Truckers have always been a patriotic bunch and many have served their country in military service. As a group, truckers get involved in supporting many charitable causes. It is no surprise that a large trucking company such as US Xpress would take up the gauntlet for the Wounded Warrior Project.
As a platinum sponsor, US Xpress contributed $50,000 and $5 for every experienced qualified driver who applied with them in April and May. In addition USX which is based in Tennessee is supporting the WWP Soldier Ride Nashville event that will be held September 24th, 2011. They have also added a section on the company face book page to raise awareness of the issues facing the returning wounded veterans.
The Wounded Warrior Project started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back to civilian life. The issues facing veterans include combat stress, post traumatic stress disorder, physical rehabilitation, education and job training. WWP also provides support for families and caregivers.
“We are very proud to be associated with Wounded Warrior Project. You are going to begin to see the WWP logo on our website and throughout our advertising,” said Max Fuller, Co-Chairman and CEO on U.S. Xpress Enterprises (as reported on their web-site.) “We are looking forward to building our relationship with WWP. We see this as an opportunity for our entire U.S. Xpress workforce to do something for those who give so much to our country every single day.”
“Beyond U.S. Xpress’ financial contribution to the organization, we believe this partnership will help to create more visibility for Wounded Warrior Project,” said Patrick Quinn, Co-Chairman and President of U.S. Xpress Enterprises. “It is important for this nation to know about the great work of the organization and the resources that are available to our wounded warriors.”
It is gratifying to be associated with an industry that supports those in need. I have heard several troubling reports that the returning soldiers are not receiving the care that they need. I do not like to pass on any information where I have not checked out the full truth, but I do like to support organizations that can research and put pressure in the right places for just cause. A June press report from WWP reads:
WWP is calling for sweeping changes in VA including:
• Employing returning veterans who have themselves experienced combat stress to provide both direct one-on-one peer-outreach to veterans who might not otherwise seek treatment and peer-to-peer support to help sustain veterans in treatment;
• Launching education and training programs for clinical staff on military culture and combat to help forge more effective connection with young veterans;
• Providing needed mental health services to family members whose own stress may diminish their capacity to provide emotional support for returning warriors;
• Expanding the number of Vet Center sites, and locating new ones near military facilities;
• Fostering community-reintegration programs to help warriors transition successfully back to civilian life and give our warriors the opportunity to thrive, not just survive; and
• Full implementation of existing VA policy that promises, but has yet to deliver, access to all needed mental health services for all eligible veterans. www.woundedwarriorproject.org
As I listened to the Capital Concert on PBS and the fireworks display on TV, when stopping for the night at a rest stop in Tennessee, Josh Groban drew attention to the wounded veterans in the audience. He also sang three songs; Simon and Garfunkel’s “America,” a song he wrote entitled “The War at Home,” and an old classic song, “Smile.” A surprising choice I thought for a minute, nothing inspirationally American? Perhaps he too is making a statement, adding a voice to aid the cause of the wounded warriors. Perhaps you and I need to get involved and follow this issue as well…
YouTube Video: War at Home (Live): A Tribute to Our Troops (Song written and performed by Josh Groban)
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