Memorial Day: A Poem

Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the Armed Forces.  Please take time throughout the weekend to honor and remember.

Cpl. Steven R. Koch, USA
Killed In Action: March 3, 2008

Memorial Day

 

At your side forever, even today

Wavering never, never to stray

Ground hallow of heroes that fall

All gave some, while some gave all

 

Gone but not forgotten, grief copes

Sadly the masses, ignore eternal hopes

Flags of honor wave to their sacrifice

Brave warriors, blood of watered ice

Courage, a trait to answer the fight call

Monumental respect shown on the wall

Beginning in the fires of freedom’s cause

Now a silent prayer in valued pause

Memorial Day, I know you stand firm

Ages of dedication each filling their term

Esteemed holiday, often just a vacation

Day of sorrowed heartache, of a nation

Pledging awareness everyday of the year

Not just one date, but wherever you share

That tribute to fighting for liberty’s light

Support the troops, never leaving our sight

No question where courage comes from

Honor those all, that provided the some

Always hopeful that it will never run out

Memorial Day, that’s what you’re about

 

Wm Koch Jr.         5-24-2012

 

 

 

Memorial 100: Route Included

Communities in Long Island welcome the runners as they pass through

For the route of the Memorial 100, street by street, view, download or print here.

What are your plans for this Memorial Day Weekend? A backyard BBQ, a pool party, maybe catching a movie?

But wait, Memorial Day was established so that we remember the men and women who have died while serving our country. What will you do to honor Memorial Day?

If you live in New York City or Long Island, you have the opportunity to be a part of an event that will honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Saturday, May 25, a group of service members, veterans and first responders will start at the tip of Long Island and run in pairs until they reach Ground Zero the next day. Along the way, a member of each pair will carry a flag, the American flag and a Hope For The Warriors® flag.

The Memorial 100 was organized by three Marines who deployed with 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment to Iraq in 2005. Their battalion was tasked with training the Iraqi Security Forces and conducting stability and security operations in and around the cities of Iraq's Al Anbar province. The unit lost 46 Marines and 2 Sailors during the course of the six month deployment, making it one of the largest unit sacrifices in the war.

The runners approach Ground Zero

We invite everyone to join us along the relay route. At times, our runners will be tired and will appreciate the encouragement and the support. But they are running more than 24 hours to bring attention to their fellow brothers who have been lost along the way.

And for those that join us, the experience will be unforgettable.

For the route of the Memorial 100, street by street, view, download or print here.

Donate Today

Wyoming Turkey Hunt

Each program within Hope For The Warriors® supports not only the service member and veteran but also the family members.  This has especially become evident within our growing Outdoor Adventures Program.

Today we are excited to introduce someone new working with Hope For The Warriors®.  Mark Kayser, already a respected TV host, outdoorsman, photographer, blogger, and journalist, can now add a new title to his resume.  Mark is now a national spokesman for the Hope For The Warriors® Outdoor Adventures Program.

Mark volunteered to become our spokesman because he believes strongly in the therapeutic benefits of the great outdoors for the service member and for the family. 

Hope For The Warriors® has quickly put Mark to "work" and earlier this month, he hosted a wounded veteran and his wife for a weekend of hunting, outdoor activities and relaxation. 

The couple was given the gift of quality time together and time on their own, outdoors, and enjoying nature.  Chris, a Marine and veteran, enjoyed bow hunting with Mark.  His wife Renee used a shotgun.  Both had time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Renee is a wife, mother of three, student, and a program coordinator with Hope For The Warriors®.  Her best moment came when she was outside, and could close her eyes and truly relax. 

"No one was calling my name. I was completely at peace."

Thank you to Mark for joining the Hope For The Warriors® team and supporting our service members, veterans AND families.  We are excited for more hunting trips to come.

Read the Press Release

Donate Today

Artists Among Us

Who would have ever thought that a marketing expert would give the best quote about a social worker?

"A social worker is an artist when they are working in the moment with their client."

What an amazing and beautiful point to make!

This was said by Seth Godin, marketing guru.  His point is that to do their job well, a social worker lets the needs of their clients guide the work, rather than following an instruction manual.

As an organization with the name "Warrior" in it, we are sometimes asked if we are a government agency or part of the military.  We are so fortunate to not be a government entity.

As an independent nonprofit, we work with wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen.  On our staff are licensed social workers as well as social workers who are working towards their license.  We have an amazing group of social work interns who work with us as they earn their Masters degree.  We also have program coordinators who work with families every single day.  And as they work with each family, they treat them as individuals--unique in their problems and solutions.

Each member of our program staff is an artist.  And the results of their work is beautiful.

Read more about each of our programs by visiting our website

Please donate today to help our "artists" continue their work with military families.

Jacksonville Run For The Warriors

This Saturday is the Jacksonville Run For The Warriors®. Here are details for packet pickup and registration.

Note: Online registration is now closed. However, anyone can register at all packet pick up times and locations.

Thursday, May 16

Packet Pick Up for TEAM & UNIT CHALLENGE ONLY
In person registration for individuals
Bldg 1340 (corner of Louis Rd and Cedar St), 1st Floor of barracks
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday, May 17
Packet Pick Up for Individuals and Teams, Registration in person
Marston Pavilion
11:30 AM to 1 PM
Jacksonville High School 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, May 18
Packet pick up and same day registration opens up at 6 AM
Race begins and ends at the Jacksonville High School

For more information, visit www.hopeforthewarriors.org/jacksonvillerun

Donate Today

Memorial 100 Run

 

On Saturday, May 25, a group of service members, veterans and first responders will start at the tip of Long Island and run in pairs until they reach Ground Zero the next day. Along the way, a member of each pair will carry a flag, the American flag and a Hope For The Warriors® flag.

The Memorial 100 was organized by three Marines who deployed with 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment to Iraq in 2005. Their battalion was tasked with training the Iraqi Security Forces and conducting stability and security operations in and around the cities of Iraq's Al Anbar province. The unit lost 46 Marines and 2 Sailors during the course of the six month deployment, making it one of the largest unit sacrifices in the war.

This is the fourth year that the Memorial 100 will be run over Memorial Day Weekend.  Last year, one of the organizers shared his experience with the group.  This Marine was deployed with 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment.

“I can’t describe the feelings that I felt during the process of the run and how humbled I am to be part of such a run. I spent my youth in Managua, Nicaragua under the shadow of a communist government in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I can tell you that in Nicaragua, you could not take a group of 30 Marines and march 100 miles down the road.  You could not march with your national colors and show what freedom stands for. As a matter of fact, I recall a young child getting shot and killed for protesting against the government while holding the national flag. I walked most of my youth in fear until my family arrived to New York; from that point on, I understood what freedom was and who made that possible.”

“For years I have heard that New Yorkers are rude and mean and tourists complain about us being unpleasant. Today I can’t wait to hear those comments again. I can stand up and talk to them about a city that stood together for each other when we really needed it. I can’t wait to speak on behalf of a city that honors its heroes from coast to coast. The bottom line is that no one needs to understand New Yorkers.  We understand and respect each other and we proved that this Memorial Day weekend.”

“Thank you for stepping up and impacting my life and making this event a dream come true. As a Marine, I have seen the world and have been impacted by great things, but this tops them all. To the whole city of New York, God Bless You and I look forward to coming home again.”

Learn more about the Memorial 100

Donate Today

New York City Sights

On May 18 will be the annual Run For The Warriors® race in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Since the first race in 2006, the Run For The Warriors® has expanded across the country. The race course varies by location--distance, terrain, difficulty and more.

Probably the most unique is the Big Apple Run For The Warriors®.  The Big Apple race boasts sights and sounds that no other Run For The Warriors® race can share--landmarks known throughout the world, all in sight along the route.

The route itself varies a little each year.  This year, the race is 2.5 miles--a perfect course for speed.  There is also a children's 5-Yard dash at no cost.  (It's never too early to instill a love of running in our youth!)

So what will you see along the way?  Well, here are some of the sights:

And these are just some of the sights that you will see in a short 2.5-mile course. 

Of course, just like all Run For The Warriors® programs, we will begin with a ceremony, honoring wounded service members and the fallen.  Gold Star families will attend to honor their loved ones who died while serving our country. 

This year's Big Apple Run For The Warriors® is being held in conjunction with Army Week NYC. 

Register today for this year's Big Apple Run For The Warriors®!

See a listing of all races this year.

Donate Today

Fall 2013 Scholarship Recipients

 

Congratulations to the recipients of our Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships for the Fall 2013 semester. 

The Spouse/Caregiver Scholarship Program identifies, recognizes, and rewards spouses/caregivers for their strength, fidelity, and resolve despite adversity. Scholarships aid in continued education at a reputable, accredited university, college, or trade school for spouses/caregivers as they assume critical roles in the financial wellbeing of their families.

Scholarship awards are made payable to the scholarship recipient's institution for payment of tuition, books and supplies.

Recipients:

Jennifer Meadows – Shannon Maxwell Scholarship

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Elizabeth Wilkins – Bonnie Amos Scholarship

University of Houston

Janna Stafford – Karin Dickerson Scholarship

Mississippi University for Women

Shannah McClamrock – Robin Kelleher New Beginnings Scholarship (Awarded to a KIA spouse)

Pfeiffer University, Charlotte Campus
 

Learn more about scholarships

Donate Today

Memorial 100 Run

What are your plans for this Memorial Day Weekend?  A backyard BBQ, a pool party, maybe catching a movie?

But wait, Memorial Day was established so that we remember the men and women who have died while serving our country.  What will you do to honor Memorial Day?

If you live in New York City or Long Island, you have the opportunity to be a part of an event that will honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Communities in Long Island welcome the runners as they pass through

On Saturday, May 25, a group of service members, veterans and first responders will start at the tip of Long Island and run in pairs until they reach Ground Zero the next day.  Along the way, a member of each pair will carry a flag, the American flag and a Hope For The Warriors® flag.

The Memorial 100 was organized by three Marines who deployed with 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment to Iraq in 2005. Their battalion was tasked with training the Iraqi Security Forces and conducting stability and security operations in and around the cities of Iraq's Al Anbar province.  The unit lost 46 Marines and 2 Sailors during the course of the six month deployment, making it one of the largest unit sacrifices in the war.

The runners approach Ground Zero

We invite everyone to join us along the relay route.  At times, our runners will be tired and will appreciate the encouragement and the support. But they are running more than 24 hours to bring attention to their fellow brothers who have been lost along the way. 

And for those that join us, the experience will be unforgettable.

Last year, one sister of a fallen firefighter joined our group for the run.  At the last moment, she decided to bring her brother’s dog tags with her. Her brother, Orio, died on 9/11 and was part of FDNY 343. She shares her experience:

“I was a little hesitant the day of the run to bring the dog tag with me. I had never removed it from the Memorial space I have in my basement for Orio since I received it in 2007. It was hanging from a picture on the wall. As I walked past it that morning I felt the need to wear it. Maybe it was because the military wear the dog tags.”

“After being so moved by the run that you and your fellow Marines ran and the emotion I felt towards all those you also lost in this war, I feel that we are all connected by six degrees of separation, I just grabbed it off my neck as we were leaving and felt I had to give to you guys. I wanted you to know that there are '343' angels looking over you. I also feel it is a way of healing for me as I try to retell the story of my brother.” 

“Orio will never be forgotten as well as all those brave men we have lost in this war. I promise to NEVER FORGET. Please stay safe and know that my thoughts and prayers are always with you guys.”

We will post more stories from members of the Memorial 100 Relay team.  But today, please make a donation to the Memorial 100 Relay Run.  Help these service honor those who have fallen and help those who are wounded.

Most importantly, if you live in New York or Long Island, please plan your spot along the relay route.  For Memorial Day, plan time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 Learn more about the Memorial 100 Run and Donate

Donate Today to Hope For The Warriors®

View the route for the Memorial 100 and plan your spot now!