OSHKOSH, Wis. — May 5, 2010 — Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has made a $25,000 contribution to the Return & Recovery Program for Combat Veterans, a program offered by the Wisconsin-based non-profit organization “Artists for the Humanities (AFTH),” which uses art-based programs to serve military veterans and their family members.
The organization’s Return & Recovery Program for Combat Veterans combines the use of expressive art and counseling under the guidance of licensed mental health professionals to help veterans suffering with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and depression. Assistance for family members of service personnel is included in this program. The program is free to veterans and their family members. Services currently are provided at four locations in Wisconsin, including Appleton, De Pere, Fond du Lac and Oshkosh, and one in the Chicago area. The program also will soon be available at the Tomah VA Medical Center.
“The Artists for the Humanities organization does remarkable work in recognizing and memorializing the sacrifices of the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “We are fortunate that such organizations exist for the benefit of our veterans and their families, and Oshkosh is happy to assist them and the tremendous work they do.”
AFTH also has underway the Fallen Soldiers project wherein artist and AFTH founder Tim Mayer creates painted portraits of U.S. service personnel who lost their lives in conflicts overseas. The paintings are displayed publicly and a copy of the original is provided to the military members’ families to assist them during the grieving process.
“Remembering and honoring those who have given everything for their country, as well as supporting the families who have lost their loved ones, is at the heart of what Artists for the Humanities does,” Mayer said. “This contribution from Oshkosh Defense will help us continue our efforts to serve those who do so much for us every day.”
AFTH provides services for military members and their families that are independent from government provided veterans programs.
Oshkosh Defense employs many who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, as well as veterans. In 2008, the company received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award from the Department of Defense. It is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The Wisconsin Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve also recognized Oshkosh in 2008 with the Pro Patria and Above and Beyond awards.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
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