Last year, Blue Star Families launched their “Do Your Part” initiative, encouraging companies, non-profits, and individuals to support the military and veteran community. Ford enthusiastically joined this effort, organizing the first-ever Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo event. This special event was designed to celebrate the service of veterans, military families, and survivors, offering them an unforgettable experience in the Texas hill country.
Bronco Off-Roadeo is an adventure driving school where enthusiasts can learn how to take Bronco family SUVs off-road safely and responsibly. With locations at epic destinations across the country, the Proud to Honor event took place in Horseshoe Bay, TX. This event brought together 150 veterans, military families, and survivors, representing some of the most well-regarded U.S. Service Organizations, including Blue Star Families, Guitars 4 Vets, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Travis Manion Foundation, Team Rubicon, and members of Ford’s Veteran Employee Resource Group.
Participants enjoyed an all-expenses-paid experience, which included:
- Coaching by Off-Roadeo trail guides who are U.S. veterans, creating a deeper sense of connection and community.
- Remarks from Chris Smith, Ford’s Chief Government Affairs Officer, West Point graduate, and former U.S. Army officer.
- Access to onsite Veterans Affairs representatives and resources.
- Access to Ford’s lead military employment and recruiting representative.
- Ted Ryan, Archives and Heritage Brand Manager, presented a presentation on Ford’s Veteran, Military, and Bronco history.
- A performance by Guitars 4 Vets, featuring songs like “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Margaritaville.”
- Ford veteran employees who were in attendance distributed the exchange of Ford Challenge Coins.
Ford’s commitment to supporting the military has long been part of its history. During World War I, Ford built equipment, including trucks, ambulances, and Eagle Boats. In 1919, Ford instituted a policy of hiring disabled veterans, a practice that continued through WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. In 1922, Ford donated 50 Model Ts to the National Convention for Disabled Veterans, establishing a long-standing partnership with the DAV. By 1942, as men joined the armed forces, Ford hired hundreds of thousands of women, helping create the iconic Rosie the Riveter image.
Bronco’s history with the military dates back to its use as a civil defense vehicle during the Vietnam War, which is valued for its durability and off-roading capabilities. This tradition continues today with Ford’s ongoing support for veterans and their families. Ford recently signed the PAYS Act, guaranteeing any active-duty military member an interview for an open position at Ford. Additionally, Ford and Ford Philanthropy launched Team Rubicon Powered by Ford, a five-year commitment to the veteran-led disaster relief organization, providing a fleet of 17 vehicles, philanthropic investment, and employee volunteerism. In 2023, Ford was ranked the #1 OEM for Vets by Military Times and maintains a robust veterans employee resource group, VET NG.
Blue Star Families, the nation’s largest chapter-based military and veteran family support organization, was founded in 2009. It has delivered more than $200 million in benefits and impacts over 1.5 million people annually. Their “Do Your Part” initiative, supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies, encourages companies, non-profits, and individuals to join a coalition of change-makers seeking to support the military and veteran community. For more information, visit Do Your Part.
