VSP Vision Joins Forces with Troopathon on 7th Annual Packathon to Commemorate 9/11 and Support Deployed Troops 

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - Troopathon is proud to announce its 7th Annual Packathon, a significant event dedicated to commemorating the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and honoring the sacrifices made by the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, VSP Vision™ is stepping up as the event’s official sponsor, bringing a meaningful contribution to this cause.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Troopathon Operation Center in Sacramento, the Packathon will ship 2,001 military care packages symbolizing the 2001 victims of the 9/11 attacks. Volunteers will also assemble an additional 911 packages in a powerful tribute to the lives lost and the resilience shown by the American people.

“On this day of solemn remembrance, it’s important that we not only reflect on the past but also continue to support those who are still standing guard,” said Scott Raab, Outreach Director for Troopathon and a veteran who joined the military in response to 9/11. “This Packathon allows us to honor the memory of 9/11 by showing our troops that their sacrifices are recognized and appreciated.”

VSP Vision has generously contributed 2,001 pairs of sunglasses for the care packages and supports the shipping efforts. Their involvement includes employee participation in packing and addressing the boxes, ensuring they make a meaningful impact for service members abroad.

“As a company with deep roots in supporting U.S. military servicemembers, veterans, and their families, VSP Vision is honored to sponsor Troopathon’s 7th Annual Packathon commemorating 9/11,” said VSP Vision Chief Legal Officer Chris Warren. “Alongside our employees who volunteered their time today for this important cause, we hope that our contributions will provide comfort to troops abroad and reinforce that their service is deeply valued and never forgotten.”

The event will feature two volunteer shifts, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., where participants, including employees from VSP Vision, local veterans, and military families, will come together to assemble and ship these meaningful packages.

Among those participating in the event is Richard Hannaford, a 9/11 survivor and Troopathon Board Member, who was in the South Tower on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. His presence and story serve as a poignant reminder of the day’s impact and the importance of supporting those who continue to defend our freedom.

ABOUT VSP VISION: At VSP Vision™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For nearly 70 years, VSP has been the leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses—VSP^® Vision Care, Marchon Eyewear, Inc., Visionworks^®, Eyefinity^®, Eyeconic, VSP^® Optics, and VSP^® Ventures—work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for more than 85 million members through a network of more than 42,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Vision™ Eyes of Hope^®. To date, more than 4 million people in need have received access to no-cost eye care and eyewear through one of our Eyes of Hope programs. Learn more about how we’re reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.

ABOUT TROOPATHON: Troopathon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. Our mission is to provide emotional and tangible support to active-duty troops deployed to combat areas around the world. Troopathon honors the sacrifices made by our troops and expresses gratitude for their service. Over the years, Troopathon has sent out over 1,000 tons of care packages to deployed troops, supported by thousands of pro-troop activists, veterans, and military families nationwide.

For more information on Troopathon, please visit: Troopathon Website

ABOUT THE ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11: This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. On this solemn day, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of first responders, military personnel, and ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage. As part of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, Americans of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join and lead community service projects to honor those we lost on September 11. Through events like the Troopathon Packathon, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who continue to serve and protect our country, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
For more information on tragic events of 9/11, please visit: Library of Congress