Toyota Helps Guardsmen, Reservists Find Jobs

Toyota not only makes good automobiles, but stands behind the people who defend this nation. A program called Hire-a-Hero helps returning Vets and present employees who serve in the military to find or maintain employment and benefits.

The idea from Esmond, Toyota's senior vice president of automotive operations and a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, turned into the Toyota and Lexus "Hire-a-Hero" program, launched in September 2004. Hire-a-Hero worked so well that Patrick Stluka, Toyota's national labor relations manager, nominated the company for the 2005 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, which the company won.

"The Hire-a-Hero program is a tool to make members of the military aware of job opportunities available at independently owned Toyota and Lexus dealerships," explained Toyota spokeswoman Charlotte Lassos. "The company benefits by hiring a diverse group of individuals who have typically demonstrated commitment and responsibility and have attained skills and leadership abilities while on military duty."

When Toyota-employed guardsmen and reservists are called to active duty, they keep their health care benefits, including medical, dental and vision; their life insurance continues; and they can continue their 401K contributions or make a "catch-up" payment into the 401K when they return from active duty. They also can elect to keep their lease car or turn it in without early-return penalty, and Toyota has designated an ombudsman to assist Guard and Reserve employees and their families while the employees fulfill their military obligation.

Having manufactured in the US for twenty years Toyota is invested in America. Here's some statistics on their US operations:

By 2008, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build 1.81 million cars and trucks, 1.44 million engines, and 600,000 automatic transmissions in North America.

The company's direct employment in North America is more than 37,000 and direct investment is nearly $16.2 billion with annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totaling an additional $26 billion.

Full disclosure, My wife's family owns a Toyota dealership.