Ocala’s trusted home services company, JackRabbit, surprised local military hero Pasquale Burgese with a free air conditioning unit to honor his service and dedication to our nation. Local technicians chose the deserving Veteran for the free A/C unit and installation, valued at $10,000 as part of their Thanksgiving Service Initiative.

Pasquale Burgese, a disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served from 1981 to 1985 as a wireman with Lima Company during the Beirut deployment. He earned a Presidential Commendation while holding the rank of lance corporal.

“I would like to say thank JackRabbit’s technicians for coming out and honoring me with a new air conditioning unit,” said Burgese. “It truly is an honor to be recognized for my time in the service.”

In honor of the Marines lost in the Beirut barracks bombing, Burgese built a replica of the Jacksonville, North Carolina, Beirut Memorial & Grove in his backyard. The commemorative wall lists 273 fallen marines and the words They Came in Peace. It measures six feet high and 16 feet wide, with benches and a flagpole.

Burgese continues to volunteer with veteran organizations and led the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Beverly Hills, Florida, as commander in 2021 after serving as service officer. He lives with his service dog, Sergeant Blackjack, and stays close with his nieces, nephews, and their children. His 20-year-old air-conditioning system has multiple refrigerant leaks and oxidized attic coil, as well as vents that need tightening.

"Giving back to Veterans holds a special place in my heart," said Luis Maldonado, chief operating officer, for AirToday USA, the parent company for JackRabbit. “As a fellow Veteran, I deeply understand and respect the courage and commitment of those who have served.”

JackRabbit continues its commitment to supporting Veterans through various initiatives and giveaways. JackRabbit is dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable HVAC and Plumbing solutions to its community.