endowment. Pilot Company matched $100,000 of the donations.

To help raise awareness for the Call of Duty Endowment’s mission and recognize Veterans, the campaign was featured on the Pilot Flying J No. 1 Chevroletin two Xfinity Series races: at the Martinsville Speedway on October 30 and at the Phoenix Raceway on November 6. The Pilot Flying J No. 1 Chevrolet featured a camouflage picture collage of Veterans that have received employment assistance through the Endowment and of Pilot Company team members that are Veterans, including the company’s Founder, Jim Haslam II.

On Veterans Day, Pilot Company thanked all active-duty service members and veterans with a free $10 meal* through the myRewards Plus^TM app. Military members that verify their status with ID.me in the myRewards Plus^TM app can always get special savings, including a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages*, at the company’s participating Pilot Flying J Travel Centers and One9 Fuel Network locations.   

For more information about the Call of Duty Endowment, go to callofdutyendowment.org. To learn more about Pilot Company, including career opportunities and its giving-back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

*Data rates may apply. Other terms and conditions apply.

“We are honored to host our annual Road Warrior contest and give back to the professional drivers who have such a significant impact on our economy and who work so hard to serve our communities,” said Shameek Konar, CEO for Pilot Flying J. “This recognition is one way we say, ‘thank you’ to the professional drivers we get to serve each day. Congratulations to Eric, Eduardo and David for being our top Road Warriors this year – we appreciate your dedication, commitment to safety and passion for helping others.”

Each year, the Road Warrior is selected based upon story submission, including contributions to the trucking industry, safe driving history, miles driven and community involvement. This year, Pilot Flying J received thousands of nominations with incredible stories about hardworking haulers from across the country.  

Grand prize winner, Curlett, is a husband, father, Marine Veteran and glass hauler at Maverick Transportation for six years. Curlett has an outstanding driving record and has been named Driver of the Month and Driver of the Year for the company. While he is always willing to go out of his way to help fellow professional drivers, he also gives back to his community, including participating in a yearly convoy that raises money for the Arkansas Special Olympics.

"After 20 years of faithful service in the Marine Corps, I knew the trucking industry had plenty of opportunities in any direction and found that open-deck trailers were the best fit for me," said Curlett. "To those that are looking to get into the industry, I recommend they research everything and don't hesitate to call companies and other drivers to get the information needed to make the decision that is right for you."

Curlett was nominated by a fellow professional driver and friend, who described him as “one of the best humans” he has ever met. To announce his grand prize win, Pilot Flying J partnered with Maverick Transportation and Curlett’s family to surprise him with the news in a congratulatory video. To view this special moment and Curlett’s reaction, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

"I'm honored that a peer and friend in this industry nominated me for this recognition," said Eric Curlett. "I didn't expect to win and it definitely took me by surprise. I look forward to taking my family to a warm weather place to spend a week together."

In addition to the $10,000 grand prize, Pilot Flying J awarded $5,000 to second place winner, Andrade, a father, grandfather, Army Veteran and Master Driver for Baylor Trucking who has logged more than 2.5 million safe miles. Third place winner, Rosenquist, received a $2,500 prize in recognition of his 40 years as a professional driver with 5 million accident-free miles.

To learn more about our 2021 Road Warrior contest and winners, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

Pilot Company has been a supporter of the Endowment since 2019, contributing toward their goal of placing 100,000 veterans into high-quality jobs by 2024. In honor of Veterans Day, guests at participating owned and operated Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers can join the Endowment’s mission by rounding up their purchase** from October 25 – November 15, 2021. Pilot Company will match the donations up to $100,000 and 100% of the proceeds from the round-up will go directly to the Endowment. This year’s campaign hopes to raise $500,000, enough to support nearly 1,000 veterans in their transition into post-military careers.

“We are proud to be a veteran-founded company and we want to honor our servicemen and women whenever we have the opportunity,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “Working with the Call of Duty Endowment is an amazing way to help veterans find a great career after they’ve graciously served our country. We have many veteran team members and guests and look forward to showing them our appreciation by welcoming them to our stores for a free meal on us.”

On Nov. 11, veterans authenticated with ID.me in the myRewards Plus^TM app can save their exclusive offer* for a $10 free meal credit. Veterans can choose from a variety of food and beverages, including Pilot coffee, fountain drinks, non-alcoholic cooler beverages, hot and cold food items, name-brand snacks and purchases at over 680 participating QSR restaurants. The discount* is available to be redeemed at any of the company’s owned and operated U.S. locations, including over 750 participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers. To easily find nearby locations and for more great deals, download the myRewards Plus^TM app*.

Pilot Company is using ID.me, a group verification solution, to make it easy and simple for service members to quickly verify their eligibility in the myRewards Plus ^TM app. Once authenticated, service members will automatically receive a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* when using myRewards Plus ^TM at checkout, in addition to receiving special offers throughout the year. For more information on the military discount, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its giving back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about. More information on the Call of Duty Endowment is available at callofdutyendowment.org.

*Data rates may apply. Other terms and conditions apply.

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

Founded 63 years ago by Jim Haslam, a Korean War veteran, Pilot Company is proud to extend its longstanding support of service members by offering this year-round discount to eligible guests and team members.  The discount can be redeemed at participating owned and operated locations, including over 700 Pilot Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers and 680 fast food restaurants in the U.S.

“It is our honor to provide this discount program in appreciation of the military community and all they do for our country,” said Haslam. “We are forever grateful to them for their service and this is one way we are able to give back to those who have given so much. This July 4^th, let’s all take a moment to reflect and thank those who have sacrificed so that we may continue to celebrate our independence.”

Pilot Company is using ID.me, an identity verification solution, to make it easy and simple for service members to verify their eligibility in the myRewards Plus ^TM app. Through the ID.me solution, guests and team members will validate their military status in just a few minutes and once completed, automatically receive the discount when using myRewards ^TM at checkout.

“We’re proud to be supporting this effort by Pilot Company to provide discounts to military community members,” said Blake Hall, Founder and CEO of ID.me and Iraq War veteran. “It is incredibly important to give back to the individuals that sacrifice to preserve our way of life.”

Once users are verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus ^TM app, a green military badge will appear on the user’s profile page and a permanent saved offer tile will be on the Rewards page of the app indicating the discount is active. The 10% military discount applies to food and beverage purchases, including Pilot coffee, fountain drinks, non-alcoholic cooler beverages, hot and cold food items, candy, and snacks.*  For more information on the military discount and to download** the myRewards Plus ^TM app, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

In addition to the new military discount program, Pilot Company gives back to military and veteran organizations that provide education and employment programs to support service members and their families. The company recently donated $100,000 to the Call of Duty Endowment in honor of Military Appreciation Month which will help place nearly 200 veterans into high-quality careers. To learn more about Pilot Company’s giving back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about.

*Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Visit pilotflyingj.com/terms-and-conditions for details.

**Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Other terms and conditions may apply.

“The holiday season is a special time to remember and recognize veterans for their sacrifice,” said James A. Haslam II, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Pilot Company. “On behalf of our 28,000 team members, we sincerely thank the men and women who’ve selflessly served our country. We appreciate Wreaths Across America’s mission of remember, honor and teach and invite our guests to partner with us in support of their goal to lay a wreath on every hero’s grave.”

Now through Dec. 31, guests visiting any of the 750 company-operated stores in the U.S., including participating Pilot and Flying J travel centers* and One9 Fuel Network stores, can opt to round-up purchases** to the nearest whole dollar and donate the additional amount to Wreaths Across America. In remembrance of the company’s hometown heroes, Pilot Company is donating $20,000 and contributing $20,000 from the round-up campaign to support the Wreaths Across America ceremonies in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“It is partners like Pilot Company that continue to step up and amaze us with their generosity, not just with the financial support of sponsoring wreaths, but in their commitment to the veterans in the industry and in their communities that deserve recognition,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America. “This new round up program is beyond anything we could have expected or hoped for and we are grateful to Pilot Company and all the professional drivers and carriers that help us move the mission.”

The round-up fundraiser is part of Pilot Company’s long-standing support of Wreaths Across America, including helping to fuel the organization’s traveling Mobile Education Exhibit to visit cities across the U.S. The exhibit is open to the public for free tours at several locations throughout the year and recently made a tour stop on October 20, 2020 at the Pilot Travel Center in Mebane, North Carolina. Pilot Company also supports and is honored to participate in Wreaths Across America’s celebration of veterans in the trucking industry, recognizing and thanking the veteran professional drivers that transport the wreaths to more than 2,200 locations across the country for the annual holiday wreath-laying ceremonies.

Pilot Company also will celebrate Veterans Day with a week-long special offer for all U.S. military veterans. From Nov. 9-15, all veterans are invited to enjoy a free Pilot Coffee of any size and one free breakfast offering, such as the french toast sausage, egg and cheese sandwich. The Veterans Day Breakfast Combo offer is available through the Pilot Flying J app and is redeemable at participating U.S. Pilot and Flying J travel centers.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about. For nearby travel center locations to donate and to redeem the breakfast offer for veterans, download the Pilot Flying J app.*** More information on Wreaths Across America is available at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

*Round-up donations made at Knoxville-area Pilot Convenience Stores will benefit JDRF through November 1, 2020 and Salvation Army from November 23 – December 25, 2020.

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

***Standard data rates may apply.

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.