ACP and BlackRock Launch 2021 Vests For Vets Program
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK, NY – October 12, 2021 – American Corporate Partners (“ACP”) and BlackRock Inc. team up today to co-launch BlackRock’s annual Vests for Vets program. The initiative invites anyone interested in supporting veterans to purchase a vest through the Vest for Vets website and wear it on Veterans Day to recognize the sacrifices that veterans and their families make when leaving the armed services. The vests symbolize the flak jackets service men and women wear during their tour of duty. Participants may also wish to include a patch, pin, or other symbol of remembrance on their vest, perhaps of a loved one, friend or colleague whose service they want to specifically honor.
Founded in 2019 by Aaron Lehn and Nick Nefouse, two current BlackRock employees, Vests for Vets recognizes the significant transition veterans undertake while leaving the military and moving onto the next chapter of their careers.
While the initiative is sponsored by The BlackRock Veterans & Allies Network, an internal employee network at BlackRock, anyone can buy a vest. A portion of the proceeds of vest sales will benefit American Corporate Partners (ACP), a national nonprofit organization that offers customized career counseling via one-year mentorships to transitioning veterans and active duty military spouses. BlackRock has partnered with ACP since 2011.
Sidney E. Goodfriend, Founder & Chairman, ACP said: “Our program has a proven track record, having assisted more than 21,000 veterans with professional development and their transition to private sector careers. Partners like BlackRock are key to making our program successful.”
Gary Shedlin, Chief Financial Officer, BlackRock Inc., and executive sponsor of the BlackRock Veterans & Allies Network said: “We strive to have a diverse and inclusive firm to better meet our clients’ needs. Veterans bring a unique and valued perspective to BlackRock thanks to their extraordinary backgrounds and experiences.”
Aaron Lehn, co-founder of Vest for Vets and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said: “We started Vests for Vets to recognize and celebrate the unique skill sets, diverse perspectives and resilience that veterans bring to organizations like ours. The success of this program has grown exponentially every year since its initial launch three years ago. We are humbled by the support of our colleagues at BlackRock and are focused on making this as inclusive as possible in service of our veterans.”
Nick Nefouse, co-founder of Vest for Vets, said: “As we prepare to honor Veterans Day, Armistice Day and Remembrance Day on November 11, we reflect deeply on the selflessness and dedication of the men and women who serve our countries. Supporting veterans, particularly as they make the transition from military life to the civilian workforce, is a high priority for BlackRock. We encourage members of our community and beyond to purchase a vest to support veterans and their families.”
Cory La Roe, formerly Staff Sergeant, US Air Force and now Product Strategist at BlackRock said: “As an ACP program alumnus and an Air Force veteran, I’m proud to participate in the Vests for Vets initiative and, along with my BlackRock colleagues, will be wearing a vest on November 11. My [ACP] mentor was instrumental in my transition from active duty service and my integration into the corporate culture at BlackRock. ACP is a great organization to contribute to through Vests for Vets.”
About American Corporate Partners (ACP)
American Corporate Partners (acp-usa.org) is a New York City-based national nonprofit organization founded by Sidney E. Goodfriend that aims to ease veterans' transition from the military to the civilian workforce through two free programs: a nationwide mentoring program with more than 100 corporate partners and an online network, ACP AdvisorNet, offering career, employment and small business advice through a robust business community and Q&A platform.
ACP is the only nonprofit organization engaged in national corporate career counseling with more than 100 of America’s finest companies for our returning veterans and active duty military spouses. More than 20,000 veterans have become alumni of ACP’s programs.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jane DelGiorno, Vice President – External Affairs, American Corporate Partners
(703) 967-5784, jdelgiorno@acp-usa.org
OR
Amy Meehan, Vice President – External Affairs, American Corporate Partners
(703) 489-7159, ameehan@acp-usa.org
