http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/springfield-veterans-support-wounded-warriors-through-business_63512.mp3
Jenkins Diesel, a Springfield truck dealership, raised nearly $10,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, which supports military veterans and their families. There’s an emotional connection when offering this support for Jenkins Diesel, which is operated by three brothers who each served in the U.S. Army.
Joe Jenkins is the company’s business manager. He and his brothers have expanded the business after their father started it in 1956.
“All three of us graduated from ROTC and went into the Army and served in the Army and then got out and came back to the family business. I’m a little slower than most. I spent 20 years in the Army before I got out,” Joe explains.
The business proudly supports the Wounded Warrior Project because Joe and his brothers recognize the struggles veterans undergo when they serve and after they come home.
“All three of us were in the Army, and we have, I figure, a place in our hearts for veterans—especially now, and especially those who are coming back wounded. I served two tours in Vietnam and my family went through that with me and they were a tremendous amount of support. There are a lot of kids coming out now who don’t have that support, and of all the charities that we’re asked to give to, this is the one that to us seemed the most worthwhile,” he says.
Jenkins Diesel sponsored a golf tournament in May for the Wounded Warrior Project. Because of its success, it will have another tournament next year at Hidden Valley Golf Links in Nixa.
“We’re joining hands with a lot of other people in supporting this project, but still, there’s a lot more need out there than there are resources for some of these returning veterans who have horrendous injuries as well as families needing support, and the Wounded Warrior Project contributes resources and services that are not funded elsewhere," Joe says.
For more information about Jenkins Diesel and its support of veterans, visit jenkinsdiesel.com.
For KSMU News, I’m Kaitlyn Schwers.