Putting for Patriots: Testimonial

Each May, in honor of Memorial Day, 36 miniature golf courses around the country participate in Putting for Patriots.  During those two weeks, funds are raised for Hope For The Warriors® and two other nonprofit organizations. In today's blog, we share a testimonial from Brad, the owner and the reason behind this fundraiser. 

"I am a former Marine Corps Officer, turned businessman. In 2006, I made a visit to the Wounded Warrior Barracks in Camp Lejeune and spent four hours with Lt Col Maxwell, visiting with wounded Marines and learning of the shortfalls in the care of our wounded. From that day forward, I spent considerable time interviewing Marines, Key Wives, Key Volunteers and various charity officers. My initial goal/obsession was to assist in finding and serving Marines and Soldiers who were 'falling through the cracks' and not receiving the care and support they deserved. When our many involved hands got a handle on this problem, I turned to my efforts to simply raising money for the charities, which had proven to be the best and most efficient at serving our wounded."

"Hope For The Warriors® tops this chart. Their leadership at inception-- and largely to this day-- is composed of the large-hearted wives of Marines. These bright women 'get it'— for many years now they have made an art form of serving those who have served us. And most impressive, while many of their fellow charities in this service niche have grown a little too big and little too sloppy in their expenditures, Hope For The Warriors® remains 'lean and mean.' Our chain of 30 businesses runs an annual fundraiser each year, which benefits three charities that serve our wounded and families of the fallen. This event forces me to annually review the tax returns of many charities. Each year, Hope For The Warriors® is the most efficient charity in the bunch. In short, before you write a check to another charity, see if they come close to Hope For The Warriors® key numbers."

Thank you to Brad and all of the patrons that help Hope For The Warriors® restore self, family and hope.

Donate today to support our mission

Isabelle's Story

All photos by Larry Levanti

Isabelle is the daughter of Captain David J. Thompson, known as "JP" to most.  JP served with honor for more than 21 years in the Army and National Guard.  Many of his soldiers shared that he was one of the greatest men they ever served with.

Isabelle misses her father.  In January 2010, JP was killed in the Wardak province, Afghanistan.  He died with honor, serving the country he loved.

Isabelle and JP share many traits.  One is that both are dyslexic. JP struggled with this learning disability for years.  JP and his wife Emily were both focused on giving both of their daughters a solid education but they were especially concerned for Isabelle.  Her mother, Emily, found a private school with expertise in teaching dyslexic children, however, she could not afford the school and the school district would not pay the tuition.

Fortunately, Isabelle's story was shared with members of the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey. Every year, Eagle Oaks kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with Honor Day, a day to honor the military for their service. The day is filled with a golf tournament, entertainment and relaxation in a beautiful club house.  The event is attended by hundreds of Marines and Sailors for the start of Fleet Week. More than 300 Eagle Oaks members, Hope For The Warriors® staff, and wounded service members also attend and funds are raised to benefit military families.

Two years ago, club members made a commitment to Isabelle's education and to her future.  As a club, they agreed to pay for her education, ensuring academic and future success for this hard working student.  Each year, club members renew their commitment and Isabelle has another year of gains in her education.  Their commitment is a promise to a man they have never met but whose sacrifice they admire and are forever grateful for."

"Words cannot express how grateful we are.  Education was so important to my husband, especially Isabelle's education. He suffered from the same disability that she has and never wanted to see her suffer and struggle like he did." --Emily Thompson

 

"When the members at Eagle Oaks heard the story of Isabelle, we were truly moved.  We quickly realized that this special girl needed our help.  To know that her father made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country in Afghanistan and his life-long mission was to care for his daughter's special learning needs, we were sure we could provide immediate assistance.  Honor Day at Eagle Oaks is all about showing these men and women that sacrifice so much, that we care and want to support them in any way that we can.  When it came to Isabelle's needs, we were honored and humbled to help her family carry out her dad's mission to find the best education for his special girl. At Eagle Oaks, we know Freedom is not free."  --Robert Smith, member of Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club

Hope For The Warriors® thanks the members of Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club for there commitment and ongoing support to a family member of a fallen hero.

Learn more about Honor Day.

Support the goals and mission of Hope For The Warriors®.  Donate Today

I Race Because I Can

Hope For The Warriors® was started by a race. A group of Marine Corps wives searched for a way to honor wounded service members and hopefully raise funds too.  Many of them were runners and so they decided to hold a 5K run.  The first Run For The Warriors® was held on Flag Day in May 2006 and this program has expanded and spread across the country.

Later, an athletic team was added to our programs.  Team Hope For The Warriors® is comprised of both warriors--some on adaptive equipment--and community Team members who raise funds on their behalf. 

Running is an important part of who we are as an organization.

Our Team shirt (seen in the above photo) celebrates our country.  Our Team shirt can be seen in races across the country.  The Marine Corps Marathon, New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, San Diego and more.  And that Team shirt was also on the streets of Boston.  We do not have charity bibs for the Boston Marathon, but we had Team members who proudly wore that Team jersey to run the marathon on behalf of Hope For The Warriors and the miliary families we assist.  We are grateful to share that they are safe.

The original Team jersey was very different. 

The single word "HOPE" cuts acros the top with outlines of runners and cyclists.  But the back of the shirt shared more.

These four lines are to show support to wounded service members.  It is to show why we run when there are others who no longer can.  More than ever, the first two lines resonate with me.  Our Team members, supporters, volunteers and staff members race.  And we do so proudly knowing that we do not just run for ourselves.  We run to raise funds for military families and in honor of those wounded and fallen service members. 

And what happened in Boston changes none of this.  Our Team, our Team members, and our staff will not stop. 

"I Race because I can; That's my right as an American."

We will continue to run with hope and courage. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the runners and their families in Boston.

A Warrior's Wish®: Golf Clubs

Hope For The Warriors® knows how important the game of golf is to the recovery of our wounded service members.  So when a service member turns to us with the Wish for golf clubs, we know that granting that Wish will provide them with hours of rehabilitation.

This month we granted a Wish to Matt from Wisconsin.  He is a Marine who was medically retired earlier this year.  Thank you to Matt for his service to our country.  Good luck on the green!

The First Gala: One Guest Shares her Story

 

Imagine this.

A gorgeous April evening in Washington, D.C.  You are in town to attend Hope For The Warriors® Annual Got Heart, Give Hope® Gala. Being a part of this event is close to your heart – you know the Hope For The Warriors® story. You believe in the organization’s mission, its leadership and vision. You also know its programs and results are unique, needed and powerful. You already know some of the wounded warriors’ stories. Their stories always move you.

Union Station is the venue for the gala and your hotel is only a couple of blocks away and you decide to soak in the weather and scenery with a walk. As you make your way to the corner, you not only notice another gala-ready girl, but three! The woman, now walking beside you, has two adorable little girls. All three are smiling, have long blonde hair and look fabulous in their formal evening dress.

You can’t help but assume you are all heading to the Hope For The Warriors’® Got Heart, Give Hope Gala – so, you say hello and introduce yourself. You have just met Erica and her two daughters. You see Erica is holding a piece of paper showing the Got Heart, Give Hope Gala logo.

“I think we’re heading to the same place. Are you going to the Hope For The Warriors® Gala?” I ask.

“Yes, but I’m not exactly sure I know where to go.” Erica replies.  Then she shares,

“We just drove up from the Virginia Beach area…ran into a lot of traffic and got lost. My daughters were getting restless…the drive took a lot longer than I expected. My husband was scheduled to speak at the gala tonight, but he overbooked himself. Unfortunately, he is not with us, but, we’re here and all is OK.”

While you can tell that Erica is a bit flustered, and maybe even a bit irritated, there is also a strong presence of calm, grace and gratefulness. She is still smiling and delightful. Simply, delightful.

You don’t know it yet, but you are about to know another story.

“My husband overbooked” is rolling around in your head. You wonder if he is a high-ranking military officer who was asked to speak at this year’s event. Or, possibly he is a celebrity who was scheduled to attend to help raise awareness.

You only wonder about this for a minute. You have arrived at Union Station. The event is well attended – the atmosphere and guests are stunning. Erica and her daughters are whisked off and you wonder if you’ll ever again connect with her.

Along with all guests, you are anxious to hear more about the award recipients and their stories. From your table, you can see Erica and her two daughters. You feel a slight ping in your heart. Your instincts tell you she and her husband both wish he were sitting beside her.

The behind-the-warrior stories begin.

As the military honorees are presented, you find yourself leaning slightly forward as the evening’s hosts begin to announce an honoree that is not able to attend in person. You start to learn about LT Jason “Jay” Redman, USN (SEAL) and his story. You hear…

“…With only three weeks left of his deployment in Iraq, Jay was hit three times in the arm and face with a machine gun while on a mission...”

You also hear about a sign on the door of Jay’s room after he arrived at Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center. The sign read…

“If you are coming into my room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere.”

There is applause and respectful shouts of “hooyah.”

Jay is accepting this honor via video.

The hosts continue to describe Jay’s prevailing resolve to move forward. Jay is currently training at Mt. Rainier – the reason he is not present at the Gala. The video of Jay begins - Jay shares a very brief description of how he was wounded.

He describes his arrival at Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center and feeling scared and unsure.

“My wife walked into my room…seeing me for the first time. There was zero hesitation in her voice and actions. She whispered in my ear…”

“Together, we will get through this.”

 

 

Now, your heart is not only pinging, you also have a tear rolling down your cheek. Yours is not the only tear. Again, you see Erica and her two daughters. Jay continues and describes how grateful he is to be alive. He goes on to say how he is even more grateful for the love and support of a special person. One, who kept him going with strength, courage and unwavering faith. 

“…I am not deserving of this recognition. I would not be here making this video if it were not for the most important person in my life. This award goes directly to my wife, Erica…”

This is a surprise.

Tears. Applause. More tears. And, many “hooyahs.”

Imagine that.

Jay’s and Erica’s story moves me. I believe God puts people, conversations, music and circumstances in front of us every day…words and situations intended to move us. Yes, I was moved by this story…still am. It took place in 2010.

 

An exciting night comes to an end

 

I was fortunate to see Erica again at the 2011 Hope For The Warriors® Got Heart, Give Hope® Gala. I am in the same camp with everyone of being ever grateful for the sacrifices made by Jay, Erica and their family (one son and two daughters). Thank you.

 

The entire Redman family attends the Gala in 2011

 

This was contributed by Shellie, a supporter and volunteer with Hope For The Warriors®.

 

A "Moving" Story

From L: Sharon Shumucker, Miranda Dillworth, Connie Covert,
Katie Tame, Grandma Margaret, Mother Christine,
JennyRose Corritore, and Augustine Covert.

Taking care of service members sometimes means that we take care of their families when they are deployed.  Christine is the proud mother of three sons, all who have served in the United States Army.  One is currently deployed to Afghanistan with the Fighting Sixty-Ninth (69th Infantry Regiment, part of the New York Army National Guard).  Christine, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, and her mother, have been homeless since Hurricane Sandy flooded their first floor apartment.  On Thursday, they finally received the call that an apartment was available to them.  Their few possessions that were not lost were in storage and Christine and her mother needed help. 

Hope For The Warriors® received the phone call from the command, sharing this information and asking if we could help.  We called on our amazing volunteers and within two days, enough volunteers had stepped forward and moved this entire household to their new apartment.  Christine and her mother are now getting settled in their new home.

And Christine’s son is grateful for the help.  He can continue to serve knowing that his family is receiving the support they need back home.

Thank you to our amazing volunteers who step forward whenever we call.

Operation HEArt: Honoring and Empowering through Art

 

Operation HEArt—Honoring and Empowering through Art

Hope For The Warriors® is honored to work with William McKinley IS 259, a middle school in Brooklyn, and their project, Operation HEArt.  Veterans and military families talk to the students, sharing their experiences and helping our future adults understand everything that our military members give for their freedoms.  After they meet these heroes, the students contribute to a mural at the school.  On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, that mural will be unveiled to the public.

Hope For The Warriors® has invited veterans and family members that we have worked with in the New York City area.  As we approach the unveiling, Cindy Paauw, Masters of Social Work intern with Hope For The Warriors® will share the stories of some of our guest speakers and their interaction with the students. 

 

Staff Sergeant Kevin Snow, USA

“On February 14, 2013, our featured speaker was veteran Kevin Snow.  Kevin served in the Army for 10 years, from 1999-2009 and deployed twice. On October 2007, a mortar landed five meters from Kevin while he stood in the chow line.  He was severely wounded and next to him, a fellow service member was killed. Kevin now has a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and a torn left eardrum. He has five children, and a devoted wife, Adrienne, who joined Kevin on the day of his visit.”

“Kevin’s visit to the school was heart riveting and emotion evoking for the students and faculty. He confided to me that he was nervous but when he started speaking to the students, the nerves must have disappeared. He spoke with great confidence and told his story eloquently, with great sensitivity. As he recounted that fateful day, he became emotional, admitting that he felt a sense of survivor’s guilt. This is not uncommon among military personnel. Kevin still thinks about the female soldier standing next to him in line who did not make it home back to her husband and two young children. She was five hours short of boarding her plane that day to return home after serving a 14-month tour.”

“Sometimes I think it should have been me,” Kevin said.

“As Kevin revealed his raw emotions, there was a pause in his speech, and tears ran down his face. As I looked around the room, there was a flood of empathy, as tears had filled many of the students’ eyes.”

“Adrienne also shared her story when she received news of Kevin’s injury. She stated that she knew, when the army chaplain knocked on her door while they were stationed in Ft. Riley, Kansas. That morning in late October 2007, she knew that things would never be the same again.”

One student asked, “What is it like to be a wife of an injured veteran?”

“Adrienne shared that she feels proud, and she would not ask for any other life, in spite of the many challenges she faces: full time caregiver to her husband, and raising five children, four of whom have special needs. Both Adrienne and Kevin expressed a great sense of hope for their future.”

“The reintegration process is a long one, it is still something that myself, and my children, particularly my oldest one, continues to deal with,” Adrienne said. “We know that Kevin will not be the father/husband that he was once before, we have to accept this, and embrace the person he is now.”

“Knowing that you had all of these injuries as a result of the war, is joining the Army something that you regret?”  One student asked. 

“I never will regret my decision, if I could I would still be serving, and willingly perform all the duties I had done in the past,” Kevin said. “The army has become part of my identity, part of who I am, something that I am proud of, and now knowing all the wonderful things you all are doing here—in creating these murals, I know that I served for a purpose—I want to thank you all for this.”

“At the end of his presentation, Kevin surprised everyone when he donated his silver memorial bracelet. The name of his best friend who was killed in action is engraved on the bracelet. For years, Kevin has worn this bracelet every day, never taking it off.  But on this day, he handed the bracelet over to the school and to the students so that it could be integrated into the mural.”

“After the presentation, Kevin was guided by the artists to the mural, and was given a paintbrush to use. Kevin and his wife became an integral part of the mural that day.  In the years to come, the students might forget his name or the name of those he served with.  But they will never forget the story of his sacrifices or the sense of hope that was shared.”

 

Last year, William McKinley IS 259 painted murals to remember 9/11 and honor those lost.  View photos of the mural and the unveiling here.