LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Meritor has launched a new charity and marketing initiative called Shoes for Soldiers that is aimed to help wounded veterans get back on their feet to become leaders in business and their communities. The company announced this new campaign today at its Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week press event.

Meritor will be donating a percentage of its remanufactured brake shoe sales to the Wyakin Warrior Foundation that has a comprehensive program that assists veterans in pursuing degrees for their future in many different fields like engineering, business and computer science.

“The great idea about this is, these guys wore the boots to keep us safe and now our shoes can help them secure their future,” said Marty Hetherington, manager of brand and marketing at Meritor. “We will also kick off a spring promotion campaign which will get lots of coverage, like print ads and we’ll have digital ads and merchandise.”

The program Wyakin offers is 60 months and includes financial support, development seminars and opportunities for direct job placement for the veterans enrolled. The foundation teaches veterans important lessons like how to dress for an interview, how to compile a competent resume and how to sell yourself to employers.

According to Wyakin, more than 60% of the post 9/11 disabled veterans are unemployed or have no post-secondary education.

“A significant percentage of funds donated to the Wyakin program directly helps severely wounded or injured veterans ̶ and that’s important, because the program cost for one participant is $25,000,” said Todd Monroe, executive director, Wyakin Warrior Foundation. “Our young veterans participating as Wyakin Warriors will benefit greatly from Meritor’s generous contribution as they position themselves for success in a meaningful career and within their communities.”