TBC, Valvoline support K9s For Warriors

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Dec. 11, 2015) — TBC Corp. and Ashland Inc.'s Valvoline brand are donating $60,000 to K9s For Warriors, a 501(c) 3 charitable organization dedicated to providing service canines to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disability (PTSD), traumatic brain injury and/or other military trauma incurred from military service post 9/11.

“At TBC Corp., we have a strong desire to positively impact the communities we serve,” said TBC President, CEO and Chairman Erik Olsen. “It is our honor to give back to the veterans who give so much to our country in partnership with Valvoline.”

TBC and Valvoline teamed up in recognition of Veterans Awareness Month in November.

The $60,000 donation covers the cost of a three-week training program for three veterans and three canines, including room and board at Camp K9, a state-of-the art training center and warrior housing facility, training outings and all equipment necessary for training purposes.

The program includes 120 hours of training with certified trainers, housing, meals, and veterinarian care, equipment and peer-to-peer support at no cost to the veteran.

“Valvoline is proud to partner with TBC Corp. and K9s For Warriors to make a difference in the lives of our veterans,” said Valvoline President Samuel Mitchell. “We're excited about the opportunities that veterans and their service canines will have as a result of their training.”

Since the inception of K9s For Warrriors in 2011, nearly 200 veterans and service canine teams have graduated the training program with a 100-percent success rate in suicide prevention.

“A staggering number of veterans returning from combat suffer from PTSD — the invisible wounds of war,” said Shari Duval, president and founder of K9s For Warriors.

“To date, we've been able to help nearly 200 military heroes by pairing them with a service dog that has been trained for their specific needs. We are so grateful for this funding from TBC and Valvoline; it will help our organization continue to empower these veterans to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.”

TBC serves both wholesale customers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico through TBC Brands, Carroll Tire Co., TBC International and TBC de Mexico, as well as retail customers through more than 3,200 franchised and company-operated tire and automotive service centers.

Besides being considered a worldwide producer and distributor of premium-branded automotive, commercial and industrial lubricants and automotive chemicals, Valvoline operates and franchises 942 Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers in the U.S.