Towing and Recovery Industry Strengthens Support for Survivor Fund at Annual Wall of the Fallen Name Unveiling Ceremony
Chattanooga, TN – Release Date, 2025 – The towing and recovery industry came together in a show of solidarity and compassion at the Wall of the Fallen Name Unveiling Ceremony, held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Wall of the Fallen Memorial in Chattanooga, Tennessee. During the ceremony, three major industry leaders—AAA, GEICO, and Jerr Dan—presented significant contributions to the Survivor Fund, underscoring the ongoing commitment to providing immediate financial support to the families of towing operators who tragically lose their lives in the line of duty.
As part of this year’s annual event, the contributions made by these respected companies were presented to the Survivor Fund, a crucial initiative dedicated to offering financial relief and assistance to the loved ones of towing professionals who face the heartbreaking loss of their family member. The Survivor Fund is designed to help alleviate the financial burden placed on families during an incredibly difficult time, covering funeral costs, medical expenses, and other urgent financial needs that can arise after such an untimely loss.
“The Wall of the Fallen ceremony is a poignant reminder of the risks that towing operators face every day in order to keep our roads safe,” said Jeffrey Godwin, Co-Chairman of the Survivor Fund Committee and vice president of the International Towing Museum board.
“We are incredibly grateful to our partners at AAA, GEICO, and Jerr Dan for their generous contributions to the Survivor Fund. Their ongoing support plays a vital role in ensuring that the families of fallen heroes are not left to face these challenges alone.”
Through the growing contributions from industry leaders like AAA, GEICO, and Jerr Dan, the Survivor Fund continues to expand its reach and increase the support it offers to families. The industry’s response to the Fund has been overwhelming, with many companies stepping forward to contribute year after year. The program’s success is a testament to the towing and recovery community’s deep sense of camaraderie and commitment to supporting the industry.
The Survivor Fund received a generous $125,000 donation from AAA and their participating clubs. Pictured left to right: Ray Keshel, Alex Zazhitskiy, Scott Depaulis, Dan Hutchinson, Cliff Rudd, Margaret Schmidt, Bob Huffman, Kelly Crocco, Bill Gratzianna, Jeffrey Godwin, Steve Welchel, Tom Tedford, Maggie Ramos, John Weaver, Jim Jennings, Lee Roberts, Vince Tiano, Crystal Griffin, Garry Leach, Kevin Fox, and Michael Aspesi
GEICO donates $3,500 to the Survivor Fund. Pictured left to right: Danny Horton, Michael Aspesi, Kevin Fox, Steve Welchel, Bill Gratzianna, Dwayne Fuller, Tom Tedford, Jeffrey Godwin, John Weaver, Kendal Hulette, Maggie Ramos, Lee Roberts, Jim Jennings, Vince Tiano, Crystal Griffin, Garry Leach
Jerr-Dan donates $15,000 to the Survivor Fund during the Wall of the Fallen ceremony. Pictured left to right: Danny Horton, Michael Aspesi, Steve Welchel, Kevin Fox, Jesse Eyler, Heath Fassnacht, Bill Gratzianna, Jeffrey Godwin, Tom Tedford, Mariah Ryder, John Weaver, Blake Ryder, Maggie Ramos, Lee Roberts, Bobby Fajardo, Jim Jennings, Vince Tiano, Crystal Griffin and Garry Leach
About the Survivor Fund:
The Survivor Fund, managed by the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, TN, was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to families who have lost a loved one while working in the towing and recovery industry. Since its inception, the Fund has helped hundreds of families through these tragic losses.