disrespected Vets, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

[**jdazmum**]

Our WalMart supports our troops.

I don't like Target Stores anyway, they got some cool stuff, but way too expensive for someone on a budget. I shop at the Exchange, but if i don't go there I go to WalMart. The WalMart in Oceanside, near a Marine Base have a board as you walk into the store that holds pictures of the local heroes. If I owned a large corporation like Walmart, I would cover my butt. Iron clad backing me up so I won't get sued for millions of dollars. I won't shop at Target stores though after I heard stories about them not supporting veterans organizations.

What does Aba, Aba mean? I've never read the bible, just wondering? Someone explain to me what it means.

[Plenty Fox]

Seems from the postings on this discussions. Corporate, people, and local level will really have to suck it up!! Somebody's right and somebody's wrong.! Who knows what is correct?? Surely if these be urban legends(possible) than much (if one desires) must be advanced toward the correct truth. I'm thinking Target and WalMart are crying Aba aba. If my definition is correct.I've ran across in the past similiar accusations.But I don't shop much. Neither store is close by to us. I would out and out ask each org, their preferences, as to, act as an confronting type of experience. Their just people like you all. Walk out if they don't give the answer that suits you, as an indivdual. Seems to me that their public relations stink.!! Sounds like coming from somewhere their golden egg, has faults in it. IMO GES

"Aba, Aba" is what Christ cried out to his Heavenly Father when he gave up his Spirit. Mark 14:36.
I find your use of this phrase offensive. If you are going to post on this site would you do so when appropriate and in an appropriate manner? Thank you.

[Gail405]

Seems from the postings on this discussions. Corporate, people, and local level will really have to suck it up!! Somebody's right and somebody's wrong.! Who knows what is correct?? Surely if these be urban legends(possible) than much (if one desires) must be advanced toward the correct truth. I'm thinking Target and WalMart are crying Aba aba. If my definition is correct.I've ran across in the past similiar accusations.But I don't shop much. Neither store is close by to us. I would out and out ask each org, their preferences, as to, act as an confronting type of experience. Their just people like you all. Walk out if they don't give the answer that suits you, as an indivdual. Seems to me that their public relations stink.!! Sounds like coming from somewhere their golden egg, has faults in it. IMO GES

[LadyRedtailedHawk]

That is indeed odd. I contacted Wal-Mart headquarters to find out why they would not let their name be printed on the flyers and advertising for the event held here and the response they gave me was...."it is not our policy to sponsor any such events especially when they are not being organized by a group recognized on our list of charities that we support" and I then asked what veterans or soldier or war related organizations were on that list and the reply I got was "there are none as it is not our policy to get involved in such matters".

I was very miffed to say the least and I went on to ask the public relations department how a company which has build at least 2 Super Stores within a 20 mile radius of the majority of US Army Installations could NOT support their main source of business in those areas. They HUNG UP.

So, I cannot speak for the VA area but I can tell you that their corporate headquarters says they do not do it. By the way the group organizing this event was a local vietnam vet chapter.

Have a wonderful day!

[DANCINGEAGLE]

That is strange about Walmart because the one that we have here did a big thing on supporting our troops. But I have heard that Target did not supoort the troops or any type of support for Vets.

[LadyRedtailedHawk]

Disrespect to Soldiers and Vets

Adam, I am the wife of a green beret currently active duty...cannot say where as you know BUT...Target may not be a problem but Wal-Mart is! Wal-Mart does not sponsor, donate to or in any way shape or form assistance veterans groups or soldiers or any organization aside from a very very short list. Now get this...Wal-Mart's corporate policy regarding flying flags and flagpoles is reprehensible. As my sister-in-law works for the company I have found out first hand that when employees wanted a flagpole and a raised flag following 9 11, they were told they could gather funds from employees and have one installed but the company would not pay for a flagpole or a flag because it is their policy NOT TO. Worse, they rejected sponsoring in name only a local veterans group who had organized a benefit for families of fallen soldiers in the recent afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. But Wal-Mart did , does and will sponsor in name and in funds several gay rights organizations!

Further, Wal-Mart has a nasty habit of buying land and when native remains and etc are found, they will build right on top of the site and fight the tribes in court forever and a day!

I REFUSE to shop there and have even protested their actions regarding soldiers and vets....especially since there are over 65,000 active duty members plus dependents stationed here at Fort Bragg and Pope AFB.

Wal-Mart can rot and go bankrupt before I will support them.

[Indigenous97]

Wow!!!

Talk about things getting out of hand and misunderstandings.....when I first read this I was soooooooo heated I was going to start forwarding to everyone I know then before I did I finally read it all the way through..........

[hummingrose]

I will never shop at Target again. Thanks for the info. How can they place the Gay and Lesbian Rights Movement above our country's Veterens? I hold Veterens in the highest regard. It makes sense though since they are a French owned company.

[CactusButt]

Wow That's a lot of info to read through!

Well, I don't shop at Target anyway's because you can get the same quality of products at a cheaper price at WalMart, and as a single mom, I would love to shop based on feelings about a company and their giving policies, but I honestly shop at places that will save me money.

I am sorry that the Veterans and you in particular felt dishonored.

Thank you for my Freedom!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[adam]

i found this on urban legends....

Dick Forrey, a member of the Indiana-based Howard County Vietnam Veterans organization, penned the above message in March 2002 after failing to secure a $100 sponsorship for a travelling Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall exhibit from his local Target store. Mr. Forrey was rebuffed, because Target does not give out cash donations through local stores; they donate money only at the corporate level, and only through grants to organizations falling within their defined general areas of giving:

We want to clearly and completely apologize for any misunderstanding regarding Target's support of the Vietnam Wall and our corporate giving program. Giving back to the communities where our stores are located is something we're proud to do. In fact, nationwide, Target Corporation gives more than $2 million a week to the communities in which we serve.

In March of 2002, a veteran approached one of our stores seeking a $100 donation for a display of the "moving wall" in his area. Target does support events in the communities in which our stores are located. While each store determines which events to sponsor, any contribution is limited and is made in the form of a gift card. The stores are not able to give cash contributions to any organization. Stores are also able to donate volunteer hours to community events and projects.

Our corporate giving program that does incorporate cash donations is handled through a process called grants. Unfortunately, the veteran and his organization were not provided the proper information to facilitate consideration of a grant from either the store or our corporate office. The initial response of the team member at the store and the reply from our corporate office are inconsistent with the respectful manner in which we want all of our guests to be treated. We are truly sorry for this oversight and the resulting confusion that has taken place.

We accept all applications for grants from January 1 to September 30 of each calendar year. Any guest can request a grants application brochure at their local store, called "Grant Guidelines." Veterans programs may be considered for grants if the subject matter falls into one of our three general areas of giving: education, arts and family violence prevention.

Guests can also access a grant application at our web site.

This is certain: Target appreciates the dedication and service of all our veterans. Thank you again for your interest.

Sincerely,

Daniel Cleland
Group Team Leader
Guest Relations

Granted, Target deserves a small share of criticism for initially failing to explain their policies clearly to Mr. Forrey when he approached them, but the stance presented in the message quoted above — that a company which won't financially contribute to someone's pet project doesn't "support" whatever cause is being represented and should therefore be boycotted by all like-minded people — is a selfish one, and in this case a grossly unfair one. The Target Corporation donates a tremendous amount of money to charitable causes every year, and in both 2002 and 2003 they topped Forbes magazine's list of "America's Most Philanthropic Companies." Among the many organizations to which Target donates are veteran-related causes, including exhibits like the one for which Mr. Forrey was seeking a contribution:

In the Greater Cleveland area alone, Target has recently donated more than $95,000 to such worthwhile causes as the Museum of Art, the Rape Crisis Center, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Cleveland Reads literacy program.

The company has been no less generous toward veterans. Not only did Target contribute to the World War II Memorial and sponsor the 2003 tour of "The Wall that Heals" — the same exhibit for which Forrey was soliciting donations — but it also donated to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association in New York, the Hays County veterans in Texas, and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliaries in Michigan and California.
As the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) noted on their website:

Although there has been a resurgence of patriotism and support for our nation’s veterans, there have been various messages posted on the Internet that would lead people to believe that corporate America, specifically retail department stores, are falling short in supporting our nation's veterans.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars would like to remind all that the Internet culture weaves rumors and misinformation. Simply put, don't believe everything you read. For example, an e-mail message urging veterans to boycott Target has been circulating on the Internet because a solicitation request to support "The Moving Wall" was denied.

Target has a long-held corporate policy regarding donations. And in all fairness, Target contributes more than $2 million weekly to charitable causes and is one of the corporate sponsors for the 2003 tour of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund's "The Wall That Heals." "The Wall That Heals" is a traveling Vietnam Veterans memorial and museum that has a strong educational component for schools and serves to honor all our veterans.
Dick Forrey, the man who started the anti-Target brouhaha, has since admitted his mistake:

I made a mistake on this one, and I've learned a hard lesson — that's for sure. What started out as a message for the members in our organization has turned into a hate-type thing. I never wanted to start any national boycott. I just wish it would all stop.

Some people have used my words and perpetuated lies. It's sad that some of these people would use veterans as a way to push their own political views. I've sent out a retraction, and no one pays any attention.
Since the antiTarget message first began to circulate, several other claims have been tacked onto it by those seeking to make Target look bad: that Target responds to charitable requests by stating they only support 'gay and lesbian causes,' that Target is French-owned, and that Target does not contribute to the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, and that Target refused to allow reservist employees who had been activated to continue their health benefits:
Target's stated policy is that they provide grants at the corporate level for programs involving the arts, education, and family violence prevention, and donates at the local level to a variety of charitable causes. The line about Target's responding to inquiries by stating that they provide corporate grants only for 'gay and lesbian causes' is a falsity added to later versions of the message.

The Target Corporation (which now also includes the Mervyn's and Marshall Field's chains of department stores) is a publicly held U.S. firm which has been based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, since it began as the Dayton Dry Goods Company in 1902. Target is not now, nor has it ever been, foreign-owned.

Although Target stores do not directly participate in the in-store collection of toys for the Toys for Tots charity sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, the Target Corporation contributes to that charity by giving discounts to groups who buy toys for it, and through collecting toys at their chain of Marshall Field's stores, one of the National Corporate Sponsors of the Toys for Tots program.

Target Corporation has been recognized by the National Committee for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as an "Outstanding Employer" which has "gone above and beyond the requirements of the law in support of their National Guard and Reserve employees." Target employees who are activated for military service and were participating in optional dependent coverage at the time of their deployment are eligible to continue these benefits if they so choose. Target Corporation also allows any Target team member to continue benefits as provided by the 1986 Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

[adam]

I recieved this e-mail and thought I would share it with you. I know where I will not be shopping. This pisses me off as a soldier.

The measure of a person's real character is what he/she would do if he/she knew they'd never be found out" - Thomas MaCaulay

Dick Forrey of the Vietnam Veterans Association, "Recently we asked the local TARGET store to be a proud sponsor of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall during our spring recognition event. They received the following reply from the local TARGET management, "Veterans do not meet our area of giving. We only donate to the arts, social action groups, gay & lesbian causes, and education." So I'm thinking, if the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and veterans in general do not meet their donation criteria, then something is really wrong at this TARGET store. We were not asking for thousands of dollars, not even hundreds, just a small sponsorship for a memorial remembrance. As a follow-up, I e-mailed the TARGET U.S. corporate headquarters and their response was the same. That's their national policy. Then I looked into the company further. They will not allow the Marines to collect for 'Toys for Tots' at any of their stores. And during the recent Iraq deployment, they would not allow families of employees who were called up for active duty to continue their insurance coverage while they were on military service. Then as I dig further, TARGET is a French owned corporation (this will really anger of friend of mine that is the DEP G2 at USAREUR). Now, I'm thinking again. If TARGET can not support American Veterans, then why should I and my family support their stores by spending our hard earned American dollars and to have their profits sent to France. Without the American Vets where would France be today? Feel free to pass this along to whomever you want. Sincerely, Dick Forrey Veterans helping Veterans":Yell