Kobelco Raises Nearly $20,000 for Wounded Warriors

Here at Tracey Road Equipment, we’ve always been proud of our association with excavators. But we’re especially pleased to recognize their recent initiative to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project(WWP). Having raised money ourselves for wounded warriors, we know first-hand the importance of this national organization.

In addition to pledging their own corporate contribution of $100,000, Kobelco Construction Machinery USA set out to encourage others in the industry to join them. To promote this nationwide challenge, they outfitted five limited edition SK350LC crawler excavators in a patriotic wrap, with graphics that depicted the American flag and silhouettes of soldiers as well as logos of each of the five branches of U.S. Armed Forces.

They then chose an innovative method to collect individual contributions at the recent ConExpo-Con/AGGevent in Las Vegas. They brought in one of the limited edition SK350LCs to be the centerpiece of their booth, and asked visitors to chuck their cash into the crawler’s bucket. Donors got to have their picture taken with the uniquely-decorated machine, and everyone got into the spirit of things.

Over the course of the five-day event, Kobelco collected $19,217.75 in cash. Kobelco’s VP of Operations Ron Hargrave summed it up: “We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the impact this machine had on visitors to our booth, and we are humbled by their generosity in helping us support this very important cause.” All five of the limited edition crawlers are destined to help Wounded Warrior Project raise funds.

What does WWP do?

This non-profit organization was created in 2003 to serve veterans and current service members who have sustained physical or mental injuries, wounds or illness as a result of their military service on or since September 11, 2001.

>WWP offers almost 20 different programs and services around the country, all of them aimed at addressing the whole soldier – mind and body – as well as his or her family. That includes assisting vets to find and secure meaningful employment in the civilian workforce.

The construction industry is also working proactively to help veterans find employment. In a recent blog article, we noted that construction firms across the country have pledged to hire 100,000 vets over the next five years. This collaborative initiative includes the U.S. Department of Labor and Joining Forces, another organization created to assist military families during and after their service. Joining Forces is headed by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, with official backing from the White House.

What does the Kobelco SK350 do?

It meets U.S. EPA Tier IV emission standards, for one thing. As one of Kobelco’s new class of hydraulic excavators, it features a wide range of impressive technologies designed to help you work more efficiently and productively. At 81,800 lb. operating weight and with a new 270 hp engine, it helps reduce environmental impact. It generates less pressure-loss resistance and provides superior digging power and wide digging range.

The SK350 has a bucket capacity of 1.57-2.50 cubic yards SAE, with a maximum arm crowding force of 37,100 lbs. Inside the cab, operators appreciate the roomy, comfortable configuration, rear view camera and Kobelco’s new Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS). Even maintenance access has been simplified.

As Memorial Day has rolled around again, we are reminded that it’s the official beginning of summer. But we are also reminded of all those who have paid a heavy price in the service of this country. Not just military personnel who have been killed in action, but the thousands who have returned from war with significant, enduring injuries – our wounded warriors.

We applaud Kobelco for helping spotlight this issue and raise significant funds to assist our military families.