I’m excited to partner with United Rentals and their Turns for Troops initiative in partnership with Graham Rahal and SoldierStrong on an initiative that truly benefits our veterans.
The “Turns For Troops” program, sponsored by United Rentals, will help American military veterans who have sustained major injuries while serving their country. My husband is active duty now. As he wakes up every morning and puts on that uniform, I’m reminded of the sacrifices he makes in order to proudly serve our country. When I first met him, I asked him why he joined the military in the first place.
“To help protect this country,” he said.
“Aren’t you afraid of the danger involved?” I replied.
“Someone has to do it. I love this country, and I will do everything I can to protect it,” he said.
I thought to myself, “…Wow…. Here’s a man who exemplifies bravery, selflessness, and patriotism.”
After 10+ years of service, I’ve seen the toll that this career has taken. He and his colleagues put their bodies and their minds through a lot. I’ve seen firsthand the wear and tear on his physical and mental state when working seven days a week with little to no rest. I’m thankful that he has not had major injuries due to his military career. However some servicemembers and veterans aren’t so lucky. Some have sacrificed a lot more than we have.
As a military family, we can be subject to many trials and hardships. However, there are dedicated organizations that recognize this and give back to many military families around the world. Therefore, if we can… when we can… we try to give back as well.
In the back of our minds, we know that he (and his colleagues) will separate from the military one day. Military veterans sacrifice so much during their military service: their time, their effort, their health (physically, mentally, and emotionally). I’m grateful for businesses and organizations, such as United Rentals and SoldierStrong, at the ready to support my husband after he’s fulfilled his military service. This initiative helps wounded vets get their life back on track.
The United Rentals’ Turns For Troops initiative will donate $50 to SoldierStrong for every lap completed by Graham this racing season up to $100,000. For every $50 dollars donated, the SoldierStrong SoldierSuit can provide one day of mobility to an injured veteran!
United Rentals is the world’s largest equipment rental provider. They have a strong commitment to veterans with vets making up 13% of their workforce. And their Military Skills Translator Tool helps qualified veterans get recruitment and work placement.
United Rentals has partnered with the military non-profit, SoldierStrong. SoldierStrong provides scholarships for returning veterans and partners with cutting-edge rehabilitation technology companies to literally get our heroes “back on their feet”. SoldierStrong provides ‘SoldierStrong SoldierSuits’ – cutting-edge exoskeletons to help injured vets regain mobility. How cool is that?!
I went over to the donation website and took a look at the current tally. Graham has completed 951 laps for a total donation of $47,611 so far! I know the military community can rock this cause out even more. You can make a donation and support our vets! It doesn’t matter how much, every little bit counts. Giving back should be everyone’s priority. But when you’re part of the military community, it has extra special meaning for our troops.
So from time to time, I ask my husband, “If you had to do it again, would you join the military?”
“Absolutely,” he replies.
Definitely go to the website for Turns For Troops and read more about this initiative. If you have the extra to give, donate to this cause. If not, please share so we can get the word out for this great program.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of United Rentals. The opinions and text are all mine.
