A driving FORCE

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford Motor Co. finds new ways to support America’s veterans

As personal protective equipment is a necessary part of daily routines and a critical tool to stop the spread of illness, face masks became a hot commodity this year. For DAV, the need became especially great to help protect volunteers, staff and the veterans DAV assists, many of whom may be at particular risk of COVID-19.

On the heels of a $200,000 donation helping support DAV’s Transportation Network, longtime partner Ford Motor Co. also donated over 1 million masks in September for veterans, their caregivers, volunteers and DAV staff who interact with those who served.

The masks, produced by Ford and distributed by Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Co., have helped national service officers, hospital service coordinators, VA medical centers and others continue to safely provide essential programs and services to veterans and their families.

“We have always been proud of our long-standing relationship with [DAV], where we donate so that you can transport our veterans,” said Ford Fund President Mary Culler. “And of course, now the masks are just an additional component. Especially during this time, we know that they need to get to their medical appointments, and having the masks, we believe, and science is telling us, is a critical part of ensuring that we curtail this pandemic.”

The donation is part of the Ford Project Apollo and Ford Fund PPE initiative, which the company launched in August.

Proud to Honor—launched by Ford in November of last year—raises awareness, strengthens existing programs and creates meaningful connections with our servicemen and women.

Proceeds from Proud to Honor merchandise, sold at fordproudtohonor.com/store through the end of the year, will be donated to charities working to support and make a positive impact for military members, veterans, their families and caregivers.

DAV will receive 5% of the purchase price of merchandise sold through December 31, 2020, with a minimum donation of $10,000 to DAV.

“You can never do too much to honor the service of these brave men and women, but you never stop trying,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. “And that’s what Proud to Honor does; it never stops trying. This online store is just one example of a year-round effort to support these families who so deserve it.”

Ford’s support of American veterans and DAV’s mission goes back to 1922, when Henry Ford organized a cross-country caravan of 50 Model Ts to take disabled veterans to San Francisco to attend the second national convention of the Disabled American Veterans of the World War.

“With the generosity of Ford’s donation this year, we’re able to add eight new Ford Transit Connects to our fleet,” said National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst. “This is going to allow more people access to the care that they’ve earned.”

To date, Ford has donated 239 vehicles to the DAV Transportation Network to help ensure veterans can get to and from medical appointments. That’s in addition to the 3,447 Ford vehicles purchased by DAV, its chapters and departments. In total, nearly $85 million has been dedicated to supporting this critical program.

“Our partnership with Ford has allowed us to keep the engine running with DAV’s Transportation Network, and for that, we are incredibly appreciative,” said National Commander Butch Whitehead. “Veterans across our nation rely on these Ford vehicles to access lifesaving care, and our volunteers, who are needed now as much as ever, count on them to accomplish our mission.”

Ford Fund also supports DAV by providing funding for the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to young volunteers who demonstrate outstanding dedication and service to America’s veterans. Ford Fund is also proud to support DAV Night Out events for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center patients and their family members.

To become a volunteer driver or volunteer in any other capacity, sign up at volunteerforveterans.org. To learn more about Ford Fund, visit fordfund.org.