Hankook donates $150,000 to Disabled American Veterans

CINCINNATI (June 14, 2016) — Hankook Tire America Corp. is continuing its support of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), donating $150,000 to the organization June 12 in front of fans attending the Cincinnati Reds' Military Appreciation Day baseball game vs. the Oakland Athletics.

The on-field check presentation increases the tire maker's support of DAV, which provides free services to all veterans of all generations where they live.

DAV Executive Director Barry Jesinoski, who accepted the check from Hankook President Hee-Se Ahn, said the donation means so much to the DAV and represents more than $150,000.

“When you talk about the impact on veterans, it will increase exponentially,” he said.

To further its DAV support, Hankook has kicked off the Hankook Heroes program to honor military veterans. Through the program, anyone can recognize a hero who has served in the U.S. armed services by sharing a photo and a brief story on the Hankook Heroes online gallery at HankookHeroes.com, the company said. Heroes entered in the program will have a chance to receive a set of Hankook tires, the company.

“Hankook is proud to increase its partnership with DAV and launch the Hankook Heroes recognition program to further support and thank the men and women who have served, Mr. Ahn said.

“Hankook is committed to helping the veteran community, and together with DAV, we know we can continue to help provide American veterans with access to receive the benefits and service they need following their military service.”

In renewing its sponsorship with DAV, Hankook will support the organization through sponsorship of select Hankook-DAV mobile service office stops in 2016 including: Discount Tire in Phoenix, Sept. 14; Gateway Tire in Gallatin, Tenn., Sept. 15; Gateway Tire in Clarksville, Tenn., Sept. 16 and CJ's Tire in Philadelphia, Oct. 12.

Mobile Service Office vehicles bring free services, such as assistance in filing claims for Veteran Affairs benefits, directly to veterans where they live, Hankook said. At the MSO stops, certified DAV national service officers will be on hand to ensure veterans receive the benefits they earned.

Additionally Hankook will sponsor 10 DAV RecruitMilitary veteran job fairs this year, all Cincinnati Reds Military Appreciation Days during the 2016 baseball season, the DAV 5K running race in Atlanta and will participate in the DAV National Convention.

The RecruitMilitary veteran job fairs connect veterans with employers looking to hire American veterans and help them get back into the workforce, Hankook said.