Launched in 2007 by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the program has raised more than $800,000 through donations from professional drivers. That funding goes toward veterans organizations and care packages for military personnel stationed overseas.

One of the main beneficiaries is the Veterans Community Project (VCP), a Kansas City, Missouri-based nonprofit focused on ending veteran homelessness. VCP’s model provides small homes and one-on-one wraparound services to help veterans rebuild long-term stability.

On Sept. 25, representatives from Truckers For Troops traveled to the VCP Village in Longmont, Colorado. They delivered 250 backpacks — half filled with work-related items and half stocked with winter gear — along with a $10,000 donation.

OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh handled the presentation and made sure members received the credit they’re due.

“Their generous donations are what make this happen,” Pugh said. “Truckers are always willing to answer the call.”

This Colorado delivery continues a string of recent support. In 2024, Truckers For Troops also visited VCP sites in Sioux Falls, S.D., and St. Louis, providing $10,000 at each location and backpacks packed with everyday essentials.

Pugh says seeing the impact firsthand never gets old.

“It is always such a wonderful experience to visit any VCP location,” he said. “The staff is always so happy and excited to receive us and is so dedicated to the mission. I wish everyone could see and experience what the VCP really does.”

OOIDA’s director of public relations, Norita Taylor, highlighted how meaningful the most recent visit felt.

“There were a couple of residents who chose to join us on our tour of the facility. One of them gifted us a walking stick he made by hand from a branch he found while hiking nearby,” Taylor said. “We always learn a great deal on these trips and look forward to watching the VCP grow in their locations.”

Truckers For Troops continues to focus on real, practical support — the kind that reaches veterans directly and shows them they’re not forgotten.

Source: Land Line Media

The post Truck Drivers Step Up Again to Support Veterans in Need appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The event saw participation from representatives of Kenworth, a division of CSM Companies, and J&R Schugel. To further acknowledge the service of military veterans, J&R Schugel adorned their new T680 with a unique wrap dedicated to DAV.

Courtney Antonsen, J&R Schugel’s human resources director, expressed: “It’s a privilege to collaborate with Disabled American Veterans in honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Our uniquely wrapped Kenworth T680 truck will proudly journey across the country, symbolizing our appreciation and dedication to supporting veterans and their families. We also extend our gratitude to CSM Companies for their generous $25,000 donation, which will directly fund vital services for veterans.”

The Wisconsin Kenworth dealer presented an additional $25,000 check to DAV on behalf of J&R Schugel, reinforcing the company’s commitment to community and support for veterans.

Established in 1974 by founding members Jerry, Rich, and Harold Schugel, J&R Schugel has always operated with a customer, employee, and community-first philosophy. The company is known for wrapping their Kenworth trucks with themes to promote awareness for various causes, from supporting veterans to raising awareness about health issues like breast cancer, mental health, and autism.

Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, praised J&R Schugel saying, “J&R Schugel has been a great customer for years, and we’re proud of all their efforts to partner with charity organizations and bring awareness to important causes throughout the country and in their local community.”

J&R Schugel runs over 700 trucks, the majority being the latest Kenworth T680 models with modern features designed for driver comfort. “All of our trucks are currently 2021 models or newer,” Antonsen noted. “The new interior features and technology, such as the digital display and sharper exterior design of the truck, are what stand out to our drivers. They spend most of their day in their trucks, and we believe providing them with new, premium equipment helps with overall job satisfaction.”

The company stays up-to-date with a three-year truck trade-in cycle, ensuring their equipment is top-notch and minimizes downtime for drivers. The latest Kenworth T680 model, introduced in 2021, continues to be a popular choice within their fleet.

Source: The Trucker

Image: J&R Schugel

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