This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the service members, veterans, and their families. We honor and respect those who have stepped forward in defense of our nation.  

To show our thanks, we are partnering with Fisher House Foundation by donating $20,000 to help keep military and veterans’ families together. The Fisher House Foundation is an important nonprofit that builds homes near DoD and VA hospitals so military families have a place to stay, free of charge, while their loved one is recuperating in the hospital. Once these homes are built, Fisher House donates the home to the DoD or the VA. They have provided more than 8 million nights of lodging since 1990. On any given night, more than 1,100 families can be staying in a Fisher House.

Additionally, Uber has been a longtime advocate and supporter of the thousands of drivers on our platform who are veterans. We’re proud to be able to connect them with flexible earning opportunities. Supporting our heroes and highlighting their effort is the least we can do for those who have sacrificed their lives. We caught up with a few of our military drivers, and are honored to share their stories about serving their country and moving their communities.

 

DRIVER NAME: John Jelks

MILITARY BRANCH: Marine Corps

YEARS OF SERVICE: 22 years

CITY: San Diego

UBER RATING: 4.87 stars

Why did you choose to drive with Uber? I was working with the naval base and a friend told me about it – thought I’d try and make some money during the weekend. The first week I made about 1600 bucks. So I told him, I’m going all in!

DRIVER NAME: Jesse Martinez

MILITARY BRANCH: Army

YEARS OF SERVICE: 5 years

CITY: New York

UBER RATING: 4.97 stars

What is your favorite memory of when you served? Being a part of Joint Task Force Bravo in 2002. We went to Nicaragua to build new school buildings and health clinics in a small village on the side of a volcano. To see those locals in such horrible conditions but still have smiles on their faces really gives you perspective.

DRIVER NAME: Timothy Scott Gledhill

MILITARY BRANCH: Army

YEARS OF SERVICE: 9 years

CITY: San Diego

UBER RATING: 4.96 stars

Do you have a favorite story while driving? I drive frequently in wine country out in Temecula. I was dropping off a group of women out there at a winery one day when the Valet opened the door for them, he said to the girls “Be good to him, He’s a regular” – That was really cool. Being well known and having a good reputation. Also being able to help people and get people from point A to B safely.

 

To all of our veterans and everyone serving in the military, thank you for all that you do to keep our country safe and strong. We salute you.