Meritor, Inc. recently announced it is launching “Shoes for Soldiers” to help severely wounded, injured or ill veterans become leaders in business, government and their communities by contributing a percentage of its remanufactured brake shoe sales to the Wyakin Warrior Foundation.
Wyakin Warrior Foundation photoMeritor will donate up to $50,000, which includes a $20,000 match from the Meritor Trust Fund, to the Boise, Idaho-based Wyakin Warrior Foundation. The foundation’s comprehensive program helps position wounded veterans for personal and professional success. Participants are pursuing college degrees in many areas, including engineering, business, law, criminal justice, education and computer science.
“The need among wounded veterans is great, and we want to express our appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for all of us by joining with Wyakin to help them prepare for a successful future,” said Tim Bauer, director, Remanufacturing for Meritor.
More than 51,000 members of the armed forces have been seriously wounded or injured in combat since the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, according to the Wyakin Warrior Foundation. Sixty percent of post-9/11 disabled veterans are unemployed or have dropped out of college.
The foundation’s 60-month program includes educational and financial support, monthly professional development seminars, community service projects and networking opportunities for job placement.
“A significant percentage of funds donated to the Wyakin program directly helps severely wounded or injured veterans ̶ and that’s important, because the program cost for one participant is $25,000,” said Todd Monroe, executive director, Wyakin Warrior Foundation. ”
Located in Troy, Mich. Meritor, Inc. is a global supplier of axle, brake and suspension parts to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket for the transportation and industrial sectors.
