RENO, Nev. – Through the generosity of the Ford Motor Company Fund, veterans in eight cities will be getting free transportation to their medical appointments in new Ford Flex vehicles.

Ford, a long-time supporter of DAV (Disabled American Veterans), is donating $200,000 for the purchase of eight new vehicles for the organization’s nationwide Transportation Network, which provides rides for veterans to and from their medical appointments at no cost. The grant will be presented at the DAV and Auxiliary 97th National Convention at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev. on July 17.

Ford Motor Company’s support of America’s veterans dates back nearly 100 years. When it became clear a national forum was necessary to address the needs of those returning from the First World War, Henry Ford organized a cross-country caravan of 50 Model-Ts to take ill and injured veterans to the 1922 DAV National Convention in San Francisco.

“We are extremely proud and grateful for our long partnership with Ford Motor Company,” said DAV National Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster. “These vehicles will be used by volunteers nationwide to ensure our wounded heroes get to and from medical appointments. Without this donation and program, many of these veterans would go without the medical care they need and have earned.”

“Ford’s future is focused on mobility, but many of the heroic men and women of DAV need help today getting to and from doctor visits or hospital appointments that can make their lives better,” said Bill Dirksen, Ford vice president, Labor Affairs, and executive sponsor of Ford’s Veterans Network Group. “We are inspired by their courage and sacrifice in protecting our freedom, and proud to offer our continuing support.”

Since 1996, Ford has donated 223 vehicles to DAV’s fleet—that’s in addition to the 3,294 Ford vehicles purchased by DAV, its chapters and departments and the DAV National Service Foundation’s Columbia Trust since 1987.

In 2017, DAV’s Transportation Network provided nearly 615,000 free rides for veterans to and from their medical appointments. Volunteer drivers covered more than 18.4 million miles and invested more than 1.4 million hours transporting veterans for needed health care.

“Ford also helps to make the Jesse Brown Youth Memorial Scholarship possible, enabling youth volunteers who are giving back to veterans in their communities to attend college, and continues to support the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic,” added Metcalf-Foster. “Ford is an American institution and we’re thankful they continue to support the men and women who preserve the American way of life we hold sacred.”

 

About DAV:
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; providing employment resources to veterans and their families and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. 

 

About Ford:

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.