Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC) held its fourth annual event for active military and veterans among its workforce, recognizing nearly 300 Wabash National associates who have served in a branch of the U.S. military.
“As a proud American company, Wabash National Corporation appreciates the sacrifices our military men and women, with the support of their families, make to protect our freedoms,” said Wabash National Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Giromini. “In addition to our annual military appreciation event, I’m pleased to announce that Wabash National will be participating in the upcoming Wreaths Across America program to honor and remember the fallen soldiers here in the Lafayette community.”
Giromini presented Gold Star Mother Dana Vann, who coordinates the local Wreaths Across America program, with a $20,000 donation to help her efforts of placing a remembrance wreath on every veteran and fallen soldier’s headstone here in Lafayette. The company has also committed a group of volunteers to help lay wreaths throughout Lafayette cemeteries.
In addition, Giromini presented a $5,000 donation to the Lafayette Armory and U.S. Army Reserve Center to support the 638th Family Readiness Group.
Other special guests at the event included Lafayette Fire Chief Richard Doyle; Indiana National Guard personnel 1st Sgt. Paul Sabol, Sgts. 1st Class Homer Farley and Kevin Maynard, Staff Sgts. John Howieson, Odis O’Shields and Roland Young, and Pfc. Miranda Meihls; and Amanda Gordon, board member for Lafayette Gold Star Mothers and Greater Lafayette Honor Flight.
During the event, associates and guests made holiday cards for the American Red Cross’ Holiday Mail for Heroes program and assembled approximately 25 care packages for the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center. The Center’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program works to help homeless or near homeless veterans and their families gain access to housing and services.
The company supports a number of local and national organizations and programs that assist military troops and their families, such as the Indiana Veterans’ Home, Wounded Warrior Project, the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, the Greater Lafayette Honor Flight and Folds of Honor.
Wabash National also works with several veterans organizations to recruit soldiers returning from active duty. The training and leadership skills gained through their military experience are ideal for positions at Wabash National requiring leadership and strong inter-personal communication skills, such as warehouse management, production supervising, facilities management, transportation and logistics. To learn more about current career opportunities, visit www.wabashnational.com/about-us/careers.