Veteran says he was denied a discount because he was not disabled

PITTSBURGH —"I feel all veterans should be treated the same," said Mike Stadelman.

Stadelman said his grandfather, an eight-year veteran of the Air Force, was denied the Home Depot veterans discount, because he was not still active, nor was he injured in the service.

"He was taken back by it," said Stadelman. "He did not expect them to say no and turn him away."

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According to Matt Harrigan, Home Depot's public relations spokesman, the last change to their veteran's discount police in 2010 to include an everyday discount. Prior to the change, the discount only applied to major patriotic holidays. Their discount now applies to those active duty, their members, those retired for 20 years, reserves and those disabled while in the service.

Stadelman posted his grandfather's experience, on Facebook, and followers started asking for a Home Depot boycott. Many posted that customers should instead shop at Lowe's, but Lowe's has the same policy, according to spokesperson, Karen Cobb. Representatives from Home Depot never responded to repeated attempts for comment.

Stadelman said distinguishing between which veterans are honored, and which aren't, is disrespectful.

"The guys deserve something for what they do. If you don't want to do it, then just end it and don't do it at all," said Stadelman.

Employees from both Lowe's and Home Depot said that all veterans are honored with the 10 percent discount on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the 4th of July.

"We have a broad approach to recognizing and supporting veterans in ways that go beyond a product discount for individuals," Harrigan wrote in an email to Pittsburgh's Action News 4. "The Home Depot Foundation has committed more than $85 million to combat the current housing crisis many veterans face. Working with non-profit and military support organizations, our associates completed more than 1,000 Team Depot projects in 2014 to provide badly needed repairs and renovations of the homes of disabled veterans, VAs, VFWs and other military support organizations. We also employ more than 35,000 veterans and have been one of the country's most active participants in military hiring fairs."