Wacker Neuson and its dealer, AGF Machinery of Dothan, Alabama, have united to raise more than $111,000 for a charity, the Fisher House Wisconsin, which serves hospitalized veterans’ families.
And to this day, the contributions to support veterans continue from this dealership, AGF Machinery.
To raise the $111,000, Wacker Neuson auctioned a compact track loader, which was wrapped in the stars and stripes of the American flag, during its annual Dealer Summit in Milwaukee in October. More than 70 dealerships took part in the live auction, with many dealers bidding generously. AGF Machinery won the ST31 vertical track loader.
That money went to the Milwaukee VA Fisher House, which provides lodging for families of veterans or service members who are receiving treatment. Situated on the Milwaukee VA Medical Center grounds, it provides 16 bedroom suites for single travelers or larger families at no cost to them.
The generosity continues
But the generosity and patriotic support has continued for the dealer, with branches situated in the vicinity of three military air facilities in southeastern Alabama. There are plenty of current and retired military personnel here, near the Gulf in the Wiregrass region, where, on any given day, helicopters and Blue Angels flight squadrons soar overhead. Patriotism runs high here.
So still wrapped in Old Glory, the track loader is being proudly displayed in AGF’s stores. These days it’s drawing attention at a branch that opened last February in Enterprise, Alabama, AGF owner Jeff Washington tells Equipment World.
“It will travel for the first three months between our four branches, and then come spring, it will go on rental,” Washington says of the flag-draped loader.
Once it starts getting rented out, half the proceeds will go to support veterans’ services in the Wiregrass region, he says. And on top of that, any veteran who rents the compact track loader will receive a discount, Washington adds.
Auctioning newly introduced skid steers, track loader
The machine was auctioned to celebrate Wacker Neuson’s recent introduction of a new line of skid steers and vertical track loader. They’re designed and built at the company’s plant in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
“We are proud to be building these quality machines right here in the Milwaukee area,” and it’s fitting to donate one to this cause – the Fisher House, says Johannes Schulze Vohren, North American regional president of Wacker Neuson.
Fisher House was chosen as a recipient because it provides a “home away from home” with shelter and support for military and veteran’s families during medical crises and hospitalizations, according to the company.
Stars and stripes, from Wisconsin to Alabama
The ST31, wrapped in the American flag, was exhibited throughout last summer in Wisconsin events to celebrate the machine’s local roots.
It was displayed at industry shows and in the Menomonee Falls Fourth of July parade, flanked by many local employees who helped design and build it.
Washington pledges that the ST31’s new home with AGF Machinery will continue that show of support for veterans.
“We were happy to hear that AGF is moving the mission forward,” a spokesperson for Wacker Neuson tells Equipment World.