Boeing volunteers give a damn for veterans

Over 25 teammates from Boeing’s Air Dominance division spent a day volunteering at Veterans Community Project of Saint Louis, a nonprofit founded by combat veterans to help solve veteran homelessness.

Why it matters: “Serving veterans through volunteer work is one of the most meaningful ways Boeing teammates can honor their service and bring Boeing’s values to life,” said Trent Kraemer, Systems Engineering Integration Team director, Air Proprietary, Air Dominance. “We build more than planes; we build stronger communities and safeguard the dignity of those who defended our nation.”

Zoom in: As a U.S. Army veteran who served for 23 years, Joe Navarro, Boeing Air Dominance system engineer, was proud to represent Boeing during this volunteer event.

“I felt a sense of compassion and gratitude helping,” Navarro said. “Organizations such as these are vital to our veteran communities, and I was very happy to contribute my time and effort to support veterans in need. Every project at Boeing that I have worked on is very accepting and supportive of our veterans, which inspires me to do my best every day.”

About the organization: Since opening in August 2023, Veterans Community Project of Saint Louis has served hundreds of veterans through its Outreach Center and Tiny Home Residential Program, which is open to any veteran in the St. Louis area. The village in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood will ultimately include 50 tiny homes once completed. Residents in the tiny home village receive housing and wraparound case management designed to move them into permanent housing.

How Boeing supports: “In 2026 alone, Boeing has completed over 300 hours of volunteer work assisting us with tiny home projects, making Boeing one of our top volunteer corporations,” said Deshauna Barber-Echols, executive director, Veterans Community Project of Saint Louis. “This is important because 60-70% of the labor that goes into completing a single tiny home is performed by volunteers. Boeing's contribution during our volunteer days has had a massive impact on getting veterans off the street and into a safe home.”

How to help: Boeing teammates can help build homes, support veterans and multiply their impact through company matching programs. Boeing’s Gift Match Program helps expand the impact of employees giving and volunteering.

• Boeing matches 100% of donations of at least $25 to eligible organizations.
• Boeing donates $100 for every 10 hours an employe volunteers with an eligible organization.
• If at least five employees take part in one volunteer activity together, Boeing donates $20 per hour per employee to the benefiting organization.

Go deeper: Click here for more information about the Veterans Community Project.

Boeing Backs America: During America’s 250th anniversary year, and every year, Boeing is committed to improving the quality of life for transitioning service members, veterans and their families, as well as communities typically underserved in the military-veteran ecosystem. Through veteran engagement, Boeing is helping ensure veterans and their families have the support they need to thrive long after service.

By Michelle Whaley