Arrow Exterminators hosts Veterans Appreciation Banquet

U.S. Army Brigadier General Dwayne Wilson, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, right, poses for a picture with both Georgia Guard and Arrow leadership and supporters during the Arrow Partnership for Youth Success Signing Ceremony at the Cherokee County Conference Center, Ga. Aug. 30, 2022. The PaYS ceremony helps to support service members in finding employment outside the United States Army. (Photo by Spc. Kinsey Geer)

Atlanta, Ga.-based Arrow Exterminators held its inaugural Veterans Appreciation Banquet on Aug. 20 at the Cherokee Count Conference Center at the bluffs in Canton, Ga.

The focal point of this occasion was to officially recognize Arrow Exterminators‘ partnership with the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program. The program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies and public sector agencies.

The PaYS Program guarantees soldiers an interview and possible employment after the Army. This program is part of the Army’s effort to partner with America’s business community and reconnect America with its Army. During the event, Arrow became one of the first pest control companies to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the Army for the placement of veterans in its ranks. Officiating the signing ceremony was Brigadier General Dwayne Wilson, Assistant Adjutant General – Georgia Army National Guard.

The event was hosted by the Arrow Exterminators Veterans Committee, who have been a strong advocate for the veteran’s community.

Arrow Exterminator team members at the Veterans Appreciation Banquet (from left): Shay Runion, Eldrige Holloway, John Finch, Kim Hauser, and Xavier Cugnon. PHOTO: ARROW EXTERMINATORS

Part of the event included a review of more than 16 grassroots initiatives that have been carried out and supported by many of Arrow Exterminators’ team members and the organization itself. Some of the initiatives that the Arrow team and the Veterans Committee have completed include service projects, fundraisers, the sponsorship of veteran families in need and collection drives.

“The purpose of this event was multifaceted. It is also important for us to recognize those veterans who are Arrow team members. We want veterans and service members to gravitate towards the pest control industry and Arrow as a choice employer, and that only happens if you give them a reason to do so,” said Xavier Cugnon, vice president of human resources and commanding officer of the Arrow Exterminators Veterans Committee. “This event was an opportunity for us to demonstrate to the community and our own team members that we are very serious about our intentions and our support. We want to blaze the trail, but we don’t want to be the only ones in the game. I welcome any of our counterparts in the industry to jump on board and enter the same partnership with the Army.”