• by Tanya Gazdik , November 13, 2016

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is one of many companies that celebrated their veteran employees during the holiday Nov. 11.

The automaker held a ceremony at its Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters to recommit its support of enlisted employees engaged in the defense of the nation. As part of its Veterans Day ceremony, the company signed the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) pledge to continue to provide support for FCA employees enlisted in national defense through human resource policies and management tools that enable employees to actively participate in the National Guard and Reserve. The company first signed the pledge in 2008.

FCA US currently has 16 employees on active military leave, with 375 currently serving as active or inactive reservists and guardsmen, and 5,172 employees are military veterans. The automaker has several programs in place to support veterans. In 2011, the company joined forces with supplier Prestige Group to offer a life-changing program for returning veterans, who earn engineering internship positions at FCA US while they finish their undergraduate degrees. To date, more than 100 veterans have taken advantage of this program, with eight having completed their degrees.

Wyndham Worldwide also signed the ESGR at its Parsippany, New Jersey campus. To deepen its commitment to recruiting and retaining veterans, Wyndham Worldwide has recently partnered with Bridging the Gap, a nonprofit organization that provides military veterans with career coaching and networking opportunities. From recruiting efforts to a dedicated vacation club for military members to doing business with veteran-owned suppliers, Wyndham participates in a range of programs and initiatives to welcome those who serve.

Wyndham Hotel Group also participates in Hotels for Heroes, a program run by Fisher House, a network of "comfort homes," where families of wounded, injured, and ill military service members can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. Wyndham Rewards members are able to donate points to support families in the program.

Princess Cruises offers up to $250 free onboard spending money for veterans as well as active, retired or disabled military personnel, as a thank you to the men and women of the American and Canadian militaries for their service. This special military benefit is eligible on any cruise, any time of the year and can be used to purchase a wide variety of amenities and experiences.

Hertz Global, which operates the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty rental car brands in the U.S., is partnering with Luke's Wings, a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle, by providing up to $5,000 in vehicle rentals during the months of November and December.

The Kroger Co. is contributing nearly $3.1 million to the United Service Organization. This total includes a company contribution of $1 million in funds. The remaining support was raised through the support of partners like Wrigley's and Coca-Cola, and customers and associates who contributed at check stands, purchased special gift cards to be delivered to USO centers, or donated online throughout Kroger's year-long Honoring Our Heroes campaign.