Ford Motor Company and Blue Star Families Host First-Ever "Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo" for Veterans, Military Families, and Survivors
02 July 2024 - 7:05AM
In partnership with Blue Star Families “Do Your Part” campaign,
Ford Motor Company hosted 150 military veterans, survivors, and
their families at the first-ever "Proud to Honor: Bronco
Off-Roadeo" event in Horseshoe Bay, TX. In addition to Blue Star
Families, participants represented esteemed U.S. service
organizations, including Guitars 4 Vets, Tragedy Assistance Program
for Survivors (TAPS), Travis Manion Foundation, Team Rubicon, and
members of Ford's Veteran Employee Resource Group.
The latest Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey
underscores a crucial finding: active-duty military and Veteran
families who feel connected to their community tend to enjoy
greater well-being and are more likely to endorse military
service.
Inspired to help improve our military communities' sense of
belonging, Ford invited Veterans, military families, and survivors
to participate in its Bronco Off-Roadeo adventure driving school.
Participants learned to navigate off-road terrains using Bronco
family SUVs.
"I served 16 years in the U.S. Army and Air Force, including
14.5 months in Iraq," said Brian Harris, Senior Lead Trail Guide
for the Bronco Off-Roadeo. "Growing up, I learned off-roading with
my father. Now, I have the honor of helping others discover their
own adventures with their Bronco by developing their knowledge,
skills, and confidence off-road. It was truly rewarding to share
these skills and this experience with my fellow Veterans and their
families."
At the Bronco Off-Roadeo, military and civilian neighbors
celebrated service, created memories, and made connections in the
beautiful Texas hill country. "This shared experience deepened my
connection to this community and helped me rediscover a piece of
myself I thought I had lost with my husband," said participant
Jenny Akin, a Blue Star Families member and surviving spouse of
Green Beret Cooper Akin.
Ford volunteered to join the newly formed Do Your Part coalition
as part of its ongoing commitment to serving and supporting the
military community. Spearheaded by Blue Star Families with backing
from Craig Newmark and craig newmark philanthropies, the coalition
aims to foster community support and resilience among military
families.
"The strength of our military lies not only in the uniformed
service members but also in their families, all of whom rely on the
support of our communities to persevere," said Kathy Roth-Douquet,
CEO and co-founder of Blue Star Families. "This Blue Star/Bronco
Roadeo experience exemplifies the powerful outcome that occurs when
iconic companies like Ford step up to support us. By doing their
part, they fortify our communities and honor the sacrifices made by
our service members and their loved ones."
Ford is leading the charge and showcasing their values by
prioritizing the well-being and connectedness of the military
community and is inspiring others to follow. Learn more about
Ford’s commitment to “Do Your Part” and the “Proud to Honor: Bronco
Off-Roadeo” experience here.
Photos from the Event: Here
Kevin Cirilli
Blue Star Families
(844) 202-7827, ext.4
media@bluestarfam.org