Little Caesar’s Veterans Program

In 2004, Army Staff Sergeant Robbie Doughty, then 29, of Paducah, KY, lost both of his legs in an Iraqi roadside bomb explosion. While his injuries ordinarily require a two-year stay, he insisted on leaving Walter Reed Army Medical Center after five months. Once discharged, Robbie began exploring his options with the local Paducah Police Force and as a substitute teacher. He says, though, he had long dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. (Of special note, Robbie was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.)

As veterans, like Robbie, struggle to find an economic foothold, how can fellow Americans and American businesses help them?

Robbie actually served as the inspiration for an innovative business program for military veterans, founded by Mike Ilitch, the owner of the 2006 American League Champion Detroit Tigers, 10-time Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars.

The Little Caesars Veterans Program was created by Mike to thank military men and women for their patriotism and the sacrifices they and their families have made for our country. The program offers qualified honorably discharged, service-disabled veterans a substantial benefit of up to $68,000 and a $10,000 benefit for all honorably discharged non-service-disabled veterans towards the start-up costs of opening their own franchises. The program helps military men and women successfully transition to civilian life, as well as create opportunities for those who seek new careers. (And, as sources of start-up capital are harder and harder to find during this economic crisis, this innovative solution is more vital than ever.)

So Robbie along with his good friend and former colleague, Army Chief Warrant Office Lloyd Allard, opened the first-ever veteran-owned Little Caesars in Paducah.

To date, an additional 15 veterans have become franchise owners under the veterans program. For more information on the program, visit the Little Caesars Veterans Program website.