Ford Motor Company is on the front lines when it comes to supporting employees who serve in the military. Ford has employed thousands of veterans over the years, guaranteeing their jobs and supplementing the military pay of many while they are on active duty in war zones. During a Veterans' Day program sponsored by the Ford Veterans Network Group, Ford was recognized for standing firmly behind employees in uniform.
"I'm a big believer in Ford and I deeply respect all that you are doing to support our military overseas," said Rear Admiral John Jolliffe, vice commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. "We could not do what we're doing without your support. We can't do that without the support of family and employers like Ford."
"Ford was a pioneer in the industrial base of this country and also a pioneer in veterans support," said James Rebholz, national chairman, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves. "Thank you for what you've done, and particular thanks to other Ford employees who are unseen patriots because you fill in when your men and women are in service."
Supporting America's veterans is nothing new for Ford Motor Company. In 1922, Henry Ford began a relationship with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) that continues to this day. In recent years, Ford has donated funds for the purchase of 148 vans worth more than $3.5 million to the DAV Transportation Network, and also contributes to scholarships and DAV programs such as the Winter Sports Clinic.
"Ford goes over and beyond what they have to," said Matt Preston, transmission engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran. "We get a lot of support when we're deployed and there's always support from our fellow coworkers."
The Ford Volunteer Corps enlists employees and retirees throughout the year to aid veterans and their families. Ford volunteers sort and pack meals for veteran's food programs, assist at V.A. hospitals and a group of Ford attorneys volunteer their services to help low-income veterans through Project SALUTE at University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law.
"Project SALUTE provides a unique opportunity for Ford volunteer attorneys to give back to our military men and women who were prepared to give up all of their tomorrows for the freedoms that all Americans enjoy," said Tammy Kudialis, director, Project SALUTE. "Ford volunteer attorneys help these veterans get the benefits they earned by virtue of their service to America."
The Ford Volunteer Corps will again be on the job during the holiday season working on hunger relief projects in their local communities.
"It's just a good thing to do," said Mae Smitherman-Smith, controller, Ford Corporate Staffs. "We are a community corporation. We're big, but we're basically home grown."
