Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo 

Ford Celebrates Vets & Military Community

Last year, Blue Star Families launched their “Do Your Part” initiative, challenging companies, non-profits, individuals, and change-makers to do what they do best to support the military and veteran community.  

Ford was inspired to join the effort. The first-ever Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo gave veterans, military families, and survivors an opportunity to celebrate service, create memories, and make connections in the beautiful Texas hill country.  

Bronco Off-Roadeo is an adventure driving school where enthusiasts can receive instruction on how to take Bronco family SUVs off-road safely and responsibly. Bronco Off-Roadeo is located at epic destinations across the country, with the Proud to Honor event taking place in Horseshoe Bay, TX.

This event was specially designed for the military community, bringing together 150 veterans, military families and survivors.

Participants represented some of the most well-regarded U.S. Service Organizations, including Blue Star Families, Guitars 4 Vets, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Travis Manion Foundation, Team Rubicon, and members of Ford’s Veteran Employee Resource Group.

To make the Off-Roadeo more meaningful for the military-connected community, participants enjoyed an all-expenses-paid experience that 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 Officer in the U.S. Army 
  • Access to onsite Veterans Affairs’ representatives and resources 
  • Access to Ford’s lead military employment & recruiting representative 
  • A presentation from Ted Ryan, Archives and Heritage brand manager, on Ford's veteran, military and Bronco history 
  • A performance by Guitars 4 Vets featuring Folsom Prison Blues and Margaritaville 
  • Exchange of Ford Challenge Coins, distributed by the Ford veteran employees in attendance 

Ford’s History Supporting the Military Community 

Ford's commitment to supporting the military has long been a part of its history, aligning with Blue Star Families' mission to strengthen military families through community building. 

  • In World War I, Ford put its industrial might to work building equipment including trucks, ambulances and even Eagle Boats. After the war, beginning in 1919, Ford instituted a policy of hiring disabled veterans returning from the conflict. This was a policy that continued through WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. 
  • In 1922, Ford donated 50 Model Ts to the National Convention for Disabled Veterans, making Ford the longest corporate partner of the DAV. That partnership continues today through Ford Philanthropy. 
  • By 1942, with the lack of labor as men joined the armed forces, Ford hired hundreds of thousands of women, creating the Rosie the Riveter image as everyone pitched in.   
  • The Bronco's storied history with the military dates back to its use as a civil defense vehicle during the Vietnam War, valued for its durability and off-roading prowess. 

That long tradition continues today: 

  • Ford is committed to hiring veterans and their family members. The company recently signed the PAYS Act, which guarantees any member of the active-duty military an interview for an open position at Ford. Ford received a gold level certification as a veteran friendly employer   
  • Last June, Ford and Ford Philanthropy launched Team Rubicon Powered by Ford, a five-year commitment to the veteran-led non-profit disaster relief organization that includes a fleet of 17 vehicles, philanthropic investment and ongoing employee volunteerism  
  • Ford is currently ranked #1 OEM for Vets in 2023 according to Military Times 
  • Ford has a robust veterans employee resource group, VET NG  

Blue Star Families & 'Do Your Part' Initiative 

Blue Star Families is the nation’s largest Chapter-based military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions.

Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $200 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually.

Blue Star Families’ Do Your Part initiative, with support from craig newmark philanthropies, encourages companies, non-profits and individuals to join a coalition of change-makers seeking to support our military and veteran community. For more information, visit https://doyourpart.com/.  

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