Today, as our Nation pauses to honor our veterans and heros, eBay Inc.’s Government Relations team would like to thank the men and woman who have bravely served our country at home and overseas. Their courage, bravery and selflessness are shining examples of what makes our country great and we would like to honor them, not only today, but every day.

We would also like to thank some eBay Main Street Members whom have proudly served our country.

Chase Robbins—Apex Motorsports

Veteran Chase Robbins has experienced first-hand the opportunity that the Internet presents for entrepreneurship. In 2001, he was stationed at Fort Knox, in Louisville, KY serving in the U.S. Army. Unfortunately, Chase was unexpectedly injured and medically discharged from the military. Because of his wife's job, they decided to stay in the area, where Chase was presented with the challenge of finding a new job. The Internet marketplace was growing quickly, so he and his business partner developed their own e-commerce website, thus launching Apex Motorsports, Inc.

Brandi Tolley—Buy Big

As a single mother to a young son with special needs, U.S. Army veteran Brandi Tolley found herself struggling to provide for her son financially as she tried to find adequate time to dedicate to him while working for the state of Illinois. She needed flexible hours, as well as income to take her son cross-country to visit his estranged father. She began sorting through her closets and selling some gently worn clothing online, and from there, Buy Big from Brandi was born. The flexible hours and financial opportunities afforded by operating her own online business have allowed Brandi to spend more time with her new husband and three young children.

Larry Connelley—Knife Art

Larry, a former Army reserve officer, launched Knife Art in 1998 with the goal of providing a “best of the best” product line to consumers nationwide. Larry and his entire family are proud, life-long residents of Arkansas, the heartland of knife country. Larry is also a Boy Scout master, volunteers regularly for the MDA, and donates to numerous charities in his Little Rock, AR community.

Beau O’Steen—UPakNShip

Beau O’Steen, co-owner of UPakNShip, was a Marine, honorably discharged in February 2007, after one tour in Iraq and one in Kuwait following 9/11. Beau and his wife participate in eBay Giving Works, donating proceeds and running numerous auctions for charity, including the Semper Fi fund.