Supporting Our Soldiers

Companies are constantly looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military service members and veterans. From writing letters and making care-packages to donating money and simply displaying the American flag, the options are plentiful. But Volvo Rents decided to go much bigger — and more eye-catching — when embarking on its latest initiative to help those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our security and freedom. A provider of small- to medium-size construction and industrial equipment, Volvo Rents recently announced its national support of the Folds of Honor Foundation and Homes for Our Troops organization.

“Today’s servicemen and women bear the incredible burden of combat and face the same economic strain faced by the rest of the country,” said Nick Mavrick, vice president of marketing for Volvo Rents. “This is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their sacrifices and ensure that they receive our continued support.”
Volvo Rents’ Color for a Cause initiative will play a key role in supporting both organizations. Launched in 2009 as a way to increase awareness and support important charities, Color for a Cause encourages all Volvo Rents stores to paint a piece of equipment to signify solidarity with a worthy cause and donate a percentage of the rental proceeds to that cause.

“There are so many blessings that we have in this country,” Mavrick added. “We started Color for a Cause to draw attention to the significant difference that we as Americans can make for all of those sacrificing for us. We are inviting our customers and the public to take one step closer to supporting our service members.”
Through its newly established alliance with Folds of Honor, Volvo Rents is helping to raise the necessary funds to provide post-secondary educational scholarships to the spouses and children of service members disabled or killed as a result of their military service. To date, Volvo Rents has donated more than $25,000 to the foundation.

“We are one nation under God, without apology. And there are a lot of Americans in this country who believe in the declaration and what this country stands for,” said Major Dan Rooney, Founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation and F-16 pilot who served three combat tours in Iraq. “Thanks to partners like Volvo Rents, we are able to provide education to these families. We salute Volvo Rents for their great act of patriotism and thank them for helping us make a difference.”

Simultaneously, Volvo Rents has partnered with Homes for Our Troops to assist in building specially-adapted homes for severely disabled veterans. Homes for Our Troops has already committed to building 35 homes this year and Volvo Rents will be donating construction equipment to several of these build locations, along with volunteers to support injured servicemen and women. Projects are planned in various states, including Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Maryland and Wisconsin, among others.

“We would not be able to support so many injured veterans without the fundraising and support from local businesses like Volvo Rents,” said John Gonsalves, Founder and president of Homes for Our Troops. “These veterans sacrificed for our country, and I’m proud to come together with Volvo Rents to help restore their freedom and independence through the gift of a specially adapted home.”

For more information on Volvo Rents or any of these great causes, visit www.volvorents.com, Folds of Honor at www.foldsofhonor.org and Homes for Our Troops at www.homesforourtroops.org.

Michael A. Misetic is vice president of Fishman Public Relations, based in Northbrook, Ill.