2009 Nominees - January

Cintas Management Team Loc. 259: Cintas Hero Nominee
I wanted to share with you that Location 259 participated in the Lake County United Way’s Day of Caring on October 18th, 2008. The United Way of Lake County "Day of Caring" is an annual volunteering event for the local community. All non-profit agencies in Lake County are invited to identify one or more projects that could be completed in one day. We did this as team-building experience for the management partners at the location. However, we collected $3397.00 as en entire location to donate for the United Way Campaign. We power-washed and painted the front porch and back deck. Also planted flowers and mulched the beds. We trimmed the hedges, cut the grass, edged the lawn and raked the leaves. I attached pictures of the event as well. The home was with an organization called Extended Housing, which helps those in need...http://www.extendedhousing.org/ or www.uwlc.org.

Christopher Lodike: Cintas Hero Nominee
On 12/26/2008 while on his route Chris saw a group of pedestrians gathered around a car that was on fire from an accident. Chris grabbed the fire extingquisher from his truck fearing that the pedestrians were in danger and ran towards the accident where the fire was put out with his extinguisher. sadly the driver passed upon impact.

Susan Oleson: Cintas Hero Nominee
On July 1, 2008 Location 684 held its first blood drive which was organized by our Human Resources Manager Susan Oleson. Susan, having been a blood donor for many years had the American Red Cross visit our location. Susan formed a committee with our partners to raise awareness on how important it was to donate blood to save lives. Not only did we have partners donating blood, but partner’s family members joined our location in the efforts to save lives as well. Susan and our blood drive committee were able to recruit 22 volunteers to donate blood and for many of them it would be their first time donating, such as our SSR David Towles (shown in attached photo). David discovered that he has Type O blood which can be given to everyone. He was inspired by our Blood Drive and has willingly donated at the Red Cross since July. Susan is a heroine in my eyes but so are those who were afraid and still gave blood to save others. Our American Red Cross representative stated that the blood collected would be extremely helpful as our Blood Drive was held just before the July 4th weekend – historically the busiest holiday weekend for hospitals and emergency rooms where blood would likely be needed. Our location has committed to the Red Cross to hold this Blood Drive annually.

Norma Spradlin: Cintas Hero Nominee
On an extremely cold January evening in 2009, Norma was on her way home and decided to stop at a fast food drive through to grab dinner since she lives on a farm and has to tend to many animals. As she was driving out, a young man and woman knock on her car window and asked her for $12.50 because they were from out of town and had no money. The couple’s car had broken down and they were $12.50 short for the repair. Norma not only paid the $12.50, she paid for a room at a local hotel and gave them some gas money to send them safely on their way home.

Tim Bauer: Cintas Hero Nominee
While Tim was servicing a customer, he noticed a young pre-teen girl at the bus stop. There was an older man pushing her around and had raised his fist to hit her. Tim stopped the altercation and contacted the local authorities about the incident. He made sure that the girl was watched over by patrons of the store he was servicing before leaving the area.

Doug Sweitzer: Cintas Hero Nominee
Team Leader Profile Doug Sweitzer of Cintas Corporation "Gives Back" to his Fellow Veterans I was introduced to VET Foundation Founder, Chris Hadsall, in 2007 by my roommate from college, Lt. Col. Mike Yaroma. After talking with Chris for the first time, I understood right away that he had identified the need to help transitioning wounded warriors. Webster’s Dictionary defines ”help” as: -verb; to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need; contribute strength or means to; render assistance to; cooperate effectively with; aid; assist. In my opinion, this is the backbone of the VET Foundation. As a Team Leader at VET Foundation workshops, I help fellow service men and women overcome personal concerns about their ability to succeed in the in civilian market. Essentially, each participant needs an opportunity, the resolve to overcome setbacks, and an intrinsic desire to succeed. Having been out of the Marine Corps. for nearly 10 years, I can attest to the value of having a mentor. On many occasions I have reached out to senior and peer mentors for non-judgmental advice to help me navigate life’s many obstacles. In 2008, I had the honor of attending two VET Foundation Transition Program retreats. The common lesson I took away from these events is that we all have the same fundamental fear when changing professions. Regardless of our situation, we want to successfully transition from military to civilian, get a job and put food on the table. Everyone involved with the VET Foundation is here to help. Doug is a former Marine infantry officer who served as active duty from 1989 to 1999. He is currently a General Manager for Cintas Corporation and works in York, Pennsylvania.

Lee Eagleburger: Cintas Hero Nominee
Lee Eagleburge arrived at a customer on 1/20/2009 and found a car on fire. Lee grabbed his fire extinguisher out of the truck and helped the gentleman put the fire out. The fire was due to faulty wiring in the dashboard. The man wanted to pay Lee for his help, Lee of course said no and went on his way. We do not know who the man was that Lee helped today but appreciate Lee using his safety training. Lee is a new partner to Cintas through the Secure Shred acquisition on 6/17/2008.

Jerry Lopez: Cintas Hero Nominee
Since 1999 Jerry has organized and participated in a church mission trip to Mexico. During these trips he has provided donated clothing, school supplies, gifts for children, and a lot of support for the communities he visits. This past year Cintas Loc. #184 was proud to help support his mission trip with donated Christmas gifts from Partners as well as 10 boxes of scrap uniforms to be handed out to families in need. Jerry is an inspiration to all of the Partners at #184 and he is a true Hero!