We are grateful to the men and women who proudly and selflessly defend our nation here and abroad. We recognize the sacrifices these individuals make and strive to provide them with the support and resources they need back in the United States.

First Lt. Travis Manion was moved by the members of FDNY Rescue Company One, one of the first fire companies to respond to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, after spending a day with them before his last tour of Iraq in 2006. Their hard work and sacrifice only reinforced Travis’ belief in serving his country. While Travis was killed by enemy fire in Fallujah later that year, his spirit lives on thanks to the Travis Manion Foundation.  

In July 2011, the GM Foundation and Chevrolet donated $250,000 to the Travis Manion Foundation to help take its 9/11 Heroes Run fundraiser nationwide.  

The 9/11 Heroes Run brought communities together in more than 25 U.S. cities to honor military, police, firefighters and first responders who have given their lives to protect and save others. Proceeds from the 5K races go to the families of fallen heroes.

Airbrush artist Mickey Harris created the “Strength and Honor” Camaro, a tribute to all five branches of our military. Commissioned by GM, this custom Camaro helps promote GM’s Military Discount.

Supporting the military is a way of life for Mickey. With his father fighting in Vietnam, he grew up and Air Force bases and learned how to draw by sketching the aircraft around him.

To help celebrate Military Appreciation Month in May, more than 150 active duty service men and women took a celebratory lap on the track at the Indy 500. Riding in Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks, these members of the military were welcomed by the more than 300,000 races fans in attendance.

To celebrate Veterans Day 2011, the General Motors Veterans Affinity Group and the UAW Veterans Committee gathered at the Warren Tech Center Design Dome, where Dan Akerson, General Motors CEO and Navy veteran, spoke to more than 250 attendees.

The celebration honored all the veterans gathered, including ten men who served in World War II.   

The GM Veterans Affinity Group was established to provide a place for all veterans to gather and to make GM a workplace of choice.  In addition, the GM VAG supports charitable organizations such as the Piquette Square, a 150-unit apartment project in Detroit, which was built to house and care for homeless veterans.  Recently the GM VAG donated $7,500 to the Piquette Square project to assist them in the operation of this worthwhile charity.

At the 2012 Washington Auto Show, Chevrolet hosted a special group of D.C. area military personnel, including some of the nominees and the winner of the 2011 Chevrolet Military Salute D.C. program. Guests enjoyed an hour of mixing, mingling and reflection as the military members’ service to our country was honored. Doug Waite, GM’s president of the Veteran’s Affinity Group, joined the celebration.

Guests also received a guided tour of the GM exhibit at the auto show, including a look at the “American Pride” 2011 Chevrolet Camaro.