The American troops are important to Patriot Foods and our supporting farmers. We recognize the ultimate sacrifice they have made, and are still making, to keep our country safe and free.
Patriot Foods, Inc proudly supports our veterans and active military by donating a portion from each package you purchase to a military family in need.
We also have created a Veteran's Fishing Program which helps fund fishing trips of our selected supported veterans. These trips allow for some nice activities and relaxation. Patriot Foods covers the entire cost of these trips, to allow for a truly stress-free experience.
Check back here for updates on who we're currently supporting and to learn more about how you can help.
Find out how you can nominate a family below. Patriot Foods selects the veterans that we choose to support, at will from the nominations that are received.
Remembering Gerard Raymond, a U.S. Army Veteran that served during WWII from March 11, 1943 to March 16, 1946. Gerard fought in England, France, Holland, Germany and Austria. He also fought at the Battle of the Bulges!
Gerard was a Tanker in the 8th Armored Division, 88th Recon Company, E Troop. He was in an M8 tank firing 75 Howitzers. Gerard has trouble hearing most conversations due to the loud nature of firing/ operating a tank and requires hearing aids.
Although he could tell you what he had for lunch every day, one of his most vivid memories is going to Hitler's eagle nest after the war ended. He remembers his building in the Austrian mountains, having an elevator to his bedroom. He recounts seeing a rug on Hitler's bedroom floor that had apparently been chewed by Hitler after his suspected loss of mental faculties.
Richard and Angelina Ortega from Ortega's Blueberries in Frutiport, MI. Thank you for your service Richard!
Richard was born in Texas and came to Michigan with his family in 1946. He became interested in farming because of the family apple business and became interested in growing blueberries because of that. Richard began farming in 1990 with 18 acres and now currently farms 56 acres and leases 11 acres.
After discharging from the Army in 1967, Richard became interested in architectural engineering. He began his working career as a draftsman for American Seating Company and was the Assistant Project Engineer at the time of his departure 13 years later. From there, he began his career with Meijer, Inc., where he retired after ten years as the Project Coordinator for New Store Conceptual.
Richard and his wife Angelina have five children and have lived in Grand Rapids since 1967. Richard tries to make the best out of any situation. He believes everyone must work with what they have, go forth from there and make it the best they can.
Chris served in the military, US ARMY, for 10.5 years. He served during Iraqi Freedom, was in many other units, then ended with unit 1-2 ATTACK. He was wounded in combat and fought for his disability. He has four children, three of which lost their disabled army veteran mother to cancer. Now they are in need of housing and food.
Brent served for 20 years as a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force.
He owned a tuxedo business for 36 years until his back surgery caused him to move on from his business. Brent likes to give back in all ways possible like allowing over 20 Foreign exchange students to live with throughout the years so they could get to experience our country. Even post back surgery, Brent continues to go out of his way to help others.
Scott was given an E4 in Iraq. He was released as an E3. He served Feb 89 to May 91 with the MI BN 24 ID out of Fort Stewart. 2 years in the gulf war. Scott spends his days volunteering and coaching 7th grade pop warner football.
From those of us at Patriot Foods, thank you Scott for your service.
Brian served 4 years in the Navy with a service rank E4.
From those of us at Patriot Foods, thank you Brian for your service.
Charlie served in the Army for 33 years and retired as an E-7. He sadly lost many friends while in combat.
From those of us at Patriot Foods, thank you Charlie for your service.