GM Puts $14 Million Behind Veterans as Trucking Rolls Out Support

General Motors has mobilized $14 million in support for active-duty service members, veterans and their families, the largest single commitment in a week of industry announcements that stretched from Pilot's flagship trucking prize to OOIDA's 20th annual care-package campaign.

The GM figure combines corporate giving, employee-led donations and funds raised with partners. A $3 million slice funds seven nonprofit workforce programs across the U.S., with priority for organizations showing job-placement pathways, industry-recognized credentials and employer partnerships near GM facility communities.

"Veterans and military families deserve clear pathways to good jobs, stable housing, and brighter futures," said David Massaron, GM's vice president of infrastructure and corporate citizenship. "By bringing together GM, employee, and partner support, we're honoring their service and strengthening the communities where we live and work."

How does the $14 million break down?

• Skilled trades: $3 million committed to seven proven nonprofit workforce programs nationwide.
• Hiring Our Heroes: a $1 million grant to expand the skills-based fellowship and launch HOH's first Skilled Trades Academy, which began training its first cohort in October.
• Tunnels to Towers: $6 million raised this year through GM, its dealer networks, and GMC and Chevrolet partnerships, funding mortgage-free homes and financial aid for injured veterans and families of fallen first responders.
• Stars and Steel Collection: Chevrolet will donate $250,000 of profits from this U.S.-assembled lineup — Corvette, Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD and Silverado EV — to the veteran community.
• Corvette ZR1X: a "one-of-one" 2026 Corvette ZR1X with Stars and Steel-inspired design was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, with 100% of the hammer price going to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
• Medal of Honor Foundation: GM Defense raised $1.5 million for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's programs.

Beyond this year's funding, GM's Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program has graduated more than 1,000 former service members into careers as GM service technicians since its inception.

Who won Pilot's 2026 Road Warrior contest?

Joshua Kearney, an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who drives for Kaplan Trucking in North Ridgeville, Ohio, took the honor from a field of more than 2,000 nominations. He has logged nearly 1 million accident-free miles. On October 27, Pilot handed him keys to a customized Kenworth W990 — built with Kenworth and the Diesel Brothers — plus a $50,000 check.

"Joshua's story reflects the resilience, work ethic, and character that drive our industry forward, representing the very best of the professional driving community," said Kari Irons, chief experience officer at Pilot.

Kearney served on active duty from 2008 to 2012 and in the Army Reserve from 2013 to 2020, receiving a Purple Heart in 2011 after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan. Today he hauls steel coils for Kaplan, one of Ohio's oldest trucking companies. His wife, Shannon, nominated him.

What is Wreaths Across America's 2026 route?

The "Escort to Arlington," billed as the country's longest veterans' parade, departs Maine on December 12 and arrives at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of December 19 — National Wreaths Across America Day. Public events are planned in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C., with the Mobile Education Exhibit open at many stops.

Chevrolet provided the 10 wrapped escort vehicles, including the All-Electric Silverado EV, and sponsored 4,000 veterans' wreaths for Arlington. "For 12 years, Chevrolet and our dealers have had the privilege of putting Gold Star families and veterans behind the wheel of this journey," said Dan Adamcheck, regional director of sales, service and marketing.

What else is the trucking sector doing?

The Truckload Carriers Association opened nominations for its 2027 Elevate Young Leadership Program after three successful classes. Participants will combine in-person TCA event experiences, virtual sessions and group projects through 2027. "Elevate provides participants with invaluable opportunities to learn from experienced leaders," said Bryon Wiebold, industry relations director at Tenstreet.

OOIDA launches its 20th annual Truckers for Troops drive November 9-15. Since 2007, the campaign has raised more than $800,000, shipped over 3,369 care packages, supported 39,500-plus service members worldwide and supplied 65 veteran care facilities. Drivers can join or renew membership for $35, with 10% going to the troops fund — matched dollar for dollar by OOIDA.

"Truckers and military service members share the same core values of sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to this country," said OOIDA President Todd Spencer, noting nearly 40% of the association's members have worn the uniform.

With nominations for Elevate open and the Arlington escort weeks away, the industry's veteran-support pipeline shows no sign of slowing into 2027.