Blue Angels Take Marcone CEO Jim Souers Up Into the Skies as Thank-You for Military Support

SAINT LOUIS, MO, May 27, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Three St. Louisans recently experienced the honor—and flight—of a lifetime: ascending the skies in an F/A-18 Hornet with the famed Blue Angels. Those designated to fly with the elite aerobatic team were picked for their roles as key influencers in the community, recognized for their contributions to education, media, and corporate social responsibility.

Celebrated local broadcaster Guy Phillips of Y98 and Darcy Benway, superintendent of O'Fallon Township High School District 203, were chosen for their work in the media and education. And Jim Souers, President and CEO of Marcone Supply, represented the local business sector, being awarded the flight as a thank-you for his sustained support of the military. Over the last decade at Marcone, Souers has orchestrated charitable events and established relationships with organizations like MSCCN, HEROES Care, St. Louis Navy League, Fischer House Foundation, and the USO. 

The private flights kicked off the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo, an event focused on the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math in career success and military service. At the expo, Marcone hosted a booth showcasing its involvement with Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN), a partnership forged by Souers in 2010 that's resulted in the employment and retention of military spouses at Marcone locations throughout the U.S. In addition, local students from the UrbanFuture program were treated to a special "Under the Stars" educational dinner at the Planetarium with the Blue Angels, a party sponsored by Souers and Marcone. 

“I couldn't be more proud of what Marcone has done in support of our military and their families. And our military hiring program has only strengthened the company,” said Souers. “But to be given the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels is a humbling and thrilling experience I'll never forget.”

St. Louis-based Marcone Supply is the country's largest distributor of major appliance parts. Jim Souers been part of Marcone for 35 years, and has served as President and CEO since 1999. Through initiatives led by Souers, Marcone regularly raises and contributes tens of thousands of dollars annually to military and family charities across the country. Souers has been recognized for his leadership and philanthropy by organizations such as HEROES Care, Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MO ESGR), and Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis.