JCB and VetsAid Partner to Support Veterans with a Special Edition Military Teleskid Loader

JCB and VetsAid Partner to Support Veterans with a Special Edition Teleskid Loader Anaheim Monster Jam

JCB, the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, has launched a bold initiative to support U.S. military veterans. Through a partnership with VetsAid, a nonprofit founded by rock legend Joe Walsh, JCB aims to raise $1 million for veteran service organizations. The partnership debuted with the unveiling of a special edition military Teleskid Loader at Monster Jam in Anaheim, California, a fitting launchpad for this mission to combine heavy equipment, rock ‘n’ roll and monster trucks for a good cause. From the press release:

“VetsAid isn’t just about raising money and awareness for America’s veterans and their families,” Joe Walsh commented. “It’s also about finding common ground amongst music lovers of all backgrounds and coming together to build and rebuild communities around a shared love of country. It’s a privilege for us at VetsAid to expand upon this vision with Alice, and Ann, and our friends at JCB, and keep the party going with this kick-ass new song, special edition Teleskid, and exciting partnership!”

The Special Edition Teleskid Loader: A Machine with a Mission and an Anthem

JCB and VetsAid Partner to Support Veterans with a Special Edition Teleskid Loader Anaheim Monster Jam

The special edition Teleskid Loader is hard to miss, painted in army green and emblazoned with patriotic branding to highlight JCB’s commitment to supporting veterans. For every unit sold in the United States, JCB will donate a portion of proceeds to VetsAid, which distributes funds to veteran service groups across the country.

The Teleskid’s debut wasn’t just a quiet rollout. JCB brought it to the Monster Jam arena, paired with the U.S. premiere of Joe Walsh’s original song “Dig It,” featuring Ringo Starr on drums. The song serves as an anthem for JCB’s DIGatron, a Monster Jam truck, and underscores the partnership’s focus on rebuilding communities and supporting veterans. Let’s take a listen:

JCB’s Teleskid loader is already popular for its unique telescoping boom that allows for enhanced reach and versatility. Now, it also carries a mission of giving back to those who served.

Partnering with Rock Legend Joe Walsh and VetsAid

Joe and Marjorie Walsh
Joe and Marjorie Walsh.

This isn’t the first time JCB and Joe Walsh have collaborated. Their partnership began last summer during VetsAid 2024 in London, where Walsh debuted “Dig It” during Monster Jam. Inspired by a shared commitment to veterans, Alice Bamford of JCB North America and Joe Walsh saw an opportunity to align their missions of rebuilding and supporting military families. VetsAid has raised more than $3.3 million for veterans since its founding in 2017. The organization’s work aligns perfectly with JCB’s longstanding support for veterans, making this partnership a natural fit.

JCB’s Military Machines: A Legacy of Supporting the Troops

JCB's Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF) wading through water

JCB isn’t just known for its commercial construction and agricultural equipment. The company has a long history of providing military-grade machinery to the U.S. military. One standout is the Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF), a rugged machine designed for military logistics and transport. JCB recently celebrated a significant milestone, producing its 1,000th LCRTF unit for the U.S. Army. This telehandler combines commercial-grade components with military-specific modifications, making it ideal for tasks like clearing landing zones and loading combat vehicles. In addition to the LCRTF, JCB’s High-Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE-I) has become a critical tool for military engineers. Capable of reaching speeds of 60 mph, the HMEE-I combines the power of a backhoe with the mobility of a military vehicle, making it invaluable for tasks like road clearing and obstacle creation.

Why Military-Grade Equipment Matters

JCB’s commitment to military-grade equipment goes beyond the battlefield. These machines — designed for durability, adaptability and performance — are just as valuable on civilian worksites. The success of the LCRTF and HMEE-I proves that civilian innovations can translate into effective military construction tools and vice versa. With 10% of JCB’s North American workforce made up of veterans, the company has a vested interest in supporting the veteran community. Its new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas, further solidifies JCB’s commitment to North America and its veteran workforce.

A Growing Legacy of Giving Back

JCB military special edition Teleskid

JCB’s partnership with VetsAid and the special edition Teleskid loader campaign are just the latest examples of the company’s efforts to give back to veterans. From producing rugged military machines to raising funds through innovative partnerships, JCB continues to build a legacy of supporting those who served. From the press release:

“JCB is a family company with an expanding manufacturing base in North America, and we have always been committed to supporting the veteran community,” said Alice Bamford of JCB North America. “At our North American headquarters in Savannah, 10% of our workforce are veterans, and we will continue this commitment with our new $500 million factory in San Antonio. I’m thrilled that JCB can further support veterans through this special edition Teleskid loader and our partnership with VetsAid.”

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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