As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, it also serves as a reminder that the strength of our country has always been shaped by the individuals willing to serve and protect it.

Behind every PHCP-PVF distribution branch is a story of team members who have served in the military. At Lehman Pipe and Supply, the company wanted to honor its team and the family members who have served our country — past and present. To recognize that commitment and sacrifice, the company created an Honor Wall featuring veterans within the Lehman family whose service and sense of duty helped define not only their military careers, but also the culture of the company they helped build.

“The Honor Wall was created to recognize and honor the brave men and women within our Lehman family, their families, and all those who have served or are currently serving our country,” said Larry Brown, chief operating officer of Lehman Pipe and Supply. “More than just a display, it represents sacrifice, pride, and the bond we share as a company, built on respect, gratitude and a commitment to standing beside one another like family.”

The project was developed by Kelly Johnson, administrative assistant, who helped bring the vision for the wall to life. Unveiled during a company town hall meeting in April, the display quickly became a meaningful symbol of appreciation and reflection across the organization. “It was a proud moment for our Lehman family,” says Johnson.

The faces featured on the wall represent generations of men and women who answered the call to serve, carrying forward the values of discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership that continue to influence the organization today. Those principles remain deeply rooted throughout the company and among the families connected to it.

In the PHCP channel, service takes many forms — to customers, coworkers, communities and country. Through the Lehman Pipe and Supply Honor Wall, those contributions and sacrifices now stand as a permanent reminder that leadership, resilience and service continue to shape not only this industry, but the people behind it.

The following reflections and tributes were shared by Lehman Pipe and Supply team members and families honoring those who have served.

Gerrell Bones

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. (E-6); active member of the 482nd MXS, Homestead ARB, with eight years of service.

The Wholesaler: How have you transferred the skills you learned in the military to working at Lehman Pipe and Supply?

Gerrell Bones: Leading a flight in the Air Force taught me skills that I use every day as I connect with and support both my Airmen and my colleagues at Lehman Pipe and Supply. Throughout my military career, I worked with a wide range of munitions systems and have been able to apply many of those processes and best practices to the systems we use and develop at Lehman***

Joseph Fernandez 

United States Marine Corps; served November 1991-March 2005

The Wholesaler: How have you transferred the skills learned in the military to working at Lehman Pipe and Supply?

Joseph Fernandez: “Commitment is one of the three core values instilled in every Marine. That relentless, unwavering dedication to both the mission and the people beside me has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally in my role at Lehman Pipe.

The Marine Corps taught me to always leave things better than I found them. I carry that mindset into every aspect of my life, especially in my role at Lehman Pipe, where I’m constantly striving to improve myself, exceed my goals, and enhance my customers’ experiences.

Connie Ayers

United States Navy; father of Daniel Ayers, Orlando branch manager

Connie Ayers proudly served four years in the United States Navy as a boiler technician before continuing his career as a pipefitter and steamfitter with Local 110. His dedication, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own company, building a legacy of hard work and leadership.

Today, that legacy continues through his son, Daniel, who followed in his father’s footsteps in the plumbing industry and now leads Lehman Pipe and Supply’s Orlando branch.

Dario Gonzalez

Tribute shared by Priscila Baltodano, wife of Edwin Baltodano, Orlando outside sales.

“My grandfather, Dario Gonzalez, born in Havana, Cuba, was a man of dedication, integrity, and service whose work reached the highest levels of American leadership. Serving during the administrations of both Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, he carried himself with professionalism, loyalty, and pride in his newfound country.

“His contributions during two historic presidencies reflect a commitment to duty and excellence. More than his accomplishments, my grandfather’s legacy lives on through the values he passed down to his family — hard work, honor, perseverance, and devotion to something greater than oneself.”

Daniel Warner

United States Air Force; brother of Kelly Johnson, Orlando administrative assistant.

Dan Warner proudly served eight years in the United States Air Force, where he specialized in building and maintaining military aircraft while stationed in Turkey and Bahrain. Following his service, he continued his passion for aviation and engineering with Lockheed Martin, where he currently works on F-16 fighter jets.

His dedication, skill and commitment to excellence reflect the same values he carried throughout his military service.

Manuel Cruz

United States Army; son of Fabrication Manager Felix Dominguez

Manuel Cruz joined the United States Army in March 2025 and is currently serving in a security role at the White House.

His commitment to serving our country reflects courage, dedication and pride, continuing a legacy of hard work and honor that makes both his family and the Lehman team proud.