Meritor announced a one-year extension of “Shoes for Soldiers” and will donate up to $70,000 from remanufactured brake sales and corporate matching funds to the Wyakin Warrior Foundation.

The foundation helps position severely wounded, injured and ill veterans for success. It helps veterans transition to leadership role in business, government and their communities.

Meritor will donate $50,000 from remanufactured brake shoe sales in addition to a $20,000 match from the Meritor Trust Fund. Last year, “Shoes for Soldiers” generated $30,000, in addition to a $20,000 match from the Meritor Trust Fund.

“The program has been well received by our aftermarket customers, who understand the need among the wounded veterans is great,” says Tim Bauer, director of remanufacturing for Meritor. “Through ‘Shoes for Soldiers,’ we’re expressing our appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made for all of us by helping Wyakin prepare them for a future they deserve.”

Marty Hetherington, manager, Brand and Marketing, Aftermarket for Meritor, added, “Meritor extends this challenge to other leaders within the heavy-duty truck and trailer aftermarket business. We’ll continue to identify further initiatives to increase donor support for our severely wounded warriors.”

The Wyakin Warrior Foundation’s 60-month program includes educational and financial support, monthly professional development seminars, community service projects and networking opportunities for job placement. Thirty-one veterans are currently enrolled in the program and seven have graduated since the program began in 2011. All alumni were placed in jobs within three months after graduation, according to Wyakin. The annual program cost is $6,000 per participant.

“Meritor’s generous contribution will have a significant impact on the foundation’s ability to help position our veterans for personal and professional success,” said Marv Hagedorn, executive director of the foundation and an Idaho state senator.