Five Good Things: Giving thanks to veterans and drivers who served
Turkey Day is this month—and it’s also a time that two truck-stop chains and an industry trade group do extra to honor veterans inside the cab, in the line of fire, and those who are back home. Plus: a top company for women in trucking.
It’s a good idea to give thanks every day—and we’re into November now, the month specially set aside to do so. Veterans Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Canada are both on Nov. 11, in addition to Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 24. There's a lot coming up in trucking around Turkey Day and heading into the holiday season, so with this Five Good Things, we honor veterans in the industry, on the front lines, and back in their homes. To our heroes, FleetOwner salutes you and says thanks.
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OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops to launch week of Veterans Day
So many veterans have become truck drivers—an estimated 10% of all truckers have served, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And one trucking industry advocacy group is getting ready to launch its 16th care package campaign for those who drive and served America.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is gearing up to launch its annual campaign that benefits veterans and active-duty personnel, Truckers for Troops, the week of Nov. 7-Nov. 14—the same week as Veterans Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day north of the border. Both are Nov. 11.
An OOIDA tradition since 2007, the campaign sends care packages to combat-zone personnel and to vets housed around the U.S., including in assisted living and facilities for wounded, disabled, or homeless service members, according to an OOIDA release.
Over the past 15 years, OOIDA has raised more than $729,000, sent more than 3,200 care packages, serving more than 39,252 members of the military. The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project, OOIDA said.
These cards and letters are like those that are included in care packages that go overseas to active-duty personnel as part of Truckers for Troops.
During Truckers for Troops week, a broadcast is planned for each day on OOIDA’s Land Line Now satellite radio show on Sirius XM 146.During that special week, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their memberships for $35, with 10% of that money going toward the care packages. OOIDA matches the 10% dollar for dollar. Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund also are welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Truckers also can visit OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, during the campaign and sign up or renew their memberships.
To contribute, join or renew, call OOIDA’s main number, 816-229-5791.
OOIDA had other instructions. During business hours, let operators know you’re calling about the telethon and they will transfer you to Membership. After business hours, go to OOIDA.com and click on Become a Member. Also, after 5:30 p.m. central time, call the main number and press 1, which will put you in a voicemail where you can leave your name and phone number for membership to call you back. You can join online or make a direct donation at OOIDA’s website. OOIDA also has a page for direct donations or more information.
Also, anyone who has a family member or friend serving with the U.S. military who would like for them to receive a care package, send an email to a special OOIDA address with that person’s name and complete address. Be sure to include the projected stateside return date.
When sending cards and letters as part of the campaign’s address—Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029—towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. All ages are welcome. Packages to active-duty military personnel go out in January or February. Veterans’ care packages are assembled and sent throughout the year.
