American Veterans with Disabilities Not Forgotten, Thanks to Ford Employees

Leave No One Behind

Magic happens when Ford employees come together for a meaningful cause. That was the case Nov. 7 when dozens of volunteers banded together ahead of Veterans Day to assemble Forget-Me-Nots for Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

“I’m so proud of our employees for thanking our veteran employees for their service to our nation,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, who stopped by the WHQ cafeteria when the volunteers were making the flowers. “Employees coming together to honor others for their sacrifice and bravery. This just doesn’t happen in other companies. It’s one of the things that makes Ford unique.” 

Small Flowers, Big History

The little blue Forget-Me-Nots are a symbol of remembrance, dating back to World War I when they were used to commemorate the lives of soldiers lost in fighting. They have been the staple of DAV chapter-level fundraising efforts, providing assistance for local heroes.

“Our goal is to assemble 120,000 Forget-Me-Nots in honor of Ford’s 120th anniversary,” said Kyle Green, Community and Employee Engagement Specialist, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We have a partnership with DAV that started in 1922 when Henry Ford offered the group a fleet of vehicles to transport veterans with disabilities across the country for a convention. There is a lot of history there, and the organization does really great work every day.” 

It's Personal

Some of the employees who came to assemble the flowers had personal reasons for volunteering.

“My dad was a Vietnam veteran,” said Coleen Weglarz, Ford Credit International Markets. “I have a strong sense of patriotism and wanted to help. There’s so much going on in the world that’s crazy and stressful. It’s nice to just take a little breather and do something that you know is going to benefit people and do something good for society.”

Kim Smith, Vehicle Logistics, has a son-in-law in the army.

“That’s what brought me here. Thankfully, he’s not injured. He’s in the reserves,” she said. “One of the things I love about Ford is they do offer us the opportunity to volunteer. This is just a reminder that I need to start doing more.”

Lee Sweet-Maier, Office of Tax Counsel, has many veterans in her family – from World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan.

“My family is a big supporter of veterans, and this feels like I’m supporting the cause,” she said. “This is just something that I can do besides making a cash donation.”

Julie Dimopulos, IT, has both veterans and active service members in her family. She also loves arts and crafts.

“Both of my nephews have served. The oldest nephew is still in the Air Force and his brother is a retired Explosive Ordinance Disposal specialist. They have a special place in my heart,” she said. “I saw this volunteer event, and I’m really crafty. I thought it would be fun to do.”

Rich Firth, Product Development, is a veteran himself. He served in the Marine Corps and was deployed to the West Pacific during Desert Storm for eight years.

“I’m part of VetNG, and I wanted to help out,” he said. “You have to prioritize your time. I have a lot of work to do before the end of the year for sure, but a few hours coming out here to help with this event is worth it.”

Others like Ginger Kasanic just wanted to support the cause.

“Veterans are unsung heroes, especially the disabled American veterans,” she said.  “I thought I would just love to help. It’s a creative thing with the assembly of the Forget-Me-Nots, and I consider it to be therapeutic too. So, it’s a way to help myself and help others too.”