Truckers show support during Military Appreciation Month

Each year, members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association show their support for former and active duty military through the Association’s Truckers For Troops campaign.

Since the program began in 2007, OOIDA members have donated roughly $811,000 to veterans and veterans organizations. On top of supporting those organizations, the money raised by the annual campaign has helped provide nearly 3,300 care packages to nearly 40,000 members of the military. The Association also has sent aid packages to 65 facilities caring for wounded, disabled and homeless veterans.

While the annual campaign – which takes place in November leading up to Veterans Day – has been an overwhelming success, the Association wanted to take that generosity and support further. In 2024, the OOIDA launched a spring campaign called Mission: Military Appreciation, to celebrate Military Appreciation Month and continue to raise funds for veteran organizations and U.S. troops stationed overseas. This year’s event took place May 12-19.

Similar to the fall campaign, during the weeklong spring event, truckers can join or renew their OOIDA membership at a discounted rate of $35. From the total from that week, 10% of the money goes toward Truckers For Troops, with OOIDA matching that 10% dollar-for-dollar.

During this year’s campaign, over 900 members participated in the event, raising roughly $7,300 for Truckers For Troops.

“We are continuously amazed, but not entirely surprised, that OOIDA members have fully embraced the mission of Truckers For Troops these past several years,” said Sylvia Dodson, manager of the Association’s Membership Department. “It is because of this we know the program is spot-on when it comes to channeling support for military and veterans.”

One of the veterans organizations receiving support from Truckers For Troops is the Veterans Community Project. Each year, the group brings a monetary donation – along with a truckload of household goods – to the VCP village in Kansas City, Mo.

In 2024, Truckers For Troops expanded its reach, making $10,000 donations to the VCP villages in St. Louis and Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Truck drivers and military veterans share a strong sense of commitment to service while facing unique challenges and long periods away from home. They both also play an essential role in keeping the country moving, whether transporting goods or serving in the military,” Norita Taylor, OOIDA’s director of public relations, told Land Line. “We thank them all for their dedication and sacrifices, which too often go unrecognized, yet their contributions are vital to the nation’s well-being and safety.” LL