Union Pacific Donates $150,000 to Wounded Warrior Project

SAN ANTONIO, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting armed forces members and veterans, Union Pacific yesterday presented Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) a $150,000 donation to assist injured service members as they transition back to civilian life. The donation will help support a full range of programs and services for this generation of Wounded Warriors and their families.

"We remain committed to actively recruiting the many talented troops returning home from service and feel privileged to be able to repay a small part of our nation's debt to them through this donation," said Diane Duren, Union Pacific's executive vice president and corporate secretary.

The donation marked Union Pacific's second time contributing funds to WWP from tax credits the company earned for hiring veterans meeting various government criteria. Union Pacific presented its first donation of $60,000 in November 2012.

"We are honored that Union Pacific continues to support this generation of injured service members and their families through Wounded Warrior Project," said Adam Silva, chief development officer for WWP. "Through our 20 programs and services, we are committed to assisting warriors with their needs of today and tomorrow. Our Independence Program and Long-Term Support Trust ensure the most severely injured veterans will have the support they will need for their lifetime."  

More than 50,000 service men and women have been injured in recent military conflicts. In addition to physical wounds, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment.

In 2013, Union Pacific hired more than 800 military veterans, including 95 disabled veterans. Veterans comprise about 20 percent of the company's workforce.

Last year, Union Pacific participated in 11 virtual career fairs sponsored by military-based organizations and attended 88 other military recruiting events. The company received the inaugural Hiring Our Heroes Award for Post 9/11 Veteran Employment and Internships from the National Chamber Foundation and has been named a military-friendly employer more than 10 times by G.I. Jobs. Union Pacific also is a member of the Army Reserve's Employee Partnership Initiative, supports the Army Partnership for Youth Success program, and is a past recipient of the Freedom Award, the U.S. government's highest employer recognition.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2013, Union Pacific invested more than $21.6 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

About Wounded Warrior Project®

Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is recognizing its 10-year anniversary, reflecting on a decade of service and reaffirming its commitment to serving wounded warriors for their lifetime. The mission of WWP is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Union Pacific media contact: Elizabeth Hutchison, eehutchi@up.com or 402-544-8433.

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SOURCE Union Pacific