SAF-HOLLAND, a leading global manufacturer of trailer suspension and axle systems, truck suspensions, fifthwheels, landing gear, and coupling products, announced its continued support of the Wyakin Foundation through its Gold Line Quality Parts product line with VIPAR Heavy Duty members. SAF-HOLLAND has donated $60,000 to the Boise ID-based Wyakin.
SAF-HOLLAND presented Brent Taylor, executive director of Wyakin Foundation, a check at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) at The Mirage in Las Vegas NV.
SAF-Holland has joined with Phillips Industries, Meritor, and Minimizer to support the Wyakin Foundation to create awareness throughout the trucking industry about veteran transition and education.
These four companies hope to create greater awareness and encourage other industry leaders to join in by donating a percentage of their sales during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) ’18, which was held in Las Vegas NV January 22–25.
The Wyakin mission is to serve as a conduit, connecting wounded and injured veterans to successful and fulfilling civilian futures through education, development, and guidance. Wyakin serves the men and women who have served us, providing expert professional and leadership development, strategic networking support, academic and career planning, and project management experiences.
Carl Mesker, vice-president aftermarket (Americas) for SAF-Holland, said: “SAF-Holland has decided to team up with Wyakin for two primary reasons. Their main focus is education; if there is anything that can truly change lives and change lives forever, it is education. SAF-Holland believes in making lives better and education is the most foolproof way to do it. Secondly, dedication by the Wyakin staff. The Wyakin staff is truly dedicated to the cause. Over 80% of every dollar goes directly to the veteran, and the results show it. The volunteer group, dedication of the staff, and conservative management makes Wyakin an easy choice to support. Helping veterans is their passion.”
“We’ve been supporting Wyakin for three years, and I’m proud to say that Phillips has made a positive difference in multiple wounded veterans’ lives by championing their successful transition and giving them a chance to reengage into society--an opportunity that they may not have otherwise had,” said Rob Phillips, president and COO, Phillips Industries.
Brett Penzkofer, vice-president North America aftermarket for Meritor, said: “Wyakin’s proven process to support our returning veterans and help them prepare for success in their careers is unmatched. We have numerous job openings across the heavy-duty industry and Wyakin can help us fill those opportunities with business ready veterans.”
“The commercial vehicle industry has lived up to its reputation as an industry that gives back,” said Brent Taylor, executive director of the Wyakin Foundation. “The generosity of our industry partners is changing lives.”
For more information about supporting the Wyakin Foundation, please visit www.wyakin.org.