Boosting American Essay Program: Walmart's $2,000 Donation Supports Veterans Group

By Vicki Wood

Paul Gardner from the Camdenton Walmart and FRA 32 President James Paczkowski.Photo byBranch 32 FRA Jan

The American Essay Program through Lake of the Ozarks Fleet Reserve Association’s Branch 32 received a big boost recently, thanks to the Walmart Supercenter in Camdenton. In a press release for the FRA Branch 32’s Robert Behm, a $2000 donation was given to the maritime veterans organization that will support Central Missouri students in a scholarship program. The Branch 32 FRA meets monthly at the Sunrise Beach Community Center.

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The following press release tells more about the program:

Walmart Store #89 and Manager David Kilpatrick Supports Lake of the Ozarks Branch 32, Fleet Reserve Association, with $2,000 Community Grant for American Essay Program

Camdenton, Missouri 01/11/2024 – Walmart Store #89 and its dedicated Store Manager, David Kilpatrick, have demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting local community initiatives by awarding a generous $2,000 grant to the Lake of the Ozarks Branch 32 of the Fleet Reserve Association. This donation aims to bolster the association's esteemed American Essay Program, furthering its mission to empower and recognize aspiring young writers.

The grant, provided through Walmart's esteemed community grant program, reflects the company's dedication to fostering educational initiatives and empowering local organizations. This substantial contribution underscores Walmart Store #89's commitment to supporting initiatives that enrich the lives of community members.

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The Lake of the Ozarks Branch 32 of the Fleet Reserve Association is recognized for its commitment to promoting patriotism and the importance of Americanism among youth through its esteemed American Essay Program. This program encourages students to explore and express their thoughts on Americanism, citizenship, and current events through essay writing. The theme this year was “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”

"The generosity shown by Walmart Store #89 and Manager David Kilpatrick is invaluable to our organization's goals. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to inspire and recognize the creative voices of our young participants in the American Essay Program," remarked Maria Behm, National Vice President of the Fleet Reserve Association located at the National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Maria is also a member of the local FRA Branch 32 in Sunrise Beach.

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The $2,000 grant from Walmart Store #89 exemplifies the company's dedication to making a positive impact within the communities it serves. Through partnerships with local organizations like the Fleet Reserve Association, Walmart continues to empower and enrich the lives of individuals across the Missouri Ozarks.

For more information about Walmart's community grant programs or the Fleet Reserve Association's American Essay Program, please contact Robert Behm, Secretary.

About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 230 million customers and members visit approximately 10,800 stores and clubs under 51 banners in 25 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2022 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs over 2.3 million associates worldwide.

Contact: Robert Behm, Secretary, FRA Lake of the Ozarks Branch 32, 573-207-4670, bnm_77@comcast.net, www.frabr32.org