Year In Pictures - Jump into 2012

Photo Courtesy of Paul Oberle

And here we are in 2012!  To our military families, supporters, sponsors and volunteers, Hope For The Warriors® thanks you for your support and for your dedication to our nation's service members and their families.  In 2012, we will continue to work hard, ensuring that we meet our mission of "no sacrifice forgotten, nor need unmet."

Hope For The Warriors® staff members are energetic and highly-dedicated to each of our military families.  I feel fortunate that I work for an organization that makes family a priority--whether it is the military families we support or our own families. 

And as you can see from the photo above, we have a lot of fun working together.

Happy New Year to all!

Year In Pictures - Heroes are Welcomed Home

Photo courtesy of Petty Officer John Jacobs, USCG

This photo was taken at this year's Run For The Warriors® in Jacksonville, NC.  I love that this family is running together, supporting our wounded service members and military families.  This year, the kids come along for the ride.  One day, they will join in the fun and run the race themselves.

The Run For The Warriors® was created first and foremost as a means to welcome home wounded service members and honor them for their service and sacrifice. For those of you without a military background, I need to share the excitement of a typical Homecoming. 

When a battalion returns from a deployment, family and friends gather on a large, open field on the military base.  The field is filled with children, parents, husbands and wives.  Bounce houses are set up to keep the kids occupied as the frazzled parents wait.  Music plays, food is served and the cameras are ready.  It might be early morning, afternoon, evening or the middle of the night.  When the service members arrive in their buses, each family member and service member frantically searches the crowd for their loved ones. There are hundreds of people greeting each other, hugging, kissing and crying.

Now imagine the “homecoming” of a wounded service member.  They are pulled out of a battle field and transported to a series of bases until they arrive at a medical facility.  No music plays, no food is served and certainly, no one is waving with excitement.  The only cameras clicking are MRI and x-ray machines.  Fear replaces the excitement.

In 2006, a group of Marine wives held the first Run For The Warriors® at Camp Lejeune to change all of that.  The event opened with a ceremony to honor a group of wounded Marines and to give them the Homecoming they deserved.  That particular day, it was cold and rainy. However, thousands of runners and family members did not care.  They clapped, cheered, cried and celebrated their wounded heroes that morning.  

Each year, this race continues with more and more people who attend to race, participate and honor.  And true to its beginning, the race always begins with a ceremony to welcome our heroes home.

To learn more, visit our Run web page.

Year In Pictures - Rebuilding Ground Zero

When we reflect on the events of 9/11, so often we focus on the people who worked in those buildings and their families.  Within our organization, we reflect on the impact of 9/11 on our military men and women.  However, how many people think about the workers who had to clean up after this tragedy and rebuild?


The Ground Zero Independence Ride was created in 2002 as a means of healing for the many workers who were tasked with clearing debris left from 9/11.  The ride is planned and organized with the support of unions throughout the New York metropolitan area.


In keeping with the goals for this ride, funds raised are always donated to nonprofits that focus on strengthening families.  Hope For The Warriors® has been proud to be involved with this event for the last two years.


In this photo, you see the start of the Ground Zero Independence Ride.  You can also see in the background the construction equipment that is being used to rebuild the area.  This photo has more "clutter" in it than many of the other photos that I have posted and that is precisely why I love it.  Although the area around Ground Zero is busy and congested, the absence of the towers has left a hole in the city.  Many of the people you see on these motorcycles are the men responsible for rebuilding the towers.  With this ride, they also intend to mend families.

Year In Pictures - Texas Size Weekend

Photo provided courtesy of Richard Hall Photography

Every year in the beginning of October, I make the short drive to Tyler, TX for the Texas Wounded Warrior Celebrity Pro-Am Weekend.  This event, held by the nonprofit group, Texas Wounded Warrior, honors wounded service members for their service and sacrifice.  It also introduces many of these service members to the therapeutic game of golf. 


The weekend begins with the Military Flyover on Saturday afternoon and as this photo shows, it is nothing short of spectacular.  A Gala follows the air show and then on Sunday and Monday, the guys hone their skills in the game of golf.  


Each year, this events seems to get bigger and better.  I can't wait for 2012!

Year In Pictures - Hope Women--Mothers to the World

George W. Bush at the Warrior Open

This photo is not the best quality but I love the moment it captured.  This October, Hope For The Warriors® was invited to the Warrior Open, a golf tournament for wounded warriors, hosted by former President George W. Bush.  We were one of only four nonprofit organizations highlighted at this event.  It was amazing!


There were several service members competing in this event that we have worked with in the past including the young man to the right of Bush.  That is Nick Bradley and he has attended two golfing events with Hope For The Warriors®.


And why does Nick have that half-amused, half-surprised look on his face?  In this photo, you see Bush with the two warriors who are about to tee-off.  There are thousands of people watching, news camera, reporters, secret service and more.  None of this stopped Robin, Peggy and myself from yelling out to Nick, "Get closer to the president, we're taking your picture!"  Then we got the other warrior's attention.  And oh yeah, Bush's attention too.  And we actually made them stop and look our way, so that we could get a photo of our Nick, next to the president.


He was embarrassed at the time but someday, he will thank us!

Year In Pictures - Sold!

Photo courtesy of Paul Oberle

When we asked Jay to be our emcee for the 2011 Got Heart, Give Hope Gala, we knew he was the man for the job.  Anyone who has heard him speak can attest to the power of his words, voice and emotions.  What I did not know was how amazing he would be as our Gala's auctioneer.  He did more than just lead the auction--he owned that stage!  I guess this proves that if you can lead on the battlefield, you can lead anywhere else too.

I love this photo of Jay as he takes command of everyone is the room.  Jay is also the founder and executive director of Wounded Wear, a nonprofit that provides clothing and clothing modifications for wounded service members. 

Jay has also recently taped a public service announcement for Hope For The Warriors®.  Here is a small thank you clip that was also filmed that day. 

Year In Pictures - Hope Learns To Rock!

Rockstar Mayhem Tour 2011

This is just a fun picture.  In this photo are the members of the band Godsmack, staff members from our North Carolina office and service members from the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.  I borrowed this photo from the Rockstar Mayhem Blog.

Hope For The Warriors® was proud to be included in this year's Rockstar Mayhem Tour.  Their "Metal of Honor" Tour highlighted the needs and challenges of our wounded service members and today's military family.  Thanks to the producers of this tour, more than 125 service members and military family members attended concerts in 17 different cities.  All together, the tour raised more than $25,000 for Hope For The Warriors® while raising awareness to thousands of fans and concert goers.  Thank you to John and Elenie Reese for making a difference to so many military families!

To learn more, view this PSA, created for the tour and shown at every concert this summer. My favorite part is the quote recited by the lead singer of the band Disturbed, "Scars remind us of where we've been.  They do not need to dictate where we are going."

Year In Pictures - In Honor Of

A runner at the 9/11 Run For The Warriors® , held in Wallace, NC this past September.
Photo provided courtesy of Jon Althouse

In each of the races in our Run For The Warriors® series, people have the opportunity to wear these extra bibs on their backs.  As you pass other runners, or they pass you, there is a constant reminder that you are doing more than just participating in a local event.  In each race, you are honoring those that serve and running in memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.


We do not need to see and read these special bibs to honor the men and women in our military.  Especially on Christmas Day, as you celebrate with your family and friends, I hope that you remember the sacrifices made by our military families. Remember both the service members in Afghanistan and their families--spouses, children, parents and more--all who wish the entire family was together.  Remember the families of the fallen.  For many, their pain is more intense during the holidays and we pray for strength for each family member.  And of course, we pray that each service member now deployed comes home free from harm.


Merry Christmas to all!

Photo provided courtesy of Paul Oberle.

Year In Pictures - The Big Catch

At the end of July, Hope For The Warriors was invited to join elite anglers for the Bassmaster Elite Series Toyota Tundra All-star week in Montgomery, Alabama.  This was the second year that we were a part of this event and this year, we invited six wounded service members and veterans to attend as part of our Outdoor Adventures Program. 

The veteran in this photo had almost backed out of the trip.  The thought of coming on the trip, socializing with a lot of new people, and garnering attention from crowds was overwhelming to him. 

On the second day, the guys were paired up with their anglers and went out on the bass boats.  As the tournament time was up and the boats were docked, each service member pulled out their largest catch. 

Clearly, this photo depicts the winning catch of the day.  The bass weighed 8-pounds, 7-ounces and was by far, the largest bass caught that day.

But this veteran's smile caught my attention.  Here he stands, relaxed and proud--exactly the way he should feel after a fun and theraputic day of fishing.  He was a completely different man than the person we had met less than 24 hours before.

Another great trip to Alabama!


Read more here.

Year In Pictures - Rollin' Along

Photo provided courtesy of Paul Oberle.

The smile on both of their faces tells the story.  This photo was taken along a country road in the middle of New Jersey.  The veteran had just received this donated handcycle and was going on his first ride as Jenlene, our Team Hope For The Warriors® Director ran along.  These handcycles can go extremely fast and so this athlete was being kind--going slow enough for someone to run alongside him.  He has now returned with his young family and the handcycle to his upstate New York home where there are many miles of country road for him to reach top speeds. 

I am a firm believer that if everyone exercised, everyone would be happier and the world would be a better place.  I offer their expressions as evidence of this belief.

In 2011, Hope For The Warriors® facilitated the donation of 23 pieces of adaptive equipment to our service members at a cost of more than $65,000.  Donations came from:  Deer Park Lions Club, FDNY VFW,  Ground Zero Independence Ride, Haskell Family of Long Island, Jordan's Initiative, Siller Foundation, Tee It Up For The Troops,  Yorktown Heights Community, Zilinski Memorial Fund and directly from our organization.

Year In Pictures - A Smile at Mile 26.2

Photo provided courtesy of Paul Oberle.

Paul and Sally Kelly have done so much for Hope For The Warriors®, I could do an entire blog on their efforts and their impact.  As a matter of fact, here is Paul's blog if you would like to read more.  Together, the couple has raised more than $38,000 for Hope For The Warriors®. 

Beyond the fact that they raise funds and awareness, both Paul and Sally have become mentors to other athletes.  Paul, a quadriplegic, competes on a handcycle and has helped new service members who are still adapting to the equipment.  Sally has supported Team efforts and trained with other members to help them reach their race goals.

For the past several years, Paul has raced in countless marathons and Sally has raced in shorter distances, including several half marathons.  In 2010, she helped a teammate from Team Hope For The Warriors® train and complete her first marathon.  After that, Sally decided that she too would join the ranks of marathon finishers.

This photo shows Sally after she completed the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon and her smile says it all.  She completed her first marathon at an age that many Americans are thinking about retirement and taking life easy.  And not only was her first marathon inspiring, she place 30th in her age group out of 90.  An amazing accomplishment for a first marathon and in such a huge marathon.

As a sidenote, not only could I do an entire blog on Paul and Sally, I could also do an entire blog on members of Team Hope For The Warriors®.  To see more incredible photos of amazing people, I encourage you to "Like" out Team Facebook page. 

Year In Pictures - A Father's Reward

Yes this man is holding a Hope & Courage Award from Hope For The Warriors®.  Yes, he is on stage with Gary Sinise and John Vigiano, two incredible men.  But there is no doubt in my mind what the true award is for this moment.  Every one of us should be so lucky to have our young daughter look at us with such admiration and love.  And if I remember correctly, she went on stage with him in her bare feet.  This was one of my favorite moments of the Got Heart, Give Hope Gala this year. 

Photo provided courtesy of Paul Oberle.

Year In Pictures

Each year, Life Magazine highlights their "Year In Pictures" and it is always one of my favorite reviews of the year.  With that in mind, for the next few days, I will post a photo each day.  I have different reasons for posting these photos--some amuse me, others inspire me.  I hope that you enjoy the memories surrounding these photos as much as I do.

There are two photographers in particular that I will be posting many photos from.  John Althouse is a freelance photographer in Jacksonville, NC and does a great job covering many of our races and events.  Paul Oberle is a photographer for the Department of Defense.  He also happens to be the boyfriend of our Team Hope For The Warriors® Director.

We are so lucky to have two talented people help our organization.  You will also see photos taken by me or other amateurs.  I hope that these lower quality images are still inspiring to you.

And now for a photo that has nothing to do with Hope For The Warriors® but still inspires me.

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry shakes Obama's hand after receiving the Medal of Honor.

Full article found here.