It’s always nice to be first, especially when it means you have done right by an honorable organization.
The Vietnam Veterans of America recently paid tribute to U-Haul International, Inc. by awarding the leader in do-it-yourself moving with its first In Service to America Award.
“When it comes to serving those who served, U-Haul International is Number 1,” VVA national president John Rowan stated in a letter.
U-Haul has been a proud supporter of the VVA for many years. U-Haul has assisted the VVA by printing materials for its annual convention and providing trucks for various events throughout the year.
With help from several departments at U-Haul Phoenix headquarters and many U-Haul Marketing Companies throughout the U.S., U-Haul has printed materials for and been in attendance during the VVA’s annual convention since 2006.
On Nov. 3, Arizona State Council president Gene Crego, VVA meeting planning director Wes Guidry, VVA director of communications Mokie Porter and the Marine Corp League Color Guard visited U-Haul headquarters for a special award ceremony.
Twenty Team Members from U-Haul Typesetting, Bindery, Printing, Mail, Community Relations and Media and Public Relations departments were invited to the luncheon and celebrated for their hard work and dedication to VVA throughout the years.
Ed Custodio, U-Haul Military and Field Recruiter, introduced Crego, who addressed the guests of honor and read a letter on behalf of Rowan.
The letter stated: “We are proud of our longtime association with U-Haul International, whose patriotism and support of our nation’s veterans has been a core ethic since the Company’s inception. From the very beginning of our relationship in 2006, the employees of U-Haul have demonstrated their personal commitment to those who have served our nation, fulfilling the vision of Navy veteran L.S. ‘Sam’ Shoen and his wife, Anna Mary Carty Shoen. For this reason, we wish to recognize, with the Vietnam Veterans of America Achievement Medal, each of the dedicated individuals who, through their hard work on behalf of Vietnam Veterans of America, have allowed us to better serve our nation’s veterans.
“We are very grateful to U-Haul for all it has done for Vietnam Veterans of America these past years,” the letter continued. “Long ago, U-Haul International set a very high standard for the rest of corporate America. For U-Haul Company’s visionary leadership and enduring support of the generations who have served in defense of our nation, and for the support U-Haul International has provided to Vietnam Veterans of America, it is our honor to recognize U-Haul with VVA’s very first In Service to America Award.”
Crego and Guidry presented the U-Haul Team Members with certificates and VVA achievement medals that they pinned on their lapels. Custodio was called up to accept the In Service to America Award. When the presentation was finished and the colors retired, everyone enjoyed mingling and eating pizza.
U-Haul Company continues to focus on community support and giving something back to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. We honor the sacrifices made by the many veterans who have paid so dearly to ensure the freedoms that allow U-Haul to be the Company it is.
U-Haul works tirelessly to support numerous veteran and military organizations across the country. U-Haul has received many awards from veterans’ organizations thanks to the patriotism and understanding demonstrated by U-Haul Team Members.
