7-Eleven to award one veteran a free franchise

7-Eleven, the biggest convenience store chain in the U.S., is sponsoring a social media contest on Facebook called OPERATION: TAKE COMMAND. Last November, the convenience store chain invited military veterans from all over the United States to enter the contest, which offers the winner a free 7-Eleven franchise. Now, the top 10 finalists have been selected.

The finalists have created videos, which they have uploaded to 7-Eleven's Franchise Facebook page, and are asking the public to listen to their stories and vote for who is the most deserving of a 7-Eleven store.

Voting runs through March 29, and the winner will receive a waived franchise fee (valued up to $190,000) and the opportunity to franchise a location in the continental U.S. 

The heartfelt videos have resonated with Americans, including Greg Franks, 7-Eleven vice president of franchise systems.

“From our veterans, I would expect nothing less,” Franks said in a statement.

To further extend the campaign and give back to those who have served, 7-Eleven will also be donating $1 (up to $50,000) for every vote cast to Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization committed to helping U.S. service members, veterans and their spouses find work.

Vote here! It’s your democratic right!