Ford has launched an online store stocked with merchandise to help raise money for two nonprofit military organizations.
Ford will give 100% of its profits from the sales of its Proud to Honor merchandise — available at fordproudtohonor.com/store — to Disabled American Veterans and Blue Star Families.
“You can never do too much to honor the service of these brave men and women, and you never stop trying,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service. “That’s what Proud to Honor does, it never stops trying. This online store is just one example of a year-round effort to support these families who are so deserving.”
Available merchandise includes T-shirts, hats, bags, tumblers and more.
“Ford has been a valuable friend and partner to DAV for nearly a century, since Henry Ford provided 50 Model T Ford vehicles to help disabled World War I veterans attend the organization’s second national convention in 1922,” said DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “We are humbled and grateful to be a part of the Proud to Honor initiative aimed at improving the lives of veterans and their families.”
The DAV fights for the interests of America’s injured veterans on Capitol Hill, provides employment resources to veterans and their families and educates the public about the needs of veterans as they transition back to civilian life.
The Blue Star Families charity builds communities that support military families by connecting research and data to programs and solutions, including career development tools, local community events for families and caregiver support.
“Because of caring partners like Ford, who fund our efforts, we can help military families plant deep roots and foster meaningful connections within their local communities — no matter where their service takes them,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families.
The Proud to Honor initiative was launched last fall to strengthen the company’s long-standing relationship with U.S. service members. The company also worked closely with retired Army Colonel Vanessa Benson to donate more than 200,000 face shields to U.S. military bases around the world in response to COVID-19.
Ford has manufacturing facilities in Louisville, Kentucky, where it makes the Super Duty pickup, Expedition and Expedition EL/Max SUVs, as well as the Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L SUVs at its Truck Plant. It also has the Louisville Assembly facility, where it assembles the Ford Escape compact crossover SUV and the Lincoln Corsair.
