What began as a simple idea with modest expectations has grown into a nationwide movement where truck drivers step up to support troops and veterans.
In 2007, a group of employees at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association decided that a care package program for service members overseas could make a real difference. Many of the employees had family members serving in conflict zones and knew firsthand how meaningful a package from home could be.
“I remember before we went on air with the first Truckers For Troops show on Land Line Now, that we all were guessing how much we might raise,” said Jami Jones, managing editor of Land Line. “We tossed around some numbers, and host Mark Reddig said he’d be thrilled with $5,000. So, that became the goal.”
The initial campaign far exceeded expectations. In its first week, Truckers For Troops raised $41,500. The overwhelming support showed that truckers across the country wanted to give back. After all, studies indicate that 33 to 40 percent of truck drivers are veterans themselves.
Every November, the OOIDA Truckers For Troops campaign raises funds for veteran organizations and sends care packages to active-duty U.S. troops stationed overseas. The 19th annual campaign started Monday, November 10, and will continue until the beginning of business Monday, November 17.
During the campaign, new and renewed OOIDA memberships are offered at a discounted rate of $35 per year. Ten percent of the membership fee goes directly to Truckers For Troops, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. Unique to this program, every cent raised goes either to sending care packages or supporting Veterans Community Project sites nationwide. OOIDA does not take any administrative fees.
Truckers who want to participate outside of business hours can easily go online to OOIDA.com and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.
The campaign also collects names of military personnel currently serving on active duty. Truck drivers who know someone stationed overseas or at a domestic base with limited access can email the person’s name and mailing address to Troops@OOIDA.com.
Since its launch in 2007, OOIDA members have raised more than $800,000 for veterans and active-duty military. Those funds have delivered care packages to nearly 40,000 service members and sent aid to 65 facilities supporting wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.
Truckers For Troops continues to show that when drivers come together, every dollar makes a difference and every mile traveled in support of our troops counts.
Source: Land Line Media
