Mattex Service Company has selected the recipient of a free furnace in its 5th annual Veterans Day Furnace Giveaway. The annual giveaway benefits a deserving Veteran in need within Champaign, Piatt or Coles County.

After collecting over 60 total nominations, the selection committee, composed of Mattex employees, selected a Vietnam veteran and lifelong resident of Mattoon, Illinois. The Veteran, who wishes to remain anonymous, received multiple nominations from employees of the Mattoon United States Postal Service office, after they noticed he did not have any heat in his home. “He is the most kind, considerate, and caring man,” said Jennifer Sledge of the Mattoon Postal Service. “He’s always so concerned about us being warm as we deliver mail and I feel like he needs to be warm himself. He has done so much for our country, and it’s time we do this for him. This furnace will do so much for him.”

The Veteran, who was a sergeant in the Army lost heat in his home four years ago, after a flood caused his existing furnace to malfunction. The local postal workers took notice of an opportunity to give back to someone in need of heat who has given a great deal to the local community and to the country at large. After noticing a post for Mattex Service Company’s fifth annual Veteran’s Day Furnace Giveaway, they knew it was time to take action.

“We read through the number of compelling entries on this Veteran’s behalf, and it was clear that he had touched many lives, both during and following his active service,” said Lauren Acton, director of marketing for Mattex Service Company. “As we talked to the USPS workers who regularly delivered mail on his route, we knew this was someone with a true need who is more than deserving of any help we are able to provide to him.”

In 2015, after hearing the stories of Veterans and Veteran families employed by Mattex, the company became highly aware of the needs of Veterans within the local community. In an effort to thank deserving Veterans for their great sacrifice, Mattex has hosted an annual giveaway to benefit one local Veteran and their family each fall.

“We are a Veteran and Veteran family-run business,” said Mike Nichelson, president and CEO of Mattex Service Company. “Five years ago, we quickly realized that there was a great need to recognize the sacrifice of Veterans and their families. We want to honor their sacrifice by meeting the vital needs of our Veterans and providing a necessary furnace replacement for their home. It’s a small way to give back in recognition of a huge sacrifice, but we’ve been honored to provide this free furnace every year and look forward to selecting our fifth winner.”

Since 2015, Mattex has donated a furnace, as well as all labor and equipment costs to a deserving Veteran and their family each Veterans Day.

Mattex Service Company, founded in 1994, provides heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services for residential and commercial properties from their business locations within Champaign, Monticello and Mattoon.