Security Engineered Machinery (SEM), a leading provider of high-security data destruction solutions, announced the successful conclusion of its Steps for Vets event, which was held the week leading up to Memorial Day. The initiative, which encouraged employees and participants to collectively track their steps, raised awareness and support for veterans’ causes.

Steps for Vets is a 5k fundraising event organized by U.S. Vets, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans. Participants have the option to walk, run, or roll at their own pace, both at in-person events or remotely. The annual event encourages participants to track their steps, promoting physical wellness while raising awareness and funds to support U.S. Vets’ mission to provide critical services, housing, and support to veterans in need.

The event was brought to SEM’s attention by the company’s Culture Committee, an employee-led group dedicated to fostering community engagement, planning company-wide events, and supporting philanthropic initiatives.

“As a veteran-founded company, supporting causes that benefit our nation’s veterans is deeply personal to us—especially around Memorial Day,” said Steve Watson, SEM Culture Committee President. “The Steps for Vets initiative was a meaningful opportunity for our team to come together in support of those who have served.”

SEM’s collective participation helped surpass the initial goal of 100,000 total steps, reaching more than 217,000 steps, with contributions from SEM employees and management. Team members joined the initiative from all over the country; from their Westborough and Hudson, MA facilities, remote sales team, and traveling service technicians.

Founded in 1967, SEM is a veteran-founded organization with a deep commitment to supporting the military community. The Steps for Vets event, held in conjunction with Memorial Day, provided SEM with a meaningful opportunity to honor the sacrifices of service members while promoting physical activity and community engagement during a time when individuals and organizations across the nation reflect on and pay tribute to those who have served. SEM’s participation in this initiative demonstrates their dedication to supporting those who have served in the military, as well as its broader corporate social responsibility efforts.

The funds raised during the event will go toward supporting veteran-focused charities, providing much-needed assistance to those who have served the country.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see such enthusiastic participation from our team, with over 217,000 steps logged—more than doubling our original goal,” says Andrew Kelleher, SEM President. “Together, we’ve shown the power of collective effort and our ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served our country.”

For more information on SEM, please visit www.semshred.com.

About U.S. Vets

U.S. Vets is one of the largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans. With programs in cities across the United States, U.S. Vets provides critical services such as housing, employment assistance, mental health support, and case management to help veterans transition successfully to civilian life. To learn more, visit usvets.org. 

In honor of Earth Day 2025, Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), a global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, organized a community cleanup effort on Thursday, April 17, 2025, near its corporate headquarters on Walkup Drive in Westborough, Massachusetts.

Now in its third consecutive year, the annual Earth Day event was a joint initiative between SEM’s Culture Committee and its ISO 14001 Task Force. Together, the teams engaged employees in a hands-on cleanup to support SEM’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and community involvement.

“At SEM, we take great pride in being a responsible corporate citizen, and that includes doing our part to protect the environment,” said Andrew Kelleher, President of SEM. “This Earth Day initiative is more than just a cleanup—it’s a reflection of our values and our commitment to continuous improvement, both in our operations and in our community. I’m proud of our team for showing up with such enthusiasm and making a positive impact right here in Westborough.”

SEM employees, from both the Westborough and Hudson locations, participated in the event, collecting litter along Walkup Drive. The company worked in collaboration with the Westborough Department of Public Works to supply waste bags and ensure proper disposal of the collected debris.

“Our environment gets very polluted with trash, especially over the winter months, so doing our part with some spring cleaning is a necessity to the entire SEM team,” said Steve Watson of SEM’s Culture Committee. “It’s an honor to partner with SEM’s ISO Team and see so many people come together for this important event, which is now in its third year. This is one of the most meaningful events on the SEM calendar, and we look forward to continuing and building on this annual tradition.”

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, providing a framework for organizations to minimize their environmental impact, comply with applicable regulations, and drive continuous improvement.

SEM’s Earth Day cleanup joins a list of long-standing corporate philanthropic efforts, including seasonal food drives and annual toy donations.

For more information on SEM’s corporate social responsibilities, please visit https://www.semshred.com/company/corporate-social-responsibility/.